Larry Winfield Dinsmore

Larry Winfield Dinsmore, died peacefully and surrounded by love in Olympia Washington on January 24, 2017, after many years of health challenges following a 2010 stroke. He was born November 17, 1965 in Washington State, where he lived all his life and spent his growing years in Kent, graduating from Kent-Meridian High School in 1984.

Born to Marilyn (Moody) Keisling and Jerry W. Dinsmore, Larry enjoyed his early years in Federal Way where he also became a protective big brother to his sister, Diane. As a little boy, he enjoyed time in the garage with his Dad, and with his Mom going to Cub Scouts and ultimately winning the Pinewood Derby. His love for anything with wheels grew to a passion for mechanics. By the time he graduated high school, he had rebuilt his Camaro, and later restored an old Chevrolet pick-up. These were just the beginning of a parade of vehicles throughout his lifetime.

He also enjoyed competitive square dancing in the Twirl-N-Teens and Random Tandems, where he served as a leader and built valued friendships. As an active young man, he enjoyed camping, cycling, snow skiing, fishing, snorkeling and shooting pool.

One of his proudest achievements was purchasing his own house at age 21, working on it throughout the years and living there until only five-months ago. He also fulfilled his goal to become an ASE Certified Mechanic in 1985 and worked full-time at General Motors for five years. Next, he achieved his ultimate dream of earning his Commercial Driver’s License in 1993 and only three years later, he founded Dinsmore Trucking, and as the owner/operator maintained his own diesel truck. Larry, and his beloved Rottweiler Brinks, enjoyed many adventures on the open road and even the rush hour from the Seattle piers to Longview. Friends often heard stories of icy mountain passes, windy logging roads and tarped lumber loads. It was important to him to remain instate once his precious daughter, Courtney, was born in 2003.

Known for his sense of humor and fun stories, he was always ready to help a friend. Larry accepted everyone and valued the people he met, whether at the Playmore Tavern or at Southill Chapel, where he served on the set-up team. Ultimately, Larry knew Jesus and knew where his final road would take him.

Larry is survived by his mother Marilyn C. Keisling and faithful step-father Robert; His father Jerry W. Dinsmore and caring step-mother Andrea; His most beloved 13-year-old daughter Courtney; His sister Diane M. Altman and husband Bradley. He is also deeply loved by his niece Kayla N. Altman and nephews Trevor S. Altman, Samuel R. Altman and Nathaniel W. Altman. Larry was blessed to also experience the love of many aunts, uncles and cousins who will carry his memory in their hearts.