Lawrence Gilbert Lingbloom, of Coupeville, died peacefully Sept. 23, 2014, at Whidbey General Hospital following a brief illness.

Born Sept. 18, 1915, in Selah, Wash., he was one of eight children of August and Anna Lingbloom.

The family moved to Bellingham in 1928, where Lawrence met his high school sweetheart and lifelong partner, Edna.

They were married in 1933 and lived life to the fullest for 74 years until Edna passed in 2007 at the age of 91.

Together, they endured the Great Depression, and he served in the United States Army during World War II.

A carpenter by trade, Lawrence established a successful contracting business, building countless houses in the Bellingham area, as well as a retirement home on Race Lagoon, Whidbey Island, which became the Lingblooms’ permanent home in 1977.

As the longest tenured resident of Race Lagoon, Lawrence became known by his neighbors as the “mayor.” He was an avid hunter and fisherman, pursuits he shared with Edna, his children and grandchildren.

In retirement, he and Edna loved to travel, including annual fishing trips to Quadra Island, British Columbia, Canada, winter retreats to the Desert Southwest and several vacations in Hawaii. Lawrence continued a vital and active life right to the end, celebrating his 99th birthday just five days before he passed.

He was a popular fixture at local establishments, including Toby’s in Coupeville and Randy’s Pier 61 and Swinomish Casino in Anacortes.

Lawrence was proud of his Swedish heritage, would never refuse a game of poker or cribbage and was living proof of the salutary effects of a little Bourbon. Admired for his kindness, generosity and humor, Lawrence was the patriarch of a large and loving family.

He is survived, and will be dearly missed, by his daughter, Shirley Ashenbrenner; his son, Larry Lingbloom; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; great-great -grandchildren; as well as dozens of devoted friends.

A private graveside service was held at Sunnyside Cemetery Sept. 27.

A memorial celebration at the family home is planned for June 2015.

Until then, memories of Lawrence may be shared at www.memorialwebsites.legacy.com/LGLingbloom