Larry Jerome Tommerup, 68
Larry Jerome Tommerup, age 68, passed away on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at Odessy Hospice in Tuscon, Arizona. He was born June 25, 1939 to Clarence and Lillian Tommerup in Sidney, Montana.
He moved to Blaisdell, North Dakota as a young boy, where he was joined by a sister Carol. In 1948, they moved to Kalispell, Montana, to a ranch that later became a dairy farm. He went to school the 1st - 8th grade years at Boarman School, then to high school at Flathead High.
In 1957 he joined the Navy to see the world. He started out working as a boiler operator, and then later went into the underwater demolition unit. He was later injured and had to leave the Navy.
In 1960 Larry met and married his wife, Dorthy (Radabah) of 47 years. They had four children, Larry Tommerup Jr., wife Joni; Laurie Hazard; Cynthia Tinnel, husband Tom; and David Tommerup wife, Vonda. In 1962 they moved to Seattle to begin his life's work in construction. He started out as a carpenter and worked his way up to vice president of several companies. His career took his family to many states so they were able to see a lot of different places. He was able to fulfill his dream to see and experience a lot of the world.
He loved to see new places, learn new things and meet new people. He was passionate of all card games, especially bridge. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting. He was a gold medal Senior Olympics shuffleboard player and won many team and individual trophies. He obtained his private pilot license and had numerous adventures. He was a Bob Ross instructor, and taught painting where ever he traveled.
He was a Mason, Scottish Rite, Shriner, and a member of Eastern Star. He was in the Shriners Clown unit and recently joined the Elks.
He was preceded in death by his parents, both sets of grandparents and an infant brother, Harvey.
He is survived by his wife Dorthy, four children, 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Carol, and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.
He will be deeply missed by his loved on and by his friends. He was a very generous man, with his time and energy.
Services will be at Johnson Mortuary on Friday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. Visitation will be at Johnson Mortuary on Thursday, Oct. 18 from 12-6 p.m. Military Honors will be conducted by the United Veterans of the Flathead. Burial will follow services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, P.O. Box 2472, Spokane, WA 99210.