Obituary

Larry Sharboneau of Blaine, WA passed away from this life on August 17, 2024, at Alderwood Rehabilitation Center in Bellingham, WA. He was born on March 9, 1944, in Woodward, OK to Kathleen (Wyatt) and Howard Sharboneau.

His early years were spent in Davison, MI, surrounded by his younger siblings, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He attended St. John’s Catholic School through fifth grade. The family relocated to Northern California in 1958 following the illness and death of his baby sister, Kathy Jo. Larry graduated from Sunny Vale High School. He attended San Jose State College but when he was not far from attaining his degree, the sea called and off he went to the state of Washington where he resided most of his life.

Larry was the family prankster, famous for his “fish tales,” which were so wild that even those closest couldn’t always tell fact from fiction. So, when he called to say his fishing boat had sunk, no one believed him at first. However, this time it was true. As a commercial fisherman, Larry survived the sinking of his boat during a storm in the Bering Strait, braving twenty-foot seas. In an act of courage, he returned to the sinking vessel to radio an SOS, ensuring the Coast Guard could rescue the crew after eight long hours in a life raft. Interesting note: Larry was the only one with a firearm in that raft, he was making sure that he was going to survive that ordeal. Even after all this, Larry continued to fish for another three years. His stories, including the legendary “wolf-eels” that supposedly howled and attacked his boat at night, always left his family wide-eyed and never knowing what to believe.

In addition to his life on the sea, Larry had a cowboy side. He owned a horse named Nick and spent many peaceful days riding on his land in eastern Washington, forming a strong bond with his horse.

Larry’s love for animals extended beyond Nick. He adored his three Boxer dogs—Molly, Napoleon, and George—who were his loyal companions. He took them everywhere he could, and they were spoiled like family.

Over the course of his life, Larry held many jobs, each one an adventure. He traveled across the country, working as a landscaper in Georgia and as a postman in Flagstaff, AZ, delivering mail through snowstorms. Eventually, he found his calling as a commercial fisherman in Washington, where he spent most of his career. His final occupation before retirement was driving a cement truck.

Larry will be remembered as kind, funny, adventurous, and brave, with a gentle heart and a wild side. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Kathy Jo, and brother Richard. He is survived by his loving mother, Dula Sharboneau of Angels Camp, CA; brothers Michael Sharboneau of Dixon, IL, Thomas Charbonneau of Lynnville, TN, and Duane Reza of San Francisco, CA; sisters Christine Sharboneau of Waldport, OR, Sally Johnson of Stevensville, MT, Linda Abernathy of Piedmont, CA, Patsy Gonzalez of Angels Camp, CA, and Peggy Reza of Columbia, CA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him dearly.

A Funeral Mass was held on September 20, 2024, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Davison, MI, with Rev. Father Dieudonne Ntakarutima officiating.

Larry was laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery beside his maternal grandmother Kate in Flint, MI. His family will forever treasure the laughter, love, and unforgettable stories he brought into their lives.