Laurence A. Stephan

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Bellingham High School

Laurence Stephan Obituary

Laurence Arthur Stephan, age 84, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2011 in Bellingham. He was born January 3, 1927 in Hubbard City, Minnesota to George and Laura (Peterson) Stephan. He served in the US Marine Corps from 1944-1947 during WWII in the South Pacific and China. Larry married Arlene Erholm on October 6, 1950 in Bellingham. He was an educator and coach in Sedro Woolley and Bellingham; retiring as principal of Bellingham High School in 1987. Larry was an avid reader, gardener and loved walking everywhere. He was preceded in death by his sisters Viola, Essie and Frances; and brothers Cal, George and Ralph. Larry is survived by his wife Arlene; 4 children Brad (Jani) Stephan, Laurene (Tom) Kolb, Brian (Lisa) Stephan and Todd (Jean) Stephan; 10 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; sisters Alice Teker and Delores Hattfield and many nieces & nephews. Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church and Whatcom Hospice. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 16th from 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Moles Funeral Home in Bellingham. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 18th at 2:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church in Bellingham. You may share your thoughts and memories of Larry in the online memorial guest book at www.molesfuneralhomes.com Moles Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Bayview Chapel

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Published by Bellingham Herald from Mar. 15 to Mar. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Laurence Stephan

7 Entries

March 17, 2011

My friendship with Pee Wee started in
Junior High at Whatcom. His association
with sports kept our friendship going
along with Moose. Our love and prayers
go to Arlene and family. Please keep in
touch.

Vi Zurline and family

Scott Nunamaker

March 16, 2011

The entire Nunamaker family offers their condolences to the Stephan family. My dad and Larry were long time friends dating back to their days as referees. He truly was a great guy and will be missed by all.
Scott, Christine and the entire Nunamaker family

Jim Monroe

March 16, 2011

Mr. Stephan had a huge impact on me when I was his student in 1968 at BHS. School was not a top priority to me but he and Mr. Al Watts got my attention enough to graduate. When I came home from Vietnam and got out of the Marines, I saw him one day out in his yard. I stopped, we had a great visit. When we found out we shared the Marine Corps bond together it was one of those moments in life that I will always remember. He was a "class act." God Bless your family! Jim Monroe

John Tarrant

March 16, 2011

Larry will be missed. I was class of 62. He was a great teacher...inspired me...I taught 31 years...taught teachers 6 more years. I salute you. To his family...I add you to my prayer chain...thank God for a great model in Larry.

Curt Stephan

March 15, 2011

It is difficult to find the right words to describe the significance and value of someone who has played such a major role in my life and set the example of the personal qualities and attributes that I strive to possess. Grandpa taught me so much about life through the life that he lived. The importance of faith and family, the value of hard work and education, standing up for what is right and wrong, the benefits of healthy competition on the field, court, or course, and always striving to reach your fullest potential. I believe that the true measure of success is the positive impact you have on the lives of others, standing firm in your faith, and the legacy you leave behind in this life before you go to your eternal home. I know that Grandpa had a positive impact on so many people in his life; his wife, children, grandchildren, students, athletes, and friends. Grandpa was never afraid to speak his mind regarding what he believed to be right and wrong, and stood firm in what he believed in. The legacy he leaves behind has deep roots within his family and the community in which he lived, taught, and coached over the years. Through Grandpa's story of his upbringing, his honorable service to our country, his hard work as an athlete, student, teacher, coach, and administrator, his role as a husband, father, and grandfather, I have learned so much about what is important in life. Grandpa truly was a standout member of the Greatest Generation, and he will be truly missed.

Kathy Waldron

March 15, 2011

Larry will always be dear to me because he hired me to come teach here in Bellingham. It was his first year as a building principal. He and George Yonlick even came and carried my couch up 3 flights of stairs. I didn't know anyone here so I called to see if he knew of a couple kids who could help. He and George showed up.

Larry also had a healthy sense of humor. He and I were sometimes on opposite sides of an issue. At district committee meetings we could look at each other and say, "Well, we are gonna cancel each other out!" We both laughed.

I will always hold a place in my heart for Larry. He gave me a chance that lasted 34 years. Bless him.

Kathy Waldron

Mark Schlichting

March 15, 2011

Larry was a solid administrator, and I was privileged to have been under him during his entire tenure as principal of Bellingham High between 1972 and 1987. We teachers always knew where we stood with him, and we could always count on him for support in times of crisis. He also was the administrative designee who traveled with our orchestra during its first concert tour to Japan in 1990, and his presence really kept things lively for us. He had a wry sense of humor and could drop one-liners with a straight face and then burst into laughter. I was glad I was able to visit with him one last time before his passing. Our thoughts are with Arlene and the family as they deal with his absence. Rest in peace, Larry.

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