Larry & Linda Schwab

A memorial service will be held for Larry and Linda Schwab on Saturday, September 22, 2001 3:00PM; Messiah Lutheran Church 805 Fourth St. NE, Auburn WA. Donations may be given to the ''Larry and Linda Schwab memorial fund'' at any Key Bank, or in their name to a charity of choice.

The following was published in the September 14, 2001 issue of the Seattle Times:

Larry and Linda Schwab, both 50, of Seattle

Stooped over rows of strawberries, Larry and Linda Schwab met in the fields of the Auburn Valley. They became sweethearts, then husband-and-wife, then parents soon after that.

''It was love at first sight, and they were together ever since,'' said their son, David Schwab of Auburn.

Larry Schwab would have turned 51 yesterday. He enjoyed spending time with family, and was dedicated to his job as lead supervisor at Seattle-based Preferred Building Contractors.

''He was always doing something related to the job,'' said his brother, Steve Schwab of Auburn.

After graduating from high school in 1969, he attended Green River Community College and then ran his family's restaurant, the Ancient Mariner in Auburn, which the family since sold.

Linda Schwab grew up in Seattle. While still a high-school student, she went to work in 1969 at the phone company which later became Qwest.

''She worked at the phone company for 31 years, and she never missed a day of work,'' said her son.

Whatever she did, she did with flair, faithfully attending her son's softball games and grandson's soccer games. She went to every Husky game she could, sporting a purple and gold dress and dangly football earrings.

The couple spent much time with their 11-year-old grandson, Brandon Schwab. ''They lived for their grandchild,'' said Steve Schwab.

Besides his son, grandson and brother, Larry Schwab is survived by brothers Roger Schwab of Sunnyside and Mike Preston of Federal Way; mother Mary Schwab of Auburn; father Ray Boob of Wenatchee, and stepfather Jerry Schwab of Vacaville, Calif.

Linda Schwab is survived by her brother, Mike; sisters Pat and Bonnie; and mother, Sara, all of Seattle. ? Gina Kim