Lawrence Rydell

1941 - 2025

Larry was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Hilary and Helen Rydell, the eldest of three brothers. His Midwest, Catholic upbringing taught him to be self-reliant, industrious, measured, family-oriented, and faith-centered.

Of modest means, Larry knew his path to college and opportunity was through hard work, earning scholarships, and spending less than he made. During high school summers he woke before dawn, bussed miles away to work as a golf caddie, and was eventually selected as an Evans Scholar his senior year. From an early age, Larry was fascinated by airplanes and how things worked. What began with building model planes at the kitchen table, grew into a lifelong passion for engineering and flight, and led to earning an Aeronautical Engineering degree from the University of Michigan.

While in college, Larry met the love of his life, Anita Frank. In 1963, they married and moved to Renton, Washington, where Larry had accepted a Structural Engineering job with Boeing. Over his 36-year career, Larry designed components for the secret B-2 bomber, trailing-edge flaps and landing gear for the Boeing 747, and fuselage for the Boeing 767. His career culminated with serving as Chief Structures Engineer on the Boeing 777.

Larry and Anita made their home in Kirkland, where they raised two daughters and a son. Their lives were centered on family, faith, and community. For many years, Larry was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, volunteering on the Finance Committee and Parents Club, organizing pancake breakfasts and newspaper drives, and quietly helping wherever he was needed.

Outside of work and church, Larry was happiest surrounded by loved ones — boating and fishing in Puget Sound and Desolation Sound, making wine in the garage, tending his garden, remodeling the house, or hosting family and friends around a home-cooked meal. Many of the family’s fondest memories were made on summer boating trips through the San Juan Islands and cross-country road trips to visit relatives back in Michigan.

In 2000, Larry and Anita retired to Utsalady Point on Camano Island, where they embraced the beauty of the coastal life. They traveled often — to Europe, across the Pacific Northwest, and to small towns in search of hidden, undervalued gems to add to their wine cellar. Yet Larry’s greatest joy was simply being home with Anita — enjoying her gourmet cooking made with vegetables from their garden, pairing it with his homemade bread and wine, and watching the sun set over picturesque Skagit Bay. On special occasions they went dancing, and they also joined the Camano Island Culinary Club, where Larry was President for several years and won many awards.

An engineer at heart, Larry approached life as he did his work — with curiosity, precision, and creativity. Over the years, he redesigned and remodeled many rooms in their houses. It was Larry's design work that was chosen for the renovation of the altar area at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Stanwood.

Larry built more than airplanes and homes — he built a life defined by love, purpose, and quiet strength. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend, he leaves behind a legacy of integrity, faith, and wisdom that will live on in all who knew him.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife Anita, brother, three children, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Lawrence Rydell to a charity of your choice, or Evans Scholars Foundation, 2501 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, IL 60026
 
Memorial Mass will be on October 21st at 10:30am.  St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Stanwood, WA