August 1930 – January 2020
Lawrence “Larry/Laurie” L. Peterson, long-time resident of Bothell, Washington, went peacefully home to heaven on January 22, 2020, at the age of 89.
Larry was born in August of 1930 to parents Arne and Violet Peterson. He was raised and educated in Seattle where he played football, basketball and baseball for Ballard High School. Larry went on to play basketball and baseball for Seattle Pacific College where he majored in Education. He eventually earned a master’s degree in math.
Larry was assigned to Bothell High School in 1955 where he taught math and physics and coached the basketball team. Over the next 15 years, he took BHS teams to the state tournament eight times during an 11-year period. Larry was named Washington State Teacher of the Year in 1968, became BHS vice-principal in 1971, principal in 1974 and retired in 1984. He was honored to be inducted into BHS’s Hall of Fame and Northshore School District’s Wall of Honor.
While attending Seattle Pacific College, Larry met Shirley Edwards. They were married on March 24, 1956. With help from friends and family, Larry built their longtime Bothell residence where they lived for 62 years and raised five children.
During his retirement years, Larry enjoyed working on the log cabin he built with his children, tending to his vegetable garden and raspberry vines, and spending time with his family.
Larry was an educator at heart; be it in the classroom, on the basketball court, in the garage, or around the dining room table at homework time, he was always shaping the minds of those with a desire to learn.
The life-long learner and athlete that he was, Larry learned the Russian language in his 60’s and picked up the game of pickleball in his early 80’s.
Larry is survived by his wife, Shirley, their two sons, Gary (Kim) and Glen (Paula) Peterson and three daughters, Julie (Ken) Grimstad, Jeanette (Brian) McDonald and Joyce (Terry) Handran, as well as 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brother, Alvin Peterson.
We love and miss you, Dad/Laurie.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Canyon Hills Community Church, 22027 17th Ave. SE, Bothell, WA, 98021.
