Thursday, April 17, 2025
Lawrence D. Engel, affectionately known as Larry, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025. The first of four children, he was born in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, in 1936 to Lawrence M. Engel and Irene Engel. Larry’s life was defined by hard work, dedication, and love for his family.
The family sold the Red & White Grocery Store and farm when Lawrence senior found a job opportunity as a lineman for an electrical company and moved to Tacoma, Washington. This is where Larry attended Bellarmine Preparatory School. In his free time, Larry played football and ice hockey as well as delivered newspapers. He also earned money toward his tuition at Bellarmine by painting the rectory and buildings at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where he was an altar boy.
During his teen years, he discovered his gift of mechanics and passion for working on engines. Following high school graduation in 1955, he continued his passion by attending the Bates Technical College heavy duty equipment program, specializing as a diesel mechanic. During this time, he also served his country as a member of the National Guard.
His skill and dedication earned him a job at Hyster manufacturing company where he worked on forklifts and other equipment. That led him to his long and successful career where he worked his way up to become the head of the mechanical team at Northland Services, an international shipping company. He was respected for his knowledge and leadership. This is also where he learned his love for ocean-going tugboats.
In 1969, Larry married the love of his life, Verla Engel. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising three daughters – Lisa, Renee, and Elizabeth. Together they enjoyed exploring the Pacific Northwest, as well as spending time at their Richmond Beach home. There, with a deep love for the Salish Sea, he could see marine vessels that captivated him with the changing waters and amazing sunsets.
Larry was a man of many interests; he could often be found in his garage rebuilding classic trucks, like his prized 1969 El Camino SS396. During his car building days, he spent time with the local car club, where he would have lunch and talk shop. He had a deep appreciation for military history, a love for collecting, studying, and reading books. Larry also loved European history and architecture, and when he retired traveled throughout Europe twice with Verla. Larry took pleasure and pride in caring for his rose garden while also enjoying the native and migratory birds that frequented the area. He was always quick to brag about his four extraordinary grandchildren that he saw often, cheering them on in their many endeavors.
His sharp mind, quick wit, and quirky humor will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Larry’s legacy of hard work, loyalty, and love for family will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. He would always say that “anger is a useless emotion unless it’s used to motivate you in a positive direction.”
Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Verla; his brother, John; and his sister, Mary Ann. He is survived by his sister, Patrice; sister-in-law, Marian; daughters Lisa (Nate) Engel Brown, Renee Zehr, and Elizabeth (John) Rodriguez; and his four grandchildren.
A heartfelt thanks to the extraordinary team at Rosewood Courte Memory Care in Edmonds, who cared and supported him for the last year of his life. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association, honoring Larry’s memory.
