Larry Stanley (Age 97)

Born Lawrence Alvin Stanley on June 11, 1928 in Oakesdale, WA to Zina (Zeke) Stanley and Margaret Graham Stanley. He died August 7, 2025 in Spokane under the loving care of Judy Wanjiru at her Adult Family Home. He grew up during the Great Depression and credits his upbringing there for shaping his work ethic. Larry was the youngest of five and outlived all of his brothers and sisters. He grew up very poor where allowances did not exist in his family so at an early age, he learned you have to work hard to move yourself forward.

His father died when Larry was 15 years old. At the age of 16, he moved with his mother and sister to Spokane to seek more opportunities. He graduated from John Rogers High School where he met his future bride, Beverley Kivett. After marriage, Larry connected with the 560th Air National Guard Band and served for 4 years including a year on reserve during the Korean conflict.

Stanley was a recognized leader in the industrial hardware industry and started two fastener distributorships. The first partnership lasted 10 years but his second one, Empire Bolt & Screw continues today under the ownership of his son, Ron. Stanley was elected as the charter President of the Western Association of Fastener Distributors in 1982-83. He also served on the National Fastener Distributor Association board (1981-84) and was humbled to be elected to the National Industrial Fastener Show Hall of Fame in 1991.

Outside the fastener industry, Stanley was active in many civic causes and organizations. He led the repeal of the City B & O tax in the 70’s. His many leadership roles in the community include: Past President of the local council of Boy Scouts as well as Junior Achievement; Chairman of the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce as well as the Chair of the statewide chamber of commerce, Association of Washington Business. He was a 40+ year member of Downtown (Club 21) Rotary and enjoyed his Thursday night dinners with fellow Prosperity Club members.

A story on Larry Stanley would not be complete without also sharing how music played such an important role in his life. Indeed, playing professionally helped sustain him in the early days as he worked regular jobs during the day and entertained audiences at night with his jazz bands. He treasured his Fridays volunteering to play in the jazz band for the Day Out for the Blind. He enjoyed playing with his fellow talented musicians and loved all the staff and attendees every Friday.

Stanley is preceded in death by his 4 siblings, Ed Stanley, Thelma Russell (Oakesdale), Al Stanley, and Evelyn Morelli (CA). Also preceding him was his daughter, Cynthia Stanley Brookes. He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Beverley Kivett Stanley, sons Ron (Heidi) and Jon (Shauna), granddaughter Laura Goetsch (Adam) and grandson, Jameson Stanley, and great grandson, Paul Goetsch, all of Spokane. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces and their families.

A celebration of his life will occur in the early Fall. In lieu of flowers, gifts to any of the following organizations are suggested:

- Salvation Army of Spokane

- Union Gospel Mission of Spokane

- The Innovia Community Foundation -Oakesdale Community Endowment Fund

- Hillsdale College (Michigan) -Larry & Bev Stanley Endowed Scholarship Fund

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pacific NW Cremation. Please visit PNWCremation.com for service details.