Lawrence Phillip Sorenson Jr.

Lawrence Phillip Sorenson, Jr. December 30, 1940 - August 4, 2012 Larry, 71, passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He was preceded in death by his father Lawrence P. Sorenson, and daughter Abigail Sorenson. Larry is survived by his wife Marie, his daughter Elizabeth Bande, his son Abe Sorenson, his mother Joy Sorenson, his sisters Julie Gillett, Barbara Sorenson, Mary Mast, Ann Frantz, numerous grand-children, nieces and nephews. A Michigan native, Larry graduated from the Univ. of Iowa (BA 1967), Howard Univ. (MSW 1969), and City Univ. (MBA 1983). Larry devoted his life to social justice, beginning in the late 1960's helping register voters in the South. Numerous experiences inspired him to pursue a career in the mental health field. He moved to Puyallup in 1977, and was Assistant Executive Director of Comprehensive Mental Health Center in Tacoma for 26 years, providing clinical treatment to those in need. Larry's love of the natural world was evident in his enjoyment of gardening, camping, hiking, running, swimming, biking, skiing, kayaking and travel. He was an accomplished marathoner and Ironman triathlete, as well as a Torchbearer for the Olympic Flame Torch Relay in 2002. He and his wife Marie were active in All Saints Parish. A memorial mass followed by reception will be held Saturday, August 11, 2012, at 11am at All Saints Parish. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Saints Parish Food Bank.