Al Larrick, 75, of Richland, Washington, died peacefully on July 11, 2011, doing something he dearly loved - fishing.

Al was born on January 5, 1936, in Everett, Washington. He lived his youth in the great outdoors of Northern Washington and graduated as Valedictorian of Winthrop High School in 1953. He was one of ten national winners of a full ride University Scholarship from Weyerhauser, and utilized it to attend the University of Washington, graduating with honors in Chemical Engineering in 1957.

Al then started what would become a distinguished career in the nuclear industry, specializing in waste treatment technology. His leadership abilities were reflected in his continuous management positions over the years, and his brilliant research skills produced over 200 publications, manuals, and journal reports. Al created new programs and procedures, had patents to his credit, and his innovative mind led several teams in developing applications that were used throughout the commercial power industry, including some worldwide. He was praised as a patient and encouraging mentor to those up and coming under his steed. In 1994, Al completed his successful career and retired as a Fellow Chemical Engineer.

During those years, Al raised a family, played basketball, and poured himself enthusiastically into backpacking, hunting and fishing. He had a great love for the outdoors and was a well read naturalist who could point out just about any plant, creature, or geographic formation and tell you what it was and how it worked. He loved to do taxidermy, collect all manner of things, and had a knack for creating the unusual. One good friend and co-worker mused: "He was a throw back to earlier times. For example, his lunches throughout his work career frequently consisted of some wild meat he had prepared himself and an odd mix of home grown roots, seeds, fruits, or berries that most co-workers refused when offered."

Al loved learning and never ceased to read and pour himself into many projects once retired. In recent years he partook of much research in the area of natural health remedies and could always be counted on to spend as much time as needed to help an ailing friend find the answer to a cure. He worked for years on a detailed manuscript, hoping one day to publish it. Al also was fascinated with his family genealogy and left the baton for the next generation to pick up. He loved working with the flowers and plants in his yard, having luncheons with the retirees, and playing senior bridge weekly. Al and
Carolyn really enjoyed traveling and were able to see and do many interesting things over the years.

Al was generous and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He has been fondly remembered by co-workers, hunting and fishing pals, neighbors, and family friends, as a humble, brilliant man, with a mischievous sense of humor and a big heart.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carolyn, daughters Shellie and Tina, son-in-law Matt, and grandchildren Terryn, Timothy, Kimberly, and Mindy.

His ashes will be inurned at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Al's honor to the Benton/Franklin Humane Society.