Lawrence Kermit Ladd

Mr. Ladd is survived by one sister Caroline Mahon (Ladd); his first wife Beverly Rae Crome and their four children Lawrence R. Ladd, Nolan A. Ladd, Ralph J. Ladd, Suzanne P. Ladd; and two step-children, Ann Ijas and Christine Ijas. In addition, he leaves behind fourteen grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren.

Lawrence grew up in Goshen, Idaho, the eleventh of twelve brothers and sisters. Life in Goshen back in the 30’s meant hard work with a bit of horse riding and fishing until the 'Great Depression' forced the family to sell the farm and move into nearby Shelley. It was while living in Shelley that Lawrence developed a life long appreciation of motion pictures and music.

In his mid-teens Lawrence left school early and worked a variety of jobs throughout the Pacific Northwest, from gold mining along the Salmon River in Idaho, to bell hopping in Yakima, Washington, to working in a logging camp in the Olympic Mountains of Washington state. Throughout his youth his dream had always been to join and become a member the US Marine Corps.

That dream came true just before the outbreak of the Korean war in 1950 where Lawrence served alongside many other young men to help liberate South Korea. Deciding to make the military his full career Lawrence continued on in the Corps with a focus on building effective teams and learning the lessons of command. His outstanding performance and drive were noted up the chain of command and during the Vietnam conflict Lawrence was selected to join the ranks of commissioned officers, first as a second lieutenant and eventually ending up achieving the rank of Captain. It was in his final stage of active duty that Lawrence was posted in Dong Ha, South Vietnam for thirteen months as the Loading Officer in charge of a key logistical supply point during the height of the conflict.

Life did not stop upon his retirement from active duty in the US Marine Corps. Far from it, for it was in his later years that he branched out to work several heavy construction projects in Oregon, operate a family-run motel in Fairbanks, Alaska, and work as a Transportation Manager at one of the remote construction camps during the completion of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. In his 60’s Lawrence decided to conquer his life-long fear of heights by joining the Mazamas and successfully summiting several peaks in the Cascade Range such as Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and Dog Mountain.

What makes Lawrence unique and so unforgettable though were his steely blue eyes, infectious laugh, abundance of gallows humor, and his close connection with all dogs and small children. Always larger than life, nothing pleased him more than hanging out in local coffee shops to drink multiple shots of espresso; “shoot the breeze" with whoever might drop by; listen to and sing to good music; watch top-notch, albeit sometimes strange movies; travel the world; and learn. Learn about all things that make life worth living.

In accordance with his wishes no funeral services are to be conducted. His entire life was equally filled with much joy and pain, happiness and heartache. His simple request was to leave all the pain and suffering behind.

…..

It matters not how strait the gate

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the Master of my fate

I am the Captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley 1875