LAURENCE P. LARRY FORBY, JR.

Born September 1, 1918 to Florence and Laurence Forby in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Larry passed away February 26, 2009 in Woodinville, WA. from Acute Leukemia. He was an active and vibrant gentleman until November 2008, when this disease took its toll on his energy.

Larry graduated from Topeka High School, Topeka, Kansas and came to Richland, WA in 1943 at the age of 24. He hired on as a fireman. In 1950 he became Fire Protection Engineer for the 100 areas. He was assigned to government-owned city of Richland, handling all safety aspects of home maintenance, police and fire programs and then back to 100-F and 100-H. He said "he's had an office in just about every area on the project and averaged a new boss every year". In 1981 he retired as Manager of the Industrial Safety subsection for UNC. In retirement he and wife Lucille traveled in their trailer throughout the US, visiting every state except Florida. After her death in 1994, he volunteered for Meals on Wheels and built wheelchair ramps for Richland residences. He has been a major contributor to the landscaping of Maison De Padgett Winery, building flower trellises and fences for its beautiful gardens. He was Mr. Fix-it. He could fix anything, even to the extent of improvising for a missing part. He loved fooling with his HO-gauge railroad sets. In his view the cup was always half-full and he had a can-do attitude.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Janet Gerald Padgett of Woodinville, WA and son, Larry Kathy Forby of Menifee, CA; 6 grand children - Cindy L.Padgett Angelich of Coto De Caza, CA; David A. Padgett of Moxee, WA; Linda KPadgett Hill of Bothell, WA; Glen F. Padgett of Yorba Linda, CA; Matthew D. Forby of Wildomar, CA and Michael W. Forby of Lake Elsinore, CA; 13 Great Grand Children- Brittney and Christopher Angelich; Quentin and Carlin Padgett; Tyler and Jacob Padgett; Niclas, Sophia and Austin Hill; Cameron and Jocelin Forby ; and Keaton and Kellen Forby; and sister Sarah Ball from Long Beach, CA.

A celebration of his legacy will take place on Thursday afternoon at 1:00 PM at Memories at Sunset Event Center, 915 By-pass Highway in Richland. Memorials in Larry's name may be made to Evergreen Hospice, 12040 NE 128th St. MS5, Kirkland, WA 98034.