Larry VanDyke

Larry VanDyke, a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, Marine veteran, and advocate for addiction recovery, passed away, Sunday, May 4, 2025 at the age of 74.

Born and raised in Key West, Florida, Larry graduated from Key West High School in 1967. He later earned an Associate of Arts degree with a minor in psychology from Louisiana Tech University and a Master of Health Science in Health Service Leadership from Boise State University. His academic accomplishments reflect his calling to help others—especially those facing the challenges of substance abuse.

Larry served in the United States Marine Corps from April 3, 1978, to November 1, 1998, retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant. Throughout his 20-year military career, he was stationed in Tennessee, California, Iwakuni (Japan), and Fort Worth, Texas. As a certified military substance abuse counselor at the Naval Alcohol Rehabilitation Center in Miramar, California, he was deeply passionate about helping others overcome addiction.

Following his military retirement, Larry continued this work in civilian life, driven by a firm belief in service, healing, and faith. He served as an Addiction Therapist at the Boise VA Medical Center, a Case Manager for King County Drug Court in Seattle, Chemical Dependency Liaison at DSHS Children’s Administration, and as Director of the Skagit County Crisis Center. Even after retiring, he remained a steadfast mentor and voice of hope in the recovery community.

Larry’s work was an extension of his deep and abiding faith in God, which guided every part of his life. He was known for his compassion, humility, and the way he made others feel seen and valued. His service—both in uniform and in the community—was rooted in his belief that every person deserved grace, dignity, and a chance at transformation.

Larry is survived by his wife of 27 years, Karen Baskin VanDyke; his son, Jason VanDyke; brothers: Bruce, Harry and Laurel; step-children: Angie Yeoman, Troy Lacobee (wife Kari), and Kim Glorieux.

He was a proud grandfather to: Ashlee Altringer, Hunter Oaks, Britney Oaks, Nicolas Glorieux, Christopher Glorieux, Colton Lacobee, and Tyler Lacobee; and a great-grandfather to Chance Altringer and Brielle Altringer.

Larry’s legacy is one of courage, compassion, faith, and purpose. He touched countless lives through his dedication to service and recovery, always reminding others that change was possible—and that no one was ever beyond hope.