Lawrence (Larry) Thomas 70, of Vashon Island, Washington, passed away on January 12, 2025, after a prolonged illness.
Larry was born September 24, 1954, in Quantico, Virginia, to David and Martha Thomas, Larry was the fourth of six children. The family moved often because of his father’s career in the U.S. Navy, sparking Larry’s lifelong love of travel. Some of his fondest memories were of his family’s time in Guam. The family eventually settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he graduated from Kellam High School in 1972.
Larry loved to travel and experienced many places during his 10 years of service in the Navy. He crossed the International Date Line and the Equator multiple times. He was full of fascinating stories from his travels to Greece, Italy, Japan, Scotland, Iceland, Panama Canal and many more faraway places.
In his spare time, he got his private pilot’s license and enjoyed taking friends and family flying. He was an avid adventurer who loved to ski and take long road trips on his Harley. Rock and roll held a special place in his heart, he would often do lighting for concerts that came to town. He enjoyed working with a variety of bands including ZZ Top.
Following his service in the Navy he worked for NOAA as an electrical technician. It was there, while working on the same ship, that he met his wife Tammy. After they married, he continued to travel while overseeing the construction of cellular networks in Argentina and China. In 2000 the family moved to Vashon Island, Tammy’s hometown, where they enjoyed the community and natural beauty.
He shared his love of the outdoors with his children, taking them on camping and fishing trips. Larry loved golden retrievers and Shiloh was the first of many family pets on their farm along with goats, pigs, llamas, rabbits and chickens.
Larry enjoyed spending most of his time with his children. Whether it was watching Rach dance, Kevin play sports, or just hanging out as a family. He was active in the community as a Boy Scout leader and a football coach at McMurray Middle School and Vashon High.
In 2008, Larry suffered a traumatic brain injury that changed his life drastically, but never changed his spirit of positivity. He cherished time spent with family, always ready to talk and listen. He remained curious about the world, listening to audiobooks and learning new things. He will be remembered as a devoted father and kind friend.
Larry is survived by his children, Kevin (Maddy Klein) and Rachael (Dom Kramer); his siblings, Wayne Thomas (Lise), Ina Cantrell (Tony), Rob Thomas (Lue Mosher), Sandy Stewart (David) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents David and Martha, and his brother David Jr.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 at the Vashon Eagles.
Please RSVP to tammyspamperedpaws@gmail.com.
September 24, 1954 – January 12, 2025
