August 27, 1930 - August 11, 2020
Lawrence "Larry" Shepherd Obituary
Lawrence Shepherd
August 27th, 1930 ? August 11, 2020
The world lost an incredible human being the other day. Larry Shepherd passed peacefully at Hospice House of Spokane on August 11, 2020, just shy of his 90th birthday. For all his nearly 90 years, Larry Shepherd was the quintessential example of honesty, integrity, and old fashion hard work.
Born to Boyd and Myra Shepherd, Larry grew up in rural Pennsylvania in the town of Salinas. Larry is preceded in death by his brother Harold. He is survived by his brothers Paul (85) and Clair (95) who still live in Salinas. Larry was able to fly to see them just a few years ago and was very surprised to find there was a no smoking section on the plane! He also got the chance at that time to visit with nephews William Paul Jr., Ray (Wendy) Allen and Kenneth (Terri). Through the years Larry kept in constant contact with his Pennsylvania family, helping to keep the phone company in business.
Following high school in Pennsylvania, Larry spent time in both the Navy and Air Force where the bulk of his work was focused on being an airplane mechanic. He found his way to Spokane, Washington and Fairchild Air Force Base. He met the love of his life Marjorie Cross at the Ming Wah Restaurant and their love for each other was instantaneous. Drawn to her beauty, intelligence (She was an accountant) and generous heart, he married her shortly thereafter and they spent nearly 60 years together. He remained devoted to her care when she developed cancer and mourned her loss every day, refusing to remove anything from the house that was hers. Marge and Larry created their home together. Larry proudly built the house, the gazebo and the greenhouses and Marge spent countless hours turning their back yard into a beautiful flower laden park-like sanctuary.
Larry?s career Spokane started through the company Performance Associates which eventually led him to become a project manager and supervisor for Owens Corning in their industrial and commercial ceiling division. Larry was intensely proud of the fact that many of the biggest and best buildings in our city carried his signature. He was especially proud his work at Expo ?74 including the ceiling of the Russian Pavilion as well as Sacred Heart Hospital. After his retirement Larry happily spent many years using his mechanical skill to keep everything running and working at Indian Canyon Golf Course and playing golf as often as he could. He was a fixture at Indian Canyon and became a wonderful ?adopted? member of the Gary Lindeblad family. Despite a 50-year difference, Larry and Adam Lindeblad became inseparable friends. Up until 2 weeks before his death, Larry would visit Adam? grave, leaving a small bottle of Whiskey or a pack of Rollo?s on his headstone.
Larry tended a herd of cattle, personally taking responsibility for their care and comfort until he was 88. It was never too cold or too dark or too late for Larry to head out in his truck to bring a calf into the world, round up a wandering animal or provide service to a sick cow. Similarly, he was never too busy to care for his many friends whose love and kindness supported him in his later years.
His relationship with the Lindeblads expanded through the years to include the extended Lindeblad Family and he became an integral part of their get-togethers and holidays. Anyone who missed out on knowing Larry missed out in knowing a fine man, one whose legacy will last in stories told, jokes shared, salty language forbidden by children, the abiding fragrance of his pipe and good memories that will carry him on in the hearts of many. Thank you, Larry, it was great!
Larry?s internment will be at Greenwood Memorial Terrace at 2pm on Thursday August 20th at 2pm. If you would like to come, please choose to wear a mask and observe social distancing rules. There will be a dinner to celebrate Larry?s life later. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Hospice House of Spokane, 367 E. 7th Ave, Spokane, WA 99202.
Comments