Lauren "Larry" W. Dobbs

Lauren W. Dobbs of Yakima passed away in the early morning of Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at home with his daughter, family and close friends at his side. Lauren “Larry” was born in Yakima, October 18, 1926. He was the youngest of seven children born to William Benton and Dora Berthina Dobbs.

Larry attended parochial schools in Yakima and attended Northwest Military Academy in Idaho. Due to World War II he was drafted into the service before completing high school. He completed high school with a GED. Following his discharge he attended Yakima Valley Community College for two years, took entrance exams for Willamette University and went directly to law school. After three years Larry graduated with an LLB degree and passed the Washington State Bar in 1952 then returned to Yakima to begin his law career. Larry was recognized by the Washington State Bar Association for 50 years of service and recently received honorary status.

Some of Larry’s many accomplishments and associations included Exalted Ruler of the Elks, Gyro President, Campaign Manager for Congresswoman Catherine May and legal counsel attorney for SOAR. Larry was also a member of the Yakima Barber Chorus Quartet and a long standing member of the Yakima County Republican Party.

Larry married Ruby Duffy on December 31, 1951 at the county court house in Goldendale, Washington. They adopted their daughter Jennifer five years later.

Larry’s law practice began with Elwood Hutchinson and continued for 8 or 9 years in the Miller Building, during which time Elwood was appointed City Attorney with Larry as his assistant. Larry then formed a partnership with Norm Nashem and opened and office in the Larson Building. Next, Larry formed what he called a “loose partnership” with Elery VanDiest and opened a practice in the Miller Building. After Elery passed away, Larry formed a partnership with Adam Moore. They had the contract for the public defense work in Superior court. They were later joined by Kevin Kirkevold. The law firm purchased the previous Christian Science Reading Room building located on North 2nd Street and converted that building into law offices. When Adam Moore purchased a building of his own, Mike Lynch joined the firm as a building owner and they were joined by Rick Hoffman. Bob Young later joined the firm.

Larry was an avid golfer with a great swing, who also enjoyed gardening and loved to brag about his tomato crop. He appreciated a good political debate, a challenging game of Bridge and loved his home in Yakima. He enjoyed watching the Mariners, especially when they were winning. Larry was also a frustrated carpenter who enjoyed helping Jennifer with many landscaping projects. Morning coffee with his close friend Bill was one of his biggest enjoyments, the past few years. Before his illness Larry enjoyed traveling with Libby to Mazatlan, the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Greece, Hawaii, and the Panama Canal.

Larry is survived by his daughter Jennifer Dobbs of Gresham, Oregon; his companion of 17 years Libby Knauer; his brother James Dobbs of Yakima; his sister Opal Mathison of Newberg, Oregon and many nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife Ruby, his parents, and his brothers Gerald and Wallace and sisters Cleta and Fern.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Memorial’s Northstar Lodge or Memorial Hospice. A special thank you is extended to Lindsey, Debbie, Susan and all those who took such wonderful care of Dad.

Dad…my father, my guide, my strength, my friend.

Visitation will be held from 4-8pm on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at St. Paul Cathedral. Burial will follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.

To share a memory of Larry visit www.mem.com