Larry Coupal

born

Joseph Laurent Aime Coupal

September 22, 1926 – March 31, 2025

Larry Coupal lived his life as a true adventurer — a man of intellect, spirit, and boundless heart. He believed in people, in possibility, and in the simple goodness of a life well lived.

Larry was born on September 22, 1926, in the small farming town of Montmartre, Saskatchewan, Canada — the second eldest of ten children raised by Adele Lafontaine and Engelbert Coupal. Even as a boy, the wide-open fields could barely contain his curiosity about the world beyond.

That spirit of exploration carried him far. His path led him to the University of British Columbia, the University of Portland, and even across the Atlantic to the University of Toulouse in France, where he earned a degree in Social Work. It was at the University of Portland where his greatest adventure began — when he met Sally Ann Bowen, the woman who would become his wife, his partner, and his best friend. Together, they built a marriage that lasted more than 60 years — a life filled with laughter, devotion, and the raising of two children: Melissa Coupal Howard and Renee Coupal Smith.

Larry’s life was never about one thing — it was about everything. At one time, he pursued the priesthood, but his true calling led him toward education, social work, and entrepreneurship. He wore many hats in his life: Lumber jack ,social worker, teacher, businessman. Whether running apartment buildings, managing a laundromat, or helping someone in need, Larry brought a sense of integrity, curiosity, and kindness to everything he touched.

He was a man of deep faith — not bound by dogma, but open to the wisdom and beauty found in all beliefs. A true student of life, Larry believed that the world had endless lessons to offer, and he never stopped learning.

Larry was also a fierce and quiet advocate for justice. He believed in democracy not as an abstract idea but as a living, breathing force for good. He gave his support to the ACLU, PBS, Democratic candidates, and countless civil rights causes — always believing that ordinary people, when given a voice, could change the world.

Adventure ran through Larry’s veins. Over the course of his life, he lived in places as varied as British Columbia and Quebec Canada, Toulouse France ,Alaska, Washington, Tampa, Palm Harbor Clearwater Florida and Rosemead California . Later in life, he accomplished one of his proudest feats — walking the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile pilgrimage across the Pyrenees and eucalyptus forests of Spain and France. It was a perfect reflection of who he was: resilient, curious, and always ready to take the next step into the unknown.

Florida eventually became home for Larry and Sally — moving from Quebec to be close to Sally’s family and the warm breezes they loved. But no matter where he lived, Larry’s true center was always his family. He gave of himself freely, supporting anyone who reached out for help. His greatest joy came from watching his family grow — from his daughters Melissa and Renee, to his beloved granddaughters Chelsea Smith, and Zoe and Sophia Howard, who brought him endless pride and happiness.

After Sally’s passing, Larry found his way back to another of his great loves: the Pacific West Coast. From his home, he marveled at the snow-capped mountains and the endless shimmer of the Pacific Ocean — daily reminders of the vast and beautiful world he had spent a lifetime exploring.

Larry Coupal’s legacy isn’t measured in the places he traveled or the degree he earned. It lives in the way he made others feel — welcomed, encouraged, believed in. It lives in the kindness he showed to every stranger, the wisdom he quietly shared with his family, and the spirit of adventure he never lost.

He leaves behind a world made better by his journey, and a family determined to carry his spirit forward — open-hearted, open-minded, and endlessly hopeful that democracy will prevail.

Larry’s spirit also lives on through those who loved him. He is survived by his daughters Melissa Coupal Howard and Renee Coupal Smith; his sons-in-laws Jason Smith and Scott Howard; his grandchildren Chelsea Smith, and Zoe and Sophia Howard; his sisters Denise Coupal and Marcie Gaw; and his many nieces and nephews who adored him.

A celebration of Larry’s remarkable life will be held in Manhattan Beach, CA, and New Port Richey, FL, with dates to be announced. We will gather to tell his stories, to laugh, and to honor a life that was truly extraordinary.