Larry C. Brown

Larry C. Brown, 87, a resident of Soap Lake, passed away at home Friday, August 16, after his lionhearted stand against cancer. Loving family and a benevolent chaplain surrounded him as he peacefully drew his last breath. . A luncheon to celebrate Larry's life will be held at Noon on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at Don's Restaurant in Soap Lake. Per Larry's request, private graveside services were held earlier. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake.

Larry was born in Dell Rapids SD in 1926 to Nellie and Bernard Brown and was their third child of 7. Ultimately, 5 sons and one daughter comprised their family. When Larry was very young, his family moved to Ephrata, WA, and then to a ranch southwest of Coulee City where he attended a one-room country schoolhouse through his 8th grade, and then Coulee City High School until graduation. At age 17, Larry joined the US Navy and served his country during WWII in the Pacific whereupon he became engaged in many of the sea battles and landings in the Pacific. At the war's end, a jubilant and grateful nation welcomed him and his shipmates aboard the USS Concord home to Boston Harbor.

Larry married Anna Brown of Grand Coulee in 1948, and in 1949 their only child Cheryl Ann was born. Larry became a trained and skillful carpenter and also began farming in the Coulee City area. He and his small family moved to Richland, WA, for 2 years where he worked in the home building trade, but his first love of farming drew him back to the Coulee City area. He lived with his wife and daughter in Soap Lake and farmed land ranging from west of Ephrata to northwest of Coulee City.

In 1984, Larry's wife Anna suffered a fatal brain aneurysm and his life came to a temporary standstill. However, a survivor by nature, he forged on with his farming, determined not to let unfortunate circumstances stop him. In 1988, he suffered a heart attack and underwent open-heart double bypass surgery. Undaunted, he continued his life of farming and hard work. In 1995, he again found love and married Mary Ann (Larsen) Hansen who survives him at their home.

Larry's initial cancer diagnosis in 2007 only renewed his determination to persevere through life's misfortunes. His continuing happy disposition through these last years is an inspiration to all his family and many friends. His stoicism motivates us all to become more tenacious in the pursuit of our better selves.

In addition to Larry's first wife Anna and her parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother Kenneth, his parents, his only grandchild Bret, and his brother Jack and his sister Mary. In addition to his wife and her sons Charles (Kandice, daughters Clarissa and Cassandra) of Moses Lake, and Scott of Kalispell, MT, Larry is survived by his daughter Cheryl Ann Sanders and her husband Dave of Moses Lake, his brother Bob (Delma) of Coulee City, his brothers Gilbert (Ruth) and David (Liz) of Republic, a host of nieces and nephews and cousins, and a legion of friends.

Larry would agree with the brave man who said, "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul." Larry embodied generosity, friendship, and mercy. His work ethic exceeded any contenders. Let us all empower ourselves to follow his legacy.

If you desire, donations may be made to Assured Hospice, 1417 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837