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Lawrence DeCan Obituary
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Lawrence Allan DeCan of Bonney Lake passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024, in Puyallup, Washington. Born to Helen (Pitcher) and Lawrence M. DeCan on March 8, 1930, Larry was a Washington native. Larry would want to be remembered for his adventurous spirit as demonstrated by his experiences climbing Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier and big game hunting in Africa. Larry was an avid outdoorsman and found solace in nature, hunting, fishing, and mountain climbing, while capturing the beauty of the landscape through photography. He was also known for his unique ability to master varied technical disciplines. He built a kit TV in the early days of television that he used without a case for decades, showing its tubes and wiring. He mastered black and white photography, early radio controlled model airplanes, ammunition reloading, 67 Ford Mustangs, and built a custom modern home in Mercer Island, Washington. His retirement years were spent researching and collecting antique kerosene Sandwich Glass Lamps. Higher education was a lifelong pursuit for Larry, beginning at the University of Washington and culminating in an earned MBA from Harvard Business School in the 1960s. He was very proud of the degrees his children earned in wide ranging disciplines. He also served in the Air Force and had a fulfilling career at Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Lawrence leaves behind 3 children: Lawrence A. DeCan Jr. (Susan), David R. DeCan (Noelle) and Therese M. DeCan; 8 grandchildren: Jamie Hinojosa, Jodie Hinkson (Daniel), Evan DeCan (Courtney), Christian DeCan (Sarah) Kate Cook (David), Anna DeCan, William Gilbert (Sarah), Cody Gilbert, 9 great grandchildren; Hayden, Logan, Violet, Mark, Delilah, Stella, Claire, Daniel, Linnaea; sister Betsy (DeCan) Greenway, and nieces and nephews Karin, Ken, and Nancy. He was a loving father who faithfully executed his parental duties in the raising and care of his children. His sons remember treasured upland hunting trips to Ellensburg, Washington and his daughter fondly recalls trips with him to concert halls and theaters. He is loved and will be deeply missed. A private service will be held by the family
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4 Entries
Jeannie Weller
November 17, 2024
We met Larry many years ago, probably at Brimfield. He would visit us in NH and we always enjoyed our time with him. Just learned of his death. So sorry.
Jeff Czech
October 6, 2024
I will never forget the times Mary and I spent with Larry antiquing in Adamstown PA. over the years. He had a heart of gold and was very knowledgeable. After a long day of shopping we would find a nice place for dinner and conversation and a beer or two. He was a caring friend who will be missed dearly.
Tom Diosy
August 19, 2024
I met Larry many years ago when he was a collector/dealer in early kerosene lighting. He knew his clients and always offered us quality pieces. Over the years, the relationship developed into a friendship that we both enjoyed to the end, mostly through telephone calls, but occasionally by meeting up at lighting venues for lunch or dinner, usually with other friends. Always a rich source of information, he often had interesting stories to tell. We had a mutual interest in the history of early inventors of kerosene lighting. We both loved talking about the historical research we were independently working on for journal articles, and exchanged many ideas. I will miss Larry´s wisdom, his passion, his fortitude, but most of all, his friendship. My sincere condolences go out to his entire family.
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