Lawrence Robert Schwedes, 84

Lawrence Robert Schwedes, 84, a resident of Sequim, Wash., passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at The Messenger House on Bainbridge Island, Wash. Lawrence was born on Nov. 23, 1922.

Born in the East on Long Island, N.Y., he moved to California as a teenager. During World War II he worked at North American Aviation in Dallas, met Billie Ann, then returned to California and joined the Navy. The West was his home. His working years were spent in Santa Monica, Calif. and his retirement years in Bigfork. He moved to Sequim in 2004.

He was a man of many interests, many talents: small business owner (investment casting manufacturing company), scout leader for both his kids, photographer, observer of wildlife, student of the West (back roads, ghost towns, and miles of trails), world traveler (African trips were probably his favorite), private pilot, a 20th century mountain man (tomahawk maker and thrower) who loved his Macintosh laptop. He was also a hovercraft designer, home designer, model train builder, and woodworker. Always interested in doing something new, he often left the old undone. A collector of things, he was loath to part with any.

He is survived by his daughter, Jean Tyson of Port Angeles, Wash.,; his grandson, Jeffrey Schwedes of Reno, Nev.; and his sister, Doris Swartz of Ramona, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his son, Gary Robert Schwedes and former wife, Billie Ann Schwedes.

Please sign the online Guest Book at: www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.