Obituary of Lawrence W. Christomos

Lawrence W. "Larry" Christomos, Sr. Lawrence W. "Larry" Christomos, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and good friend, passed away at his home on March 11, 2006. Larry was born June 20, 1925 in Ketchikan, Alaska to Nicholas & Katherine Dalton Christomos but called Washington home for most of his life. He married his sweetheart, Glenda M. Hendee, on December 1, 1949. Larry was a consummate student and teacher. He graduated from Wrangell Institute (a Native Alaskan school), Wrangell, AK in 1943; graduated from St. Martin’s University with a BA in Business Administration in 1950; and received his BA in Education in 1953 from Seattle University. Larry taught 4th through 6th grades at Edison Elementary School in Centralia for 29 years and also coached 7th & 8th grade football for several years. But even after he retired, he was actively involved in teaching by volunteering his time at various schools, often sharing accounts and carvings from his Tsimshian background. Larry knew the power of teaching by storytelling. He would engage any child he encountered, whether he was in a classroom or just passing them on the street, and try to teach them something. More often than not these children walked away with a gem of knowledge. In 1944, Larry was inducted into the U.S. Army Alaskan Defense Command where he conducted cold weather testing and served as a driver for General Emmons. He received the Pacific Asiatic Theater Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. He was discharged in 1946. Larry’s strength and character was evident in his community involvement. He gave of his time and energy constantly – always there with a helping hand, sound advice and a wide smile. He was an active lifetime member of the Centralia/Chehalis Elks Lodge serving as Exalted Ruler, District Deputy and ritual coach for the Centralia/Chehalis, Shelton and Bremerton Lodges. He also served as a judge at the Elks national ritual contest. Larry carried the American flag proudly. He is a past Post Commander for the Centralia American Legion Post #17 and in 2004 he chaired a regional program to honor WWII veterans that coincided with the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. He also served on the Board of the Red Cross. And the Centralia/Chehalis 4th of July Parade that is loved by so many would not have occurred without his efforts to involve the children of the community. Larry was proud of his Native American heritage as a member of the Tsimshian tribe and served as President of the Tsimshian Tribal Association. Larry loved music and loved to sing. His singing career started in grade school where he was the soprano lead in the Messiah, and as an adult he performed the Messiah with the St. John’s Episcopal Church Choir. He also performed with the Lewis County Community Choir. He and Glenda loved to listen to and dance to Big Band music and they would take a turn around the dance floor every chance they got. Larry will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Glenda; three sons and five daughters: Tim (Lynn), Sheryl (Dan Haase), Debbie (Bob Stewart), Laurie (Doug Gawlik), Paul (Terrie), Diane (Mike Kytta), Lawrence W. “Bill” Christomos, Jr., and Susan (Brian Miller); 15 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; his brother Nicholas Christomos; and his faithful dog, Sadie. Larry also had lots of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. His parents and his two sisters, Lavina and Lorraine, precede him in death. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 18, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the Centralia/Chehalis Elks Lodge, 2501 NE Kresky Avenue, Chehalis, WA. Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be made in Larry’s name to the Washington State Elk’s Therapy Program, the American Legion Post #17 Funds to Assist Veterans In Need or the Sealaska Heritage Institute.