Laurence Reese Welch

Larry was born at Kapiolani Hospital in Honolulu on April 7th, 1948 while his father was stationed at Pearl Harbor Naval Base.  When his father was transferred, he moved with his family to Kodiak, Alaska where he graduated high school.  He received a BA in Education from Central Washington University and an MS in Science Education from Western Washington State University.

Larry was a kind and caring man.  He was a dog lover, runner, dancer, and generous community volunteer.  Throughout his life, he had an interest in sports, particularly running and tennis.  Among many other marathons, he participated in the Athens Marathon in 2004.

During his teaching career, he taught high school science and was named Washington State Science Teacher of the Year.  He published four books, and with his friend, Bill Schmidt, produced Science Kits for Hughes Aviation for nine years.  After retirement he volunteered as a Park Ranger for the City of Puyallup.  He was a welcoming host, an excellent cook, and knew his wines.

Larry is survived by two daughters, Lauren Welch Hall and Morgan Welch Underhill, three granddaughters, Madison and Makenna Underhill, and Ava Hall, Sherry Buchanan, his sister Barbara Welch Hill, and his dog Boomer.

He will be remembered by all who knew him.