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Larry Kingen Obituary
Larry KINGEN Passed from this world, as he slept, on November 22nd, 2008. He was visiting his beloved Maui where he was planning to move and begin a non- profit farm and restaurant business. Larry had a huge heart and in return was loved by many. Above all Larry was one of the most unique people you could ever meet. He refined the fine art of living life his way, to perfection. He was one of the most creative minds in the restaurant business helping to create and build the original Red Robin concept. He was a designer, planner and construction specialist and worked on some of Seattle's finest projects including Salty's, Red Robin, Great American Food and Beverage, Boondocks, Lake Union Café, Lion O'Reilly's and The Warehouse Tavern. He loved music and was instrumental in introducing Seattle to then little known bands such as Heart, Gabriel, Child and Onyx. Larry was born in Renton in 1950, graduated from Renton High School in 1968 and attended Pratt Art Institute. He was an artist, winning a blue ribbon at the Bellevue Art Fair and he served on the Seattle Arts Commission. Larry was a tireless community volunteer, activist and servant. He served as the President of the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association for two terms and stayed on it's board for over a decade. He served as the President of the Greater Harbor 2000 Committee, Port of Seattle Development Oversight Committee and King County Airport Committee. The city of Seattle, West Seattle and Delridge all owe a great debt to Larry as many of their beautification projects had his guiding hand in them. He was a tremendous man who leaves behind many, many friends and family including his mother, Martha Kingen (Bob deceased); brother, Gerry (Kathy); niece, Kate; and best friend, Clifford Nemeyre. A celebration of Larry's life will be held at Salty's on Alki on Friday, December 5th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please bring your favorite stories and Larry's "boosch" language is encouraged. Donations may be sent to the Larry Kingen Memorial Fund. Call (206) 923-5419.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Terri Logan
November 24, 2020
I adored Larry, he would work late on projects and then come in just before I would get off work with a project that needed to be typed, but there was always a nice dinner and fun in trade. He was so kind, we would always talk on the phone and just before we would say good, he would ask how my mother was doing, he was fun to work with and fun to have as a friend, he always made sure I got home safely and and worried about me going to the Public Market by myself so he would accompany me.......I miss him to this day.
Hazel Cox
December 5, 2008
To my dearest friends, Martha, Kathy, Katelyn, and Gerry, godspeed to you. Larry was a beautiful man among a beautiful and loving family whom he dearly loved and treasured, he will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Hazel
Joy Baisch (Lewis)
December 5, 2008
It is hard to lose our beloved friends and family before their time but especially those who impact so many and are loved for all they do. Larry was kind, loving and such a magnet for fun. The days with Larry, his family and Cliff will always be some of my fondest. Love and sincere condolences to you all for the loss of a terrific son, brother, uncle,and best friend. The world needed to know Larry and he left a wonderful mark as only he could.
Cheryl & Carl Jones
December 4, 2008
Larry was a wonderful man, loved sharing our casino storys.... He will be missed. May he rest in peace knowing he has touched so many in his short life. We'll miss you...
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Terry Lauber
December 4, 2008
My heart is sadden to hear of Larry's passing. I have only wonderful memories of him and his freeform style of living. All of us in Gabriel loved Larry and our world will miss his presence. Condolences to Larry's family and all his friends... though he will live on in our memories.
Therese Jaffe
December 4, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Kingen Family for the much too soon passing of our friend Larry. I met Larry many years ago thru my brother Lonnie and we quickly became friends. My memories of his Kind Kind Heart, Selfless Spirit and his ability to bring out the best in those around him will be in my heart forever. I love you Larry. Therese Jaffe
Stacy Christenson
December 3, 2008
Please accept our heartfelt condolances. Larry was a great friend and I will forever cherish the memory of all of our time spent together. We worked together at the Warehouse 1 and 2 where he was an inspiration to all of us there. He remained a loyal fan of our band even as our star faded. His consistently postive attitude and well placed words of encouragement were always a welcome respite. I loved Larry and my world will be diminished by his passing. God Bless the Kingen family in this time of grief
John Houston
December 2, 2008
My condolences to the Kingen Family. Larry was one of a kind. Larry truly cared for others and for me I will always remember him that way. My 40 year relationship with Larry has never waivered. I will miss him. Rest in peace my friend.
Janet Viboch (Reigstad)
December 2, 2008
Sending my deepest sympathy to the family of Larry Kingen. My mom, Ann Reigstad worked for Bob & Martha Kingen for many many years at Kingen's Restaurant in Renton so I wanted Martha to know how deeply sorry I am for the loss of her son.
Lonnie Jaffe and Family
December 2, 2008
Larry, was so very special to all he ever touched. A heart of Platinum and love for his family and friends, unconditionally. He would give anyone that was in need and never expected anything in return. His laughter and spirit will be sadly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace and tranquility, as he deserves. We will never forget this wonderful caring and loving friend, Love Ya, Miss Ya Larry
David Caldwell
December 2, 2008
Larry was the most kind hearted and genuine a soul as one would ever wish to meet. My condolences and respects to the entire Kingen family in their time of loss.
Ken Bounds
December 1, 2008
Larry was a persistent advocate for the Delridge community. He advocated for the new Delridge Community Center and for expanding programs for youth and for adding parks to serve the needs of West Seattle. I had a great deal of respect for his style of advocacy - thoughtful, persistent and always focused on what he thought was best for the community. We'll all miss him.
Jackie Ramels
November 30, 2008
So sorry to hear that Larry is gone. He had his finger to the pulse of West Seattle for so many years, accomplished so many fine projects behind the scenes. He knew everyone and everything, worked tirelessly, yet eschewed the limelight himself. The full measure of his impact will never be known, but it is immense. I will certainly miss his unique personality and outrageous sense of humor.
Dennis & Barb Davidson
November 30, 2008
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Jim Cole
November 30, 2008
Larry was quite a guy....a man's man...he will be missed..
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