Lawrence Lee Blank

1932-2024

Larry's life story is one of redemption. Growing up on the streets of downtown Seattle, he learned early on to get himself a hustle. His first hustle was an honest one: shining shoes for servicemen hitting the bars on First Avenue during World War II. Soon, however, his hustles turned darker, including auto theft and check forgery. He was not violent, never carried a weapon, but got himself sent to reform school and later was imprisoned at Shelton, Monroe, Walla Walla, and a penitentiary in Oklahoma. During this "career" Larry overindulged in every drug, legal or illegal, that made him feel good, including alcohol, coke, pot, and speed. Later he said it was alcoholism that led him to commit most of his offenses.

Larry straightened out in his thirties and got work as a cook and food preparer. He went to sea several times as a ship's cook, still drinking heavily. About 1971-72 a ship he was supposed to have been on vanished without a trace in the North Pacific. Larry took this as a sign. He quit drinking, joined Alcoholics Anonymous, and eventually enrolled in Father Royce's substance abuse counseling course at Seattle University.

After completing the course, Larry looked for work in the field. He was hired in Petersburg, Alaska, and spent 7 years there, making many friends. He had a weekly 15-minute radio program on substance abuse and was elected to the City Council. Coming back home, he went to work as a counselor at King County's North Rehabilitation Center and retired from there. He was proud of being clean and sober for 52 years, and got a 50-year pin from AA.

Larry's parents, Albert and Leta (Wenala) died before him, as did his wife Robbie; siblings Don Blank, Bill Blank, and Sandra Hines; and stepgranddaughter Sheryl Roberts. He is survived by stepson Brian Roberts (Lenore); stepgrandchildren Raji Martineau, Edward Roberts, John Roberts, and CPO Jordan Atwood USN; and nieces and cousins.

Special thanks go to Larry's friends and neighbors who helped him in his old age, including Catherine, Crystal, Ruth Ellen, Marty, Linda, and Melody.