It is with heavy hearts and tear-filled eyes that we announce the passing of Lawrence (Larry) Michael Vance. Larry passed away Friday, October 29th at 7:08 am. He left us peacefully in his sleep with his longtime partner, Joanne and daughter, Abra by his side hand in hand surrounded by love. Larry had a short intense battle with cancer at the end of his time. While staying in true character to the end, he was seen making light of the situation and “working the room”, as he had always done.
Larry was born to Paul and Marjorie Vance Jr. on August 2, 1949, in Seattle, WA. After growing up in Renton, Paul and Maggie then moved their family to Burlington, WA where Larry would end up graduating from Burlington Edison High School in 1967. Larry competed in track and field, basketball, and was also in the High School band. Immediately after High School, he joined the Army and was stationed in Germany. Larry was assigned to D battery 6th battalion 62nd artillery and worked on the Hawk Missile Systems. He also boxed while in the Army. After leaving the Army, Larry attended Skagit Valley College earning his A.A. degree. He always joked about it saying all his college degree did was make him a more sensitive carpenter. Larry loved music and he played the drums and was the lead singer for his band, Fusion. In his words, they were “The legends and the rock ‘n’ roll pioneers of Skagit Valley”. Larry loved to fish and taught this art to his five children who then also became avid fisherman themselves. Later in life, Larry met his soulmate and longtime partner, Joanne Mantello, passing away with her next to his side in her loving arms.
Larry is survived in death by his soulmate or as he called her his “sweetie”, Joanne Mantello; aunt, Nadine Howard; uncle, Michael Vance; brothers, Ron and Scott Vance; daughter, Abra Anderson; sons, Geoffrey, Duncan, and Trevor Vance; nine grandchildren, Te’a, Taylor, Hannah, Lauren, Alley, Gabriel, Ariana, Declan, and Dixson as well as numerous cousins and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Maggie Vance; uncles, Francis and Dennis Vance; sisters, Shelly Vance and Paula Heyntsen; wife, Joan Vance; son, Morgan Vance.
Larry’s family will be having a private memorial for him.
We were just thinking of Larry, yesterday. Wondering how he’s doing since we haven’t heard from him in a while. I decided to look him up to see if I could find a number, and this is what I found instead. Very sad. We wish the Vance family well and give our condolences
Sorry to hear that Larry has passed away.
Larry was a great guy I had a lot of fun with him when we were both in high school together. Larry was kind he always said hi to people and he got along with people.
My prayers are with his family and may God give you strength at this time and always. Goodbye my friend.
Very sorry to hear about the loss of my childhood friend!! Larry was more like family! May his memory be a blessing to his children, grandchildren and family
Thinking of the great times with a great guy. Anyone remember the “Lads of Larry” band. Form playing during lunch hour to the many Mixers, Larry and the band were great. Larry was fun guy to be with. He will be missed, but not soon forgotten. Hang in there Ron.
RIP Larry, a good man has left the planet.
Find all the good fishing spot for me.
Thinking of you Larry
Rest in peace Larry. ♥️
Sending love and heartfelt sympathy to Abra, Duncan, and all the rest of my cousin’s family, known to me or not. This is one of the hardest things, I hope you have tons of support around you.
Love and miss you so much dad!❤😪