Larry Grossman peacefully passed on July 30, surrounded by his loving family. He lived an active and meaningful personal and professional life, having served in leadership positions in the Spokane Jewish community, participating in multiple sporting groups and leagues, and as an inventor and business owner.

Larry was born to Manuel and Fannie Grossman on October 29, 1933 and stayed in Spokane his entire life. He graduated from Lewis and Clark high school, then the University of Washington with a major in Chemistry. He received his Masters of Science in Chemical Technology at North Dakota State.

Larry and his brother Nathan grew United Paint and Coatings a family business founded as Grossman Brothers in 1919 to multinational recognition. Larry's innovative urethane and elastomer coatings were used on the sides of large seagoing vessels, in parking garages, and atop roofs for cooling commercial and residential buildings. You could say Larry Grossman was inventing sustainability products before sustainability was even a "thing."

Larry found and married the love of his life, Shirley, in 1965. They were married for 53 joyful and fulfilling years. They had two daughters Eve (Pat) Bukowski and Miriam (Justin) Bookey and four delightful grandchildren, Jack, Leo, Elie and Ari. His two daughters and their families now live in California.

After more than 50 years Larry retired from United Coatings. He and Shirley loved to usher at multiple theaters around Spokane. His passion for opera led him to start the Opera Buffs newsletter. Larry was renowned for his athletic abilities in multiple sports including downhill skiing, waterskiing, tennis, bowling, and bicycling. He was active in his beloved sports through the final months of his life.

Larry had a lifelong connection to the Jewish Community and gladly took on many leadership positions, including two terms as President of Temple Beth Shalom. His final passion project for the community was the unveiling and transcribing of two major historical volumes of Spokane Jewish History. You can see the fruits of his labors on display at the Temple.

Larry's pride of the city of Spokane was an ongoing source of pleasure and gentle teasing by all who knew him. His home city's wonders could match or exceed the marvels of any city, anywhere in the world. And you know what? Larry was right. Spokane was perfect. It was perfect for a man like Larry a man who loved the outdoors, who loved meeting interesting people, and who loved being part of a caring community.

Donations in Larry's memory can be made to the American Cancer Society, in gratitude for their support of pancreatic cancer research, and in the hope that someday, we'll find a cure.

Funeral service will take place at 11am, August 1 at Temple Beth Shalom, 1322 E 30th, followed by his burial at Mount Nebo Cemetery, 501 Government Way. A reception will follow at Temple Beth Shalom.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review from Jul. 31 to Aug. 1, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence GROSSMAN

26 Entries

Ari C.

August 11, 2023

I still miss you, Larry! Your comforting presence at Shul helped me feel that I belonged there. You were always so sincere, it was refreshing. You and Shirley were always so kind to me, and Shirley is still lovely as always. She's been through so much, but she's still so strong and vibrant in the face of it all, you must surely be proud of her. I have to admit I left shul for a few years a few months after you left us, part of it I realize in retrospect was because I missed you so much. Now I'm back and it's crazy how little has changed but it still stings to not see you by Shirley's side. Nonetheless I'm so happy I got to know you for that little while, the happy memories are worth it<3 Thanks again for everything.

The White, Corbin, Baig Families

August 19, 2019

Baruch Dayen Emes. My family and I are saddened to hear the passing of Larry Grossman. Although it's been years, Mr. Grossman is remembered as a truly kind and caring individual. Mr. Grossman and his wife, Shirley, are also remembered as key figures in the growth of Temple Beth Shalom. May Mr. Grossman have many aliyahs in shamayim.

Pat Bentley

August 12, 2019

I met Larry when he became a member of The Inland Empire Dahlia Society. I didn't know Larry real well but what I did know is what a kind and giving person he was. I feel so bad that I had just learned of his passing. I am so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful, dear husband, father, grandfather, friend, and so many more whose lives he touched.

August 5, 2019

So sad to hear of Larry's passing. I could always count on his fond greeting and a hug whenever I saw him ushering at Spokane Civic Theatre or at a Symphony event. My deepest condolences to Shirley, family and friends.

Susan Silva

August 4, 2019

We were so saddened to hear of Lawrence's passing. His commitment to our community was evidenced in every aspect of his life. We want Shirley and family to know that your Spokane Democrat community stands next to you, as we honor Lawrence's service to Spokane. Ed Wood,Chair of Spokane County Democrats

Laura Hougen

August 2, 2019

I always enjoyed getting an email from Mr. Grossman concerning opera. Such a wonderful job of keeping us informed and giving us the synopsis of each major presentation. And I see that this activity was one of many for a busy and gifted man. I'll miss you and thanks for your contribution to many of us who enjoyed a special form of art. So long "opera man"!

Cynthia (Reiner) Spencer

August 2, 2019

Sadness hit me yesterday and I didn't know why until I saw your FB post. Everyone loved Larry. I've always been proud to call him cousin. Miriam's wonderful tributes brought me smiles and tears: they were so real and touching and TRUE. Hope all the family finds peace as your new guardian angel watches over you.

Connie Spitz

August 2, 2019

It saddens me to read that this kind man has passed. We mainly know Shirley from years past with children in Kindermusik, but I still remember the kindness offered to all parents when we were in their home listening to our children sing and explore music. Many prayers to the Grossman family, from Andy, Daniel, Connie & Joe Spitz

Eugene Flynn

August 1, 2019

Deep sadness to hear of Larry's passing. As Shirley knows, I've come to know the Grossmans through volunteering at the Fox. Larry was so personable, supportive, and just plain interesting. He will be missed by everyone who knew him, including me. The loss is heavy, but the joy and accomplishments of his life give balance. Blessings to you, Shirley.

