Obituary

Lawrence “Larry” E. O’Grady passed peacefully into the Lord’s Heavenly Kingdom Monday, September 11th, 2017, surrounded by his family and guardian angels.

Larry was born in his family’s home in Staples, Minnesota on December 18th, 1926, to Catherine M. (Stone) O’Grady and William J. O’Grady. He was the youngest of three boys and grew up in Bellingham, moving there with his family in 1928. Two days before his eighteenth birthday, he joined the Navy and proudly served his country. During his service he received the American Area Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

Larry was a dedicated employee for 38 years as a millwright at Georgia Pacific pulp division in Bellingham, earning many safety awards and making numerous lifelong friendships. He retired in 1987 and worked at WTA Specialized Transportation before following his calling to volunteer work. Larry drove for Calvary Temple (King Mountain Church), We Care Ministries, and also proudly transported veterans to the VA hospital in Seattle. Larry was a well-traveled State Park host, with his favorites being Chelan State Park and Mary Hill State Park. In the community where he resided, Larry served on the board and assisted with landscaping and maintenance. Larry’s longest volunteer tenure (20 years) was with the Senior Volunteer Program with the Bellingham Police Department. He was honored by the BPD when he retired and they will honor him again at his memorial service.

Larry’s favorite hobby was golfing, having as much fun hunting for golf balls as swinging his clubs. A close second hobby was salmon fishing in the bay and fly fishing in the Nooksack river using his handmade flies. Larry shared his love of fishing with his grandchildren, teaching them his tricks and creating many memories. He also enjoyed bowling and playing Sequence. Larry was a handy man and could fix anything including transforming his 1920’s vintage house into a lovely home for his wife and six children.

Larry was married to the love of his life, Patsy, for 60 years. Their marriage license states the nuptials occurred on November 31st (not an actual date), which was the source of great amusement for them when they celebrated their anniversary each year. Patsy will be forever grateful for the life they shared together. He was a member of Calvary Temple/Life Church Bayside for the past 25 years. He was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church prior to that.

He is survived by his beloved wife Patsy, children Tom (Grace), Jane O’Grady, Eddie, Howie (Lori), and Jennie Barnhart, seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and numerous friends and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert and Terrence, and daughter Colleen Stafford.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 20 at 10:00am followed by a memorial service at 11:00am at Moles Farewell Tributes (2465 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham). All are welcome to stay afterwards for a reception. Larry will be laid to rest at Greenacres Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larry’s honor to Bellingham Police Department RSVP Program.

Larry was loved by all and will be greatly missed.