Lawrence Alfred Sandell, known to most as Larry and to some as "The Old Man" made his grand exit on Tuesday, June 4th, 2024, in Chambersburg, PA, at the age of 91. Recently of Shippensburg, PA, Larry’s story began on December 14, 1932, in Rochester, WA, when he was born to Alfred and Edith (Strand) Sandell, who probably had no idea what they were in for. Larry is survived by his four wonderfully exasperating children: daughter Larisa Stephens and her saint of a husband Ted of Lexington, VA; sons David and his lovely wife Michelleanne of Salem, NH; Steven and his ever-patient wife Rosita of Columbus, OH; and Michael and his better half Denise of Shippensburg, PA. Larry also leaves behind nine grandchildren who kept him young (or at least tried) and four great-grandchildren who kept him on his toes. His former wives, Betty Jo of Tumwater, WA, and Penelope of Lexington, VA, also survive him, likely sharing amusing and eye-rolling tales of their years with him. Raised on a farm in Rochester, Larry graduated from Rochester High School before joining the United States Air Force, where he served in Japan during the Korean Conflict. There, he forged a lifelong friendship with Gene Sheets, probably by swapping tales taller than Mount Fuji. Post-Air Force, Larry spent over 37 years with the Boeing Company in Renton, WA, working in the wire shop for narrow-body aircraft. He barely missed a day of work, setting an example that his children are still trying to live up to (with mixed results). In retirement, Larry became a world traveler, cruising to Alaska so many times he could have been mistaken for a native, and navigating the Panama Canal just to prove he could. He also ventured to Russia and his parents’ homeland, Finland, in the ’90s, likely leaving a trail of amused locals in his wake. Larry dedicated many years to the Swedish Finn Historical Society in Seattle, WA, making friends and memories, and probably a bit of mischief. A true patron of the arts, Larry held season tickets to the Seattle Opera House, Seattle Repertory Theatre and the ACT. He dabbled in woodworking, creating masterpieces-or at least pieces-in his spare time. His blackberry harvesting skills were highly sought after, but not as much as his famous blackberry pie. Larry’s life was a testament to hard work, wanderlust, and a bawdy sense of humor. He showed us that life is an adventure to be embraced with a grin and a laugh. His extensive collection of socks, underwear and t-shirts will be donated to a local charity. It will take more than one load to get them there. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and stories of his escapades will be told for years to come. Larry’s interment and graveside service with full military honors will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery at Kent, WA on the 9th of August 2024 at 0900. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Larry’s name to the Swedish Finn Historical Society, 1920 Dexter Avenue North, Seattle, Washington 98109. Cheers to you, Larry-may your next adventure be just as epic. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sellersfuneralhome.com.
