Col. Lawrence L. Stetson U.S. Army (Ret.)

Col. Lawrence “Larry” Lutz Stetson passed away at home in Tacoma, WA on Tuesday, July 24, 2012. Larry was born on November 3, 1942 in Port Angeles, WA to Florence (Lutz) Stetson Nattinger and Arthur Lawrence Stetson. Larry was a Boy Scout who became an Eagle Scout under the direction of his Scout Leader and step-father Jack Nattinger. He graduated from Port Angeles High School in 1960 and from the University of Washington in 1965.

Larry is survived by his wife Dolores, his children Donald (Gayle) Stetson, Lacey (Wesley) Aarsvold, Larrianne (Arron) Spitzer, Ronald Stubblefield, Carmen (Ben) Runyan, and Misa Stubblefield, 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Larry is also survived by his brothers John (Cathie) Stetson and Ken (Sue) Nattinger. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and step-father.

Larry served in the United States Army from 1965-1994, receiving the Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star, along with numerous other awards for his service. After being promoted to full Colonel in 1985, Larry served in Korea and Ft Lewis until his retirement. He was a member of VFW WA Post 10018 and Military Officers Association of America.

Larry’s passions were his family, country, reading, politics, boats, community service, and Lake Crescent (the Lake). He served as current president of Friends of Olympic National Park and past President of Friends of Lake Crescent. Larry enjoyed spending time with his family, visiting his cabin at the Lake, boating, and putzing around his building. He will be missed from our lives, but never forgotten in our hearts.

Larry was a veracious reader with a collection of books that a small library would covet. His collection ranged from world wars, battles, westerns, Larry McMurtry, Hot Rod, to Harry Potter and too many subjects to name. A new release was not safe on the shelf before he had a copy. He subscribed to four newspapers and multiple magazines and publications. He could read a book at a setting and he used all he learned in all his activities.

A memorial service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held at Lake Crescent Lodge, 416 Lake Crescent Road, Port Angeles, WA 98363 on Friday, August 17, 2012. Family and friends are invited to gather starting at 11:00 am. The service will begin at 12:00 pm, with a reception immediately following.

The inurnment ceremony will be held with full military honors at Lake View Cemetery, 1554 15th Avenue E., Seattle, WA 98812 on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 12:00 pm.

Larry’s favorite charities are: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund; American Hero Quilts, 6716 SW Maury Park Road,Vashon, WA 98070 http://www.americanheroquilts.com/; Friends of Lake Crescent,546 Benson Road, Port Angeles WA 98363; Friends of Olympic National Park, P.O. Box 2438, Port Angeles WA 98362 and the National Rifle Association.

Please sign the online guest book (link above).