Larry Jerome Tommerup, 68

Larry Jerome Tommerup, 68, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007, at Odessy Hospice in Tucson, Ariz. He was born June 25, 1939, to Clarence and Lillian Tommerup in Sidney.

He moved to Blaisdell, N.D., as a young boy, where he was joined by a sister, Carol. In 1948, they moved to Kalispell, to a ranch that later became a dairy farm. He went to school the first- through eighth-grade years at Boarman School, then to high school at Flathead County High.

In 1957, he joined the Navy to see the world. He started out working as a boiler operator, and then later went into the underwater demolition unit. He was later injured and had to leave the Navy.

In 1960, Larry met and married his wife Dorthy (Radabah), of 47 years. They had four children, Larry Tommerup Jr., and wife Joni; Laurie Hazard; Cynthia Tinnel, and husband Tom; and David Tommerup, and wife, Vonda.

In 1962 they moved to Seattle to begin his life's work in construction. He started out as a carpenter and worked his way up to vice president of several companies. His career took his family to many states so they were able to see a lot of different places. He was able to fulfill his dream to see and experience a lot of the world. He loved to see new places, learn new things and meet new people.

He was passionate of all card games, especially bridge. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting. He was a gold medal Senior Olympics shuffleboard player and won many team and individual trophies.

He obtained his private pilot license and had numerous adventures. He was a Bob Ross instructor, and taught painting wherever he traveled.

He was a Mason, Scottish Rite, Shriner, and a member of Eastern Star. He was in the Shriners Clown unit and had recently joined the Elks.

He was preceded in death by his parents; both sets of grandparents; and an infant brother, Harvey.

He is survived by his wife, Dorthy; four children; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Carol; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He will be deeply missed by his loved ones and by his friends. He was a very generous man with his time and energy.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at Johnson Mortuary. Visitation will be from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at Johnson Mortuary. Military honors will be conducted by the United Veterans of the Flathead. Burial will follow services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, P.O. Box 2472, Spokane, WA 99210.