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11 tree(s) planted in memory of Jan LaBell
Donna Bliss / Marugg
purchased flowers for the family of Jan LaBell. Send Flowers
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10 trees were planted in memory of Jan LaBell
Thursday, July 2, 2020
10 trees were planted in memory of
Jan Joy LaBell
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Mr. LaBell touched the hearts & minds of all the students at Avanti. We are forever grateful for his wisdom and faith in us! He was an inspiration. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Bob Bickers planted a tree in memory of Jan LaBell
Monday, July 10, 2023
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There is no proper way to say good bye to such a good friend. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Jeff L. Waddington posted a condolence
Thursday, March 4, 2021
Thanks Nan - for remembering the story of the diving helmet for us - as my recall was a bit hazy!
I do remember a number of technical things from the world of cars Jan told me over the years - including that Avanti's rule. "The fastest production car in the world when it was introduced"!
-Jeff
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Brian Papiez lit a candle
Friday, June 26, 2020
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Mr LaBell was one of my favorite teachers when I attended OHS. I took his Diversified Occupation class and went on field trips to different community and technical colleges. We also participated in planting salmon eggs in Watershed Park. As my friends and I were into cars, we spent many hours talking with Mr LaBell about cars, Studebakers, racing, and especially Avanti’s. To this day I still have a love for the Studebakers and Avanti’s and was honored as he only let me drive his Studebakers to Auto Shop to fix the breaks. I remember him telling me “ONLY YOU can drive my car...NO ONE ELSE!” (LOL) He was an awesome man, awesome teacher, and I will miss me. He had a huge impact on my life which I will forever be great full that our lives crossed paths. Rest In Peace Mr LaBell, you will never be forgotten.
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Jeff Waddington posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
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As you know, Jan was always interested in cars, and was quite good at working with them. Patient too: I remember his sanding, painting, sanding and painting his way through 14 coats of piano black paint on one of his Avanti sedans.
I recall the time a student at the high school - down at Olympia School District - came in from the parking lot and excitedly exclaimed 'Mr. Labell; it's so cool - they've named a car after our school!!! ;)
I was able to visit with Jan a few times this last year. As soon as the subject turned to cars - especially Studabakers - we were right into the details of 2 and 4 barrel carbs, horse power and speed.
Jan was quite intrigued hearing about my new Tesla (Model 3 EV) so one day I drove it over and we spent a good chunk of time over this new technology car. Jan was reluctant to pack it in for dinner!
One more story: Jan described a scientific experiment he and his childhood friends conducted in Puget Sound, which was if they could successfully make a 'deep sea diving' helmet! Jan was the diver, and indeed the hand air pump and hose did allow Jan to sit on the bottom while getting air.
Unfortunately, the choice of an old 5 gallon paint can - with fresh fumes - caused the experiment to abort...as Jan had passed out! All in the name science... ;)
I will miss Jans common sense and practical approach to life.
-Jeff Waddington
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njlabell@comcast.net Posted Jul 13, 2020 at 8:31 PM
The story I've heard over the years about the diving bell was a bit different, so I'll offer it here. Jan was not the one who went under the surface - he volunteered another kid for that role. In Jan's words, "No way was I going down there - I can't swim". But the bucket did have fumes (oops!) and the other youngster was definitely woozy! Nan
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Christina Jelle lit a candle
Friday, June 19, 2020
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Jan LaBell was an amazing teacher when I was at Avanti High School. He was always there for us kids, always had a smile on his face and welcomed us all with a warm heart. He was one of my highlights, and he helped me graduate. You truly will be missed but never forgotten.
Love: Christina Jelle
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Kevin Gordham posted a condolence
Friday, June 19, 2020
Jan was always a great friend and mentor. He helped me put on "Dad's Night" at OHS in the early 70's. One of the original members of South Sound Race and Rally, a local sports car club. Great sense of humor! He will be missed!
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Randy Swilley posted a condolence
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Jan was the person who got me into teaching. He mentored me before and after I began as a CTE teacher. I marveled at his patience and compassion for his students. He will be greatly missed.
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Donna Bliss / Marugg purchased flowers
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
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Donna Bliss / Marugg
purchased the Beautiful in Blue and planted a memorial tree for the family of Jan LaBell.
Send Flowers
I'm so sorry to hear about Mr Labels passing he was a great person and a great teacher. Im prays and thoughts are with you and your family.
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Chris Sogn posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
In my early days of teaching I was fortunate to land a job at Avanti. And I am still there. Jan was certainly a mentor, always helping me to keep in perspective what mattered most. He helped so many students and I think his soft-spoken manner and exceptional listening is something to strive for. This is what I carry with me ...as well as his stories of Jeffery, his pet monkey. And...there are many more. To Nan and the rest of the family my best thoughts are with you.
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Anastasia Selby posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Mr. LaBell was one of my teachers at Avanti. I was there the first year it started, and had just returned from having run away to California. Mr. LaBell, along with all the other teachers there, was one of the first people to make me feel really smart. He also encouraged my writing (I'm now a working writer). I remember his love for Studebakers and his genuine and caring nature. He was a gem of a person and impacted so many people in a positive way. Sending his family lots of love.
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Matt Herinckx uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
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My friend Jan was a great mentor and a man with gentle soul. He helped me complete, with encouragement, enthusiasm and technical knowledge, a vintage trailer restoration, keep my old MGA on the road, and avoid becoming too overwhelmed with the challenges each project presented. I miss his good cheer and ready laugh, his easy smile, and having a beer with him around a campfire. Jan was my pretend older brother. Blessings and peace to Nan and Count and Doug, and to Jan’s sisters and extended family. Jan told me on multiple occasions that he felt lucky and had a “good life,” full of accomplishments and success. While that is true, we know the best measure of Jan is summed up by the lives he touched, and indeed there are many. Keep watching over us, Jan.
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Scott Ferris posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
I was lucky enough to live next door to Jan and Nan for 10 years. Sometimes I’d head over and bring Jan a beer, listen to a story about his racing days, or talk about projects we were working on. He had great stories about growing up here in Olympia, how things were way back then. I’m really going to miss this guy, he was a great role model for me.
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Doug McRayde jr posted a condolence
Monday, June 15, 2020
Jan was the greatest stepdad anybody could ever ask for. He was always there for anybody who needed him and he was full of life. He will be missed.
From a lucky stepson, Doug McRayde Jr
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The family of Jan Joy LaBell uploaded a photo
Monday, June 15, 2020
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The family of Jan Joy LaBell uploaded a photo
Monday, June 15, 2020
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The family of Jan Joy LaBell uploaded a photo
Monday, June 15, 2020
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The family of Jan Joy LaBell uploaded a photo
Monday, June 15, 2020
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The family of Jan Joy LaBell uploaded a photo
Monday, June 15, 2020
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