Larry A. Kirchgessner

June 13, 1929-November 29, 2015 When he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night Larry Kirchgessner was born in Everett, Washington on June 13, 1929 to Robert and Lillie Kirchgessner. After 86 long and lively years, he died peacefully with family by his side on November 29, 2015 in Green Valley, Arizona. As a teen, Larry loved horses and won many a Snohomish County barrel race on Calico. He met his wife, Joan at Snohomish High School and married her on February 27, 1949. They moved to Arlington, Washington, where they raised four children: Michael, Deborah, Mark and Kim, and he ran the local Shell service station. In 1966, the family moved to Everett, where Larry opened a new business, Larry's ARCO, at 19th and Wetmore. He loved being his own boss, and he loved his customers (well, most of them). Larry captained three vessels, all named Jolare (26 ft., 32 ft., and 35 ft.) around Puget Sound and became Commodore of the Everett Yacht Club in 1972. He was also a member of the Elks Club. The lure of travel took Larry and Joan by RV across the western U.S., and eventually they went all over the world, to China, India, South America, Australia, Africa, Southeast Asia. In retirement they set anchor in the Arizona desert (Green Valley). Larry discovered a passion for arid gardening and produced many exquisite stained glass art pieces for family, friends and neighbors. He also found the time to be a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels. He will be remembered fondly and forever for his tooth-gapped smile, his stories, his humor, and his kindness. Larry is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joan; his children, Mike (Susan), Deb (Kurt), and Kim (Rhonda); his grandsons, Christopher, Kyle, Jordan and Cooper; three great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog Pixi. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Kathleen; and his son, Mark. Many thanks to the staff at the Beehive and the hospice folks at Gerinet Healthcare for their compassionate and heartfelt care. Memorial donations may be made to the Community Food Bank of Green Valley or the American Cancer Society. At his request there were no services.