Larry Spohn
Larry was born in Giessen, Germany, in 1948, and at age 8, arrived in the United States with his mom and grandparents. Larry didn’t speak English when he got to the US, but his family made it a priority that he learn. Larry applied for and was granted US citizenship. Larry graduated from Lakes High School in Lakewood, Washington, in 1966, and then he became a free spirit with long hair, a beard, and a motorcycle.
He started his first career in High School as a mechanic and continued that until he was hired by Pierce County Fire District 15 on 10/01/1980. Larry had been a volunteer for the Town of Eatonville and PCFD#15 since 1977. Larry began dating Patty in March of 1975 and they were married on December 31st, 1975. Larry and Patty have 4 children, Cindy Werner, Rob Spohn, Susie Olsen, and Mari who was tragically taken from them at the age of 13. They also have 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Besides Firefighting and his family, Larry was an avid outdoorsman. Larry could be found on his boat in Sekiu May through September and October through November; he would be in the woods chasing grouse, turkeys, elk or deer. Larry and Patty spent the last several years together traveling and seeing the sights as full-time RV Travelers. They loved history, and together they would visit museums and historical sights just for the experience.
Larry Spohn was a firefighter’s chief; he loved to train and lead firefighters, but more than that, he loved the firefighters he led. Larry worked tirelessly to ensure the members below him were taken care of. Larry had a way of making the days short; he laughed and joked, but you knew what was expected of you. Larry didn’t demand respect; he earned it, and he gave it back. Larry, on more than one occasion, put his career on the line to stand up for his subordinates and ensure that the firefighters he led were taken care of. After a 34-year career, Larry retired on April 1st, 2013, as Assistant Chief in charge of training. A few months later, Larry was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis and would fight to spend every moment making memories with those he loved for nearly 8 years before passing on 10/16/2022, surrounded by loved ones.