Lawrence J. "Larry" Schopf

Notes:

Lawrence (Larry) J. Schopf, 96, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17th, 2008. Larry was born to Mary and Joseph Schopf on March 4th, 1912 in Mandan, North Dakota. In 1913, the family moved to Spokane, WA. He graduated from Gonzaga Prep High School in 1930, and moved to Seattle, where he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, working with the Forestry Service and in the construction of Ross Dam.

In 1934, Larry entered the Marine Corps, was discharged in 1938, and re-enlisted in 1942, during WWII, where he served in the Pacific Theatre as an Artillery Platoon Sergeant until the end of the war. After the war, Larry returned to Spokane were he began working for the Federal Government. In 1952, he married his wife Shirley and moved to Hauser Lake, Idaho, where he built a log home for his family. The Idaho life allowed him to fulfill his dream of gardening, fishing, hunting, and country living. Upon the closure of the Naval Supply Depot in Spokane, Larry was reassigned to the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, where he worked as a firefighter. He and his family moved to Mt. Vernon in 1960.

Although Larry retired in 1971 from the Naval Air Station he remained active in his retirement. He went on to work for 20 years at the Moose Lodge, where he was a lifetime member. In 1992, in Larry's words, "I retired for good." Larry was active in his church, Immaculate Conception, volunteered in the St. Vincent de Paul Society for many years, and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. Larry lived by the motto "Once a Marine always a Marine", through his involvement in the Marine Corps League of Skagit County, in which he was honored as the oldest Marine in the League. Larry was always willing to help anyone in need, particularly his neighbors in Park Village where he and his wife have lived for the past 31 years. He enjoyed an active life of travel, gardening, fishing and camping. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family.

He leaves behind his wife, of 56 years, Shirley Schopf; three daughters and son-in-laws, Leigh (Barry) Hayes of Lynnwood, Janice Walsh (Mark Moellendorf) of Gig Harbor and Laurie (Steve) Akers of Everett; his grandchildren, Bryan Hayes, Darren Hayes, Tracy Benson, Catherine Nash, Sarah Kinnear, and Ty Akers; eight great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and one sister, Francis Schopf.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Joseph Schopf, one brother Joseph Schopf; and five sisters, Sr. Elisabeth Schopf, SNJM, Mary Mott, Ann Harris, Veronica Sweeney, and Marguerite Kehoe.

Larry lived a full life. His kindness and generosity will be greatly missed by family and friends. A Vigil Service will be held at Immaculate Conception Church at 7:00 P. M., December 26, 2008. A Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, Saturday December 27, 2008 11:00 A.M., Mt. Vernon. Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 1376, Mt.Vernon, WA 98273; Immaculate Conception Regional School Endowment Fund, 1321 E. Division St. Mt.Vernon, WA 98273or a Charity of your choice.

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