Lawrence Levien

Lawrence “Larry” Levien, 76, returned to his heavenly home on May 17, 2020 after a valiant battle with cancer.  His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Larry was born to the late Carl and Gwen Levien, a career laborer at the Bellingham Shipyard and a homemaker respectively, in Bellingham, WA on February 10, 1944.  He was immersed in the Catholic community that would be his lifelong support from an early age.  He graduated from Washington State University in 1966 with a degree in Wildlife Management and shortly thereafter started his longtime career in the Alaskan seafood industry.  Larry retired from Golden Alaska Seafoods in 2010.

Larry was blessed with a large and loving family.  He married his best friend and fellow parishioner, Elizabeth “Betty” Slagle on December 3, 1994 in Tacoma, WA.  Larry raised his five children with patience, discipline and humility.  He taught them the value of hard work, how to love your spouse and when to be quiet and just listen.  Larry was always willing to help someone in need, but seldom wanted to ask for help.

Larry loved being outdoors, from the ocean, to the mountains, to the State Parks and everywhere in-between, Larry’s heart was in the outdoors and he loved nothing more than tending to his garden.  His dream vacations always had something to do with a natural wonder or beauty that he had not yet seen.  In the summer of 2019, he took what would be his last family trip to a State Park with his children and grandchildren to Glacier National Park in Montana.

Larry is survived by his five children; David, Ben, Kent, Katie and SaraJane; his six grandchildren Dilan, Aidan, Demetri, Chase, Jessie and LeeLee; his four brothers Hank, Rich, John and Carl; his two sisters Nita and Diana; and his extend family of 100+ cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Betty, brother Michael, and his parents.

The family especially wants to reach out and express their unending gratitude to all care givers, Catholic Community support groups and family and friends who were here to help Larry through his final days.  You all have their sincere thanks and appreciation.

Larry will be buried at Woodbine Cemetery in Puyallup, WA on May 29, 2020 at 11:00 A.M.  Due to COVID-19 there will not be a reception at this time.  Per Larry’s wishes, the family will share when we can all gather to celebrate Larry’s life at a later date.  The family gratefully declines flowers and donations, but prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted at Obituary for Lawrence Levien | Powers Funeral Home.