Larry Edlen, founder of Island Glass and Glazing on San Juan Island, died peacefully in Redmond, Wash., on Sept. 29. He was 83.
Lawrence Monroe Edlen was born in Sabula, Iowa on May 23, 1926. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 16 and served from 1942-46. He met his wife, Pat, at a dance while stationed in Seattle.
After the war, Larry and Pat settled in Seattle and Larry made his living first as a glazier and later as an electrician. They bought vacation property on Cady Mountain in 1971 and built a cabin there. They moved to the island full-time in 1981 and Larry opened Island Glass and Glazing.
Larry enjoyed his beautiful property and garden on San Juan Island and shared it with many friends and relatives. He always made everyone feel special and at home during their visits, taking them fishing and hiking, and cooking them wonderful meals.
They moved back to the mainland in 1992 but enjoyed returning as often as possible to visit family and friends.
Larry is survived by his wife, Pat, of Redmond; daughter, Lauri Heath of Redmond; son, Chris Edlen of Friday Harbor; daughter, April Edlen-LaLande of North Bend; granddaughter, Mariah Heath-Waldher and great-grandson Miller Waldher of Kirkland; brother, David Edlen of Arlington; two sisters and a brother in California, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Larry’s hobbies included boating, fishing, gardening and landscaping; he was an avid rock hound, collecting and sculpting stones into beautiful lapidary and jewelry pieces.
Larry’s wishes were that no memorial or funeral services be held. His family will have a private memorial on San Juan Island.
— Family of Larry Edlen