Lawrence Wayne Stinson

Lawrence "Larry" Wayne Stinson 1947 - 2016 Our Beloved Friend, Artist and "Man of the Woods" left us peacefully on February 13, 2016. Larry was born in Bethesda, MD to Lawrence and Sinie Stinson. He grew up in the Washington, DC area, where he loved to garden with his mom, and hike and whittle with his dad. Larry was a veteran. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed on Okinawa during the Vietnam War. In 1979, he moved west with his dear friends and settled at the end of Brisky Canyon outside of Cashmere, WA, where he built his home. A printer by trade, Larry worked in the printing industry in Washington, DC and for many years in Wenatchee, until he retired. Larry was an avid gardener, lover of music and artist. He was renowned throughout the valley for his salsa making, pickled green beans, smoked cheese and salmon. He exhibited his wood and antler carvings at Leavenworth Art in the Park, where he met and made many dear friends. His unique carvings have found homes throughout the northwest and beyond, reflecting the portrait and the spirit of the man who carved them. He was most at home surrounded by trees and hiking trails. As a talented carver, he had a gift for finding the spirit that lived in the wood he worked with. The "Legend of the Tree Spirit" says the carved piece would bring a special wisdom, joy, peace and love to the recipient. Larry lived that legend. Larry's peaceful nature, gentle wisdom, and love for life were very apparent in his last year - he faced the many physical and emotional challenges of his illness with amazing grace, acceptance and a sense of humor, often giving those around him courage and hope. His gift to those who loved him was unconditional love, complete acceptance and his generosity of spirit and self. Larry left us much too soon, but we are all better people for having him in our lives. He leaves behind a group of loving and dedicated close friends and family who will miss him terribly. Larry is survived by his daughter, Adrian Sanchez; step-daughter, Deanna Ackerman; step-son, Richard Zastoupil; Brian and Lynett Robertson, whom he loved like his own; Justin and Amanda Malloy, his beloved "second family"; his honorary "wives" Kate Brantner and Mimi Keller, who faithfully looked after him and protected him, while loving him dearly; his soul brother and best friend, Joe Duffy and his wife, Janet; Mimi's husband, Roger Knutsen; Kate's husband, Jack Brantner, and daughter, Mary; the entire Brinckerhoff family; Bruce Robertson and Sas Alford; Brian's wife, Melissa and their three children; the Watson family from Snohomish; his extended Brisky Canyon Family and many dear friends. If you wish to remember Larry with a non-profit donation, he was a partner in originating Cancer Care of North Central Washington and believed in their cause. Donations can be sent to Cancer Care of NCW, 1708 Castlerock Avenue, Wenatchee 98801.

Lawrence Wayne Stinson

June 9, 1947 - February 13, 2016