Lawrence W. “Larry” Henderson died at his home in Coupeville on Oct. 8, 2013 at the age of 76. He was born Feb. 20, 1937 in Plentywood, Mont. to Leonard and Helen Henderson.

As a young child, Larry moved with his family to Ellensburg, Wash., and then to Vancouver, Wash., where his father found work in the ship yards during the war.

After the war, the family settled in Myrtle Creek, Ore. While in high school, Larry was active in band and student government.

Following graduation from Myrtle Creek High School, he attended the University of Oregon, receiving his bachelor’s degree.

After graduating college, Larry was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in Army Intelligence.

Larry left the military and returned to Oregon, where he completed his master’s degree at Portland State University.

In the early 1970s, he began work at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station assigned to civilian personnel (human resources). He made Coupeville his permanent home.

Larry was an avid reader and collector.

Following his retirement from civil service, he traveled to Japan to visit a college friend.

He spent a year in Japan, tutoring Japanese students in English and developed a passion for the Japanese culture and began collecting Japanese art work.

Larry is survived by one sister, Doris Dyer, of Independence, Ore., and two nieces, Amy Priest and Donna Dyer, both of Salem, Ore.

Larry requested no formal funeral services be conducted. Cremation was held with private family burial.

Friends and family are encouraged to share condolences and memories utilizing the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC, Oak Harbor.