Lawrence Eugene Thomas was born December 8, 1931 in York, Pennsylvania to Lawrence Elsworth Thomas & Lillian Martin Thomas. He passed away August 2, 2019 in Port Townsend, WA at the age of 87.
Larry earned a Bachelor of Science in composition in 1954 from the Juilliard School, after which he worked for a while at Schirmer’s Music Store in New York. He returned to school, teaching music at, and receiving his MFA from Brandeis University. Later, Larry received a Master’s in Library Science from Columbia University. Over the years, Larry worked at various University Libraries in the US and Canada, including Simon Fraser University, British Columbia. In 1980 he became the Head Librarian at Seattle University. His accomplishments at Seattle U were many, and on his retirement, he was granted the honorary title of Librarian Emeritus acknowledging his noteworthy and distinguished contributions to the University.
After retiring in 1994 he and Julia moved to Port Townsend where he returned to his creative roots, composing music, writing poetry, and creating art.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Julia C. Owens. He is survived by his son Morgan Thomas (Nora), his grand-children Lauren, Spencer, Harry & Lil, his stepdaughters
Cassie & Letha Owens, and his dear friend Rusela de Villena. The family would like to thank his care-giver, Myresia Jordan, whose presence made it possible for Larry to remain in the home that he loved.
No services are planned at this time. Memorial Donations can be made to the Jefferson County Humane Society, www.hsjcwa.org/in-memory-of.