Erin Kennedy

August 1, 2019

Larry was such a special person, I send my deepest condolences to his family. He was a great listener and truly cared for his community. Larry was also a blast to ski with and an inspiration not to let age slow you down! Thank you for the great memories and he will be missed dearly.

August 1, 2019

We were privileged to know Larry (and Shirley) for the past several years. We will miss him.
Pamela & David Joyner,
Spokane, WA

Larry, far right, advisor to our youth group 1964

Alan Negrin

August 1, 2019

I grew up in Spokane and Larry was like a big brother. He gave me my first job when I was in high school. I wanted a real job at United Paint, but first I had to prove myself and my work ethic.
Larry hired me one summer to scrape and sand the bottom of his sailboat so he could refinish it with one of his new high-tech coatings. It was July and very hot. I spent three weeks working overhead all day long with paint chips and fine dust raining down on my head. It was one of the dirtiest jobs I have ever done, but later that fall I was offered a job working every day after school for the company in the warehouse and driving the delivery truck. Larry was a great mentor and always patient. He was the advisor to the AZA (Aleph Zadik Aleph), the young men's B'nai Brith Youth Organization. He dedicated countless hours guiding the young Jewish men in Spokane through our journey to adulthood.
Larry was a fantastic person, never judging, always encouraging and giving many hours of his time to help us.
Larry loved flying in small airplanes I was fortunate to be able to give him a ride in mine some years back. A couple of years ago, I had the great privilege of coming to Spokane and playing tennis with Larry at the Spokane club.
I'm so sorry that I will not be able to be with the family and friends today to celebrate Larry's life, him to his eternal rest and say Kaddish. Just a month ago, I lost my own older brother Marvin to cancer just ten days shy of his 75th birthday. My heart is breaking, and I am sending so much love to Shirley and the rest of the family at this time of great sorrow. I will remember Larry always of one of the finest people I have ever known.

Alan Negrin
Kirkland, WA

Natalie Patzer

August 1, 2019

Larry seemed to always have a twinkle in his eye. In contrast to our busy culture and half heard conversations, he had a beautiful way of being present and engaging. I always left a conversation with Larry feeling like I was special. It was him though. He radiated a love to others that made us all leave our time with him feeling better. What a wonderful man. His presence in our community will be missed. Hugs to our sweet Shirley and their beautiful family.

Avery Rendon

August 1, 2019

He invariably gave us enthusiastic and warm welcomes at opéra events.
Our sincere condolences to Shirley and Family.

Gloria Fraser

August 1, 2019

Many Mt. Spokane Prime Timers will be thinking of you as we traverse the slopes on the mountain you enjoyed so much.

Gloria Fraser

Ramona Hutchinson

July 31, 2019

My love and thoughts are with your family at this very hard time. Larry always had a wonderful whimsical smile that I will always remember.

Don Eric Mittelstadt

July 31, 2019

We are so sorry to hear this news. Larry was ALWAYS kind and offered a warm smile to EVERYONE. They were our neighbors on 39th Ave. for years and we developed a wonderful friendship. We send our love, thoughts and prayers. We are thinking of Shirley, his daughter's and all family members at this difficult time.

The Mittelstadt Family

Alison Highberger

July 31, 2019

So sad to hear about Larry's death, but so happy to have known him. What a lovely man--always kind, friendly and helpful. The photo of him is quintessential Larry, and it makes me smile. I know him as a friend of the performing arts in Spokane. He and Shirley have been great supporters of the Spokane Symphony and other events at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox for many years--wonderful as ushers and helpers at many performances. Larry always helped us get the word out about opera collaborations with Inland Northwest Opera (formerly Opera Cd'A) and the Spokane Symphony, by enthusiastically emailing his Opera Buffs. He turned the job over to another opera buff recently, insuring that the group will go on. We will miss you a lot, Larry. Thoughts and prayers are with you and the family, Shirley. Love to you all. Alison Highberger, PR Mgr., Spokane Symphony and your neighbor on the S. Hill.

Jaye Lynn Heath

July 31, 2019

I'm so sorry for your loss. Larry was a amazing person and he truly knew how to live life to
The fullest! He always had a smile on his face I never saw him when he wasn't smiling. He raised two beautiful daughters. His wife Shirley was always by his side. Glad they had 53 years of marriage. Larry you will be truly missed god gained a awesome angel. Lots of love to the family. Your in my thoughts and prayers. ❤❤❤❤

Leslie

July 31, 2019

My sincere sorrow for your loss. May the loving kindness of friends and neighbors be a supportive source of encouragement for you all during your time of bereavement now and in the days to come.

Ann Levine

July 31, 2019

Sending love to you all.
Ann and Brent

Michael Gurian

July 31, 2019

We are saddened to hear of Larry's death. He will be missed. He was a wonderful man, who enriched so many lives. I enjoyed tennis with him over the years.

Mike and Gail Gurian

Steve Gordon

July 31, 2019

I never met Larry but know his daughter Eve, who is a hero and inspiration to her friends and family. So he must have done something right.

July 31, 2019

I appreciate Larry's role in bringing opera to the community.
Morton Alexander

July 31, 2019

I hadn't been to synagogue in 30 years. Larry was the 1st person I ever met at Temple Beth Shalom. He greeted me with great kindness and warmth. I felt like I had come home! This was huge because if I hadn't been greeted so warmly, I wouldn't have gone back! A great friendship ensued for the next 14 years between the 2 of us and his wife, Shirley. Thank you for being a great friend, Larry! You have been a huge part of my life. You were such a Mensch! I am going to miss you. Thanks for your great friendship! Baruch Dayan Ha'emet!

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