Larry STANLEY

Lawrence (Larry) Alvin Stanley was born on June 11, 1928, in Oakesdale, WA, to Zina (Zeke) Stanley and Margaret Graham Stanley. He passed away on August 7, 2025, at Golden Days Adult Family Home in Spokane surrounded by family and holding the hand of his wife of 76 years, Beverley. His life was one of deep love for his family, unwavering faith, and a steadfast commitment to serving his community.

Larry grew up during the Great Depression and credited his upbringing in a small farming community during that time for shaping his work ethic. He was the youngest of five in a very poor family and learned at an early age the value of hard work and integrity.

His father died when Larry was 15 years old. At the age of 16, he moved with his mother and sister Evelyn to Spokane to seek more opportunities. He graduated from John Rogers High School where he met his future bride, Beverley Kivett. After marriage, Larry connected with the 560th Air National Guard Band and served for four years, including a year on reserve during the Korean War.

Larry was a recognized leader in the industrial hardware industry and started two fastener distributorships. The first partnership lasted 10 years but his second one, Empire Bolt & Screw, continues today under the ownership of his son, Ron. Larry was elected as the charter President of the Western Association of Fastener Distributors in 1982-83 and served on the National Fastener Distributor Association board (1981-84). He was humbled to be elected to the National Industrial Fastener Show Hall of Fame in 1991.

Outside the fastener industry, Larry was active in many civic and cultural organizations. Some of his numerous accomplishments include:

· Leading the repeal of the city B & O tax in the 1980s

· Chair of the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce

· Chair of the Association of Washington Business

· Board Member and Chair of Avista Corporation

· Chair of the Inland Empire Council of the Boy Scouts

· President of Junior Achievement of Spokane

· Board Member of the Coeur d'Alenes Company

· Honorary Commander of Fairchild Air Force Base

· Serving on the White House Council for Small Business

Larry was a 40+ year member of Downtown (Club 21) Rotary and also enjoyed his Thursday night dinners with fellow Prosperity Club members. Despite his many interests and accolades, Larry himself would tell you that he saved his greatest love for his family. Through the time he spent, the love he gave, and the values he instilled, his loving legacy lives on.

The story of Larry Stanley would not be complete without sharing the important role that music played in his life. Playing professionally helped sustain him in the early days as he worked regular jobs during the day and entertained audiences at night with his clarinet and saxophone in jazz bands. Later in life, he volunteered every Friday to play in the jazz band for the non-profit Day Out for the Blind. He treasured the time there playing with his fellow talented musicians and loved all the staff and attendees.

Larry is preceded in death by his four siblings, Ed Stanley, Thelma Russell (Oakesdale), Al Stanley, and Evelyn Morelli (CA). Also preceding him was his daughter, Cynthia Stanley Brookes. He is survived by his devoted wife of 76 years, Beverley Kivett Stanley, sons Ron (Heidi) and Jon (Shauna), granddaughter Laura Goetsch (Adam) and grandson, Jameson

Stanley, and great grandson, Paul Goetsch, all of Spokane. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces and their families.

A celebration of his life will occur in the early Fall. In lieu of flowers, gifts to any of the following organizations are suggested:

· Salvation Army of Spokane

· Union Gospel Mission of Spokane

· The Innovia Community Foundation: Oakesdale Community Endowment Fund

· Hillsdale College (Michigan): Larry & Bev Stanley Endowed Scholarship Fund

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pacific NW Cremation. Please visit PNWCremation.com for service details.