Lawrence "Larry" Mades

Larry Mades passed into the arms Jesus, with family by his side, on July 11, 2025, due to complications of Lewy Body Dementia plus COVID.

Larry was born in Everson, WA on February 17,1939 to Phil and Hattie (Berg) Mades. He graduated from Nooksack High School in 1957. He attended WWU and continued his education at South Dakota State University, graduating with a Master of Printing Management degree. Larry married his college sweetheart, Libby Macey, in 1962. Their careers had them move to Illinois and then Colorado. He retired as plant manager from Johnson Printing in Boulder, CO after 30 years. Larry enjoyed his many years working for the Johnson family in a challenging, growing business.

During his younger years Larry worked many jobs, beginning with odd jobs at the family’s Mades Motors business in Everson. Later at Paulson’s Grocery in Everson, he had lots of tasks, his favorite being grocery delivery. In those days groceries were delivered even when no one was home; he just walked in and put things where they belonged. He also spent seven summers working at a cannery in Petersburg, Alaska to pay for college. His last year there, Libby joined him to pull salmon eggs while Larry unloaded salmon or crab and did dock maintenance.

Larry enjoyed being a father. He was involved with his daughter Laurie as she competed with horses in 4H and they often rode the foothills of Boulder County together. Laurie became a pilot and gave her dad many exciting rides. Grandchildren brought new experiences as their family moved to Everson, where school, 4H, and many family trips kept everyone busy.

Larry and Libby enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Faith, family, friends, fun, and travel filled their lives with joy. For 27 years Larry spent many hours on their 20 acres in Colorado tending a few cows, horses, hay, and irrigation. Moving to Washington and being given part of the Berg original homestead added many more productive years maintaining more acreage.

Larry is survived by his wife Libby, daughter Laurie (husband Thomas) Swartwood, grandsons Alexander and Zachary Swartwood, brothers Richard “Dick” (wife Ronnie) Mades of Battleground, WA, and John (wife Marilyn) Mades of Issaquah, WA, plus many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, September 5, 2025 at Nooksack Valley Reformed Church, 602 E 2nd St. Nooksack, WA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity or the Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center.