Stanley Joel La Rue

Stan La Rue, 93, “slipped the surly bonds of earth” and passed away peacefully of natural causes in his sleep at home on Tuesday, April 2, 2013. He was born on December 28, 1919 to Abram and Florence La Rue in Tacoma, Washington. One of 4 children; brother Weston LaRue of Tacoma and sisters; Ione Groff of Fairbanks, Alaska and Florence Thornton of Tacoma, all whom preceded him in death. Stan was the epitome of the Greatest Generation and embodied all that it represented in his every day character; his word was his bond, commitment, dependability, responsibility and love of country.

Stan grew up in a loving home, and while in high school, he was in the Marine Reserves. At graduation from Stadium High in 1937, he entered the Marine Corp. Based in Reykjavik Iceland he served as a Radio Operator and was Honorably Discharged in October 1941. He married Dorothy Brown, the mother of his children; Sandra, Thomas (deceased) and Richard. In l943 he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in the 971st Signal Corp as Signal Unit Radio Operator Intercept & Cryptographic Technician. He was stationed on the treeless volcanic rock known as Umnak until the end of the war.

After the service, he was hired by the Civil Aeronautics Administration and sent to Custer, Montana as an “Aircraft Communicator”, knowledgeable in the “art of aerial navigation”. By 1956 he was a certified as a “Professional Air Traffic Controller” working for the Federal Aviation Administration. A professional in every sense of the word, Stan was respected for his calm demeanor and high standards. He became a Proficiency Development Specialist, passing along his knowledge to younger controllers as their instructor. He retired from SEA ARTCC in 1975 and was a lifetime member of the Society of Airway Pioneers.

Aviation was always important to Stan, who earned his wings flying a J-3 Cub on floats in Juneau. When he married Phyllis in 1974, they spent many happy hours flying their C-172 throughout Alaska, Canada and the U.S. Knowledgeable in the history of aviation, he became a docent at the Museum of Flight, volunteer at Historic Flight and a good natured resource for his friends who sought information on specific aircraft. One of his favorite things to do was to bring the “wonder of flight” to his grandchildren through rides in his airplane.

Stan took up sailing in 1984, volunteering aboard the Schooner Adventuress and Schooner Zodiac traveling throughout Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. A valued crewmember, he was known for his clipboard and cup of coffee as he strolled the deck assigning duties or taking the helm. Later, combining his love of Alaska and history, he led Elderhostel Tours via the Alaska Marine Highway to the frozen north. There he delivered stories about 49’ers and, on a moment’s notice, would recite the Cremation of Sam McGee in his booming baritone voice.

Stan enjoyed life! He sang and danced. His songs were mainly those of Bing Crosby and he particularly enjoyed the waltz.

With his hearty laugh, twinkling eyes, funny quips and good advice he built strong bonds with co-workers, fellow pilots, and multiple generations of family and friends. He adored his wife, children, his blended family & friends, and they in turn, adored him. Husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend, Stan was a dignified gentleman who served as an excellent role model for all.

Dearly missed and fondly remembered, Stan is survived by his wife of 39 years, Phyllis La Rue, daughter Sandra (Dave) Wilson of Orcas Island, son Rick La Rue of Edmonds. He wove into the fabric of his daily life his blended families and dear friends giving him 10 loving grandchildren and 10 delightful great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who are like family.

A Celebration of Life for this special man will be, Saturday, April 20, 2013, 11:30am at Boeing Field Terminal (King County Airport), 7299 Perimeter Road South, Seattle, WA.

Online Guestbook: www.greenwoodmempark.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Stan’s memory to: Air Traffic Control Scholarship, Green River Comm. College Foundation, 12401 SE 320th St. Auburn, WA 98092.

His time on earth may be finished but he will lovingly remain in our hearts.

His other memberships include: VFW, Elks, Green River Chordcasters, Washington Pilots Association, Civil Air Patrol, and founding member of: WAMCATS (Washington-Alaska Military Cable and Telegraph System).