1939
2018
LARRY DON OTOS
March 24, 1939 ~ June 2, 2018
Larry Don Otos (79) passed away June 2, 2018 due to the complications of dementia.
Larry grew up in Vancouver, WA, where his love of the game - any game - made him a school athlete to watch. His feats as a high school football, basketball and track standout helped fill bleachers on any given day.
After high school, Larry started his professional life working for Vancouver Parks and Recreation. He then moved his young family to the Olympia area in the early 70s, where he worked for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. During this time, Larry worked with the Federal government to make Fort Warden in Port Townsend a State Park. Shortly thereafter, Larry became the first Director of Thurston County Parks and Recreation Department. It was during this time that he acquired land for public use and developed parks such as Burfoot Park, Frye Cove, Long Lake Park and the Thurston Grays Harbor ORV Sports Park. His innovation and vision will allow generations of families to enjoy these parks.
In the early 80s, Larry and his wife, Susan, moved to San Diego, CA simply to enjoy another style of life.
While there he learned how to surf and hang glide, and cheer on the Chargers. But after 16 years, family and the Seahawks called them home.
Upon his return to the Seattle area, Larry managed Providence Point in Issaquah, where residents quickly came to love this man who treated everyone with compassion, dignity and respect. He really enjoyed people, and believed in helping where ever he could. People really got that about him.
Larry loved puttering in the yard, kayaking, playing racquetball and over-decorating his lawn for Christmas. And he considered himself quite the gourmet chef.
Larry's family will forever celebrate the love and joy he brought to their lives. He was his wife, Susan's, best friend and loving partner for over 40 years. And his three children and their families - Larry Mark (Lisa) Otos, Mount Vernon; Laura (Kirk) Bruce, Vancouver; and Ed (Debbie) Otos, Olympia - will remember a father filled with love, fun and an untold number of practical jokes.
In lieu of flowers, please give to Hospice in Larry's name
Please sign Larry's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
RIP Buddy. I truly enjoyed getting to know you when I was able to care for you.
Shawn Tymony
October 14, 2018
So sorry for your loss, Susan. Larry was such a fun guy and loved you so much.
Cindy Powell
July 12, 2018
Great Guy! Many great memories! Will be missed by many family and friends.
Ira Koplow
June 24, 2018
So sorry for your loss, my husband Micheal's mother was Larry's aunt. Larry, Tom, and Mike had many fun years growing up, always fun picnics with the OTOS families.
MARY LOU wilja
June 24, 2018
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