Laurence Leroy McNutt, 86, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, in the company of family.

Larry was born in Hoquiam, Wash. on July 15, 1930, the son of a logger James Floyd (“Babe”) McNutt and nurse Helen (Meurling). Born into humble beginnings and raised in large measure by his grandmother Grace McNutt, he adopted a strong work ethic, anchored in honesty and integrity. His natural leadership abilities led him to rise steadily into senior executive roles, leading companies in the wood products, industrial chemical and clay pipe manufacturing industries.

Larry married Stella Georgine Ragus in 1953 and with her raised four children and several grandchildren until Stella’s death in 1989. Dad always made time for his family, coaching his kids in sports and life. He found time to be actively involved in both church and community, most notably during the family’s time in Newark, Ohio. Dad always remembered fondly his time and friends in Newark.

During his professional career and later retired life, Larry and family lived in location across the U.S. including Seattle; Eugene, Ore.; Eureka, Calif.; Newark, Ohio; Kansas City, Kan.; Tubac, Ariz. and finally in Lakewood, Colo. A lover of world travel, he also visited locations throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Dad was a voracious reader with a preference for Middle East political and historical works as well as the occasional murder mystery. The consummate gentleman, he always represented himself and his family with style and grace. Dad was blessed with the good fortune to meet, fall in love with and in 1991 marry Sarah Jane Hogan of Seattle. Together they enjoyed travel, opera and gardening. Sarah was a true blessing to Larry and to the entire family. She and daughter Alexandra gave Dad renewed purpose for life and a vitality that carried him through his remaining years. Always competitive, Dad had a love of games whether it was playing one-on-one basketball, a game of H-O-R-S-E, handball, racquetball or tennis. Gin Rummy and cribbage were his favorite card games. He took great joy in victory and the rare defeat in crib games with children, grandchildren and friends.

Larry is survived by his wife Sarah, five children and twelve grandchildren, Larry P. (spouse Gail, grandchildren Brendan and Greggory), Kathy (spouse Tom, grandchildren Matthew and Mark), Richard (spouse Gail, grandchildren Sarah and Mitchell), Robert (spouse Sarah, grandchildren Michael and Andrew) and Alexandra (spouse Derek, grandchildren Gabriella, Genevieve, Gracelynn and Giulianna).

A beloved father, husband, mentor and friend, Dad will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He fought a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Memorial contributions on his behalf may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Memorial service and reception will be held at The Church of the Good Shepherd, Federal Way, Wash., at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016.