Laurence Hull Wilson

October 7, 1958 to July 2, 2010

Mere words could not possibly describe the life and character of Laurence Hull Wilson.  He left a strong yet tender and long-lasting impression on everyone he met.  He was 51 years old when he was struck down by an incurable brain tumor known as a glioblastoma multiforme, grade IV.  He battled the tumor for 20 months before it took his life.

The American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for brain and spinal cord tumors in the United States for 2010 indicate:

• About 22,020 malignant tumors of the brain or spinal cord (11,980 in males and 10,040 in females) will be diagnosed.
• About 13,140 people (7,420 males and 5,720 females) will die from these tumors.

Larry was born in Seattle, Washington in 1958.  He was the only child of Jon and Jean Wilson.  His parents were both born in the 1920s and were from the Midwest.  His father had been a Marine during WWII and also worked at The Boeing Company for more than 30 years.  Larry grew up in Burien, Washington.

Larry in Alaska

When Larry was in his early twenties, his mother died from colon cancer.  After his mother’s untimely death, Larry took care of his father until his death in January of 2005.  Larry had worked as a Software Test Engineer at Microsoft.  However, when his father passed away, he left Microsoft to tend to his father’s estate.

Larry was a lifelong learner.  He loved to delve into books about social realism, political science, history, philosophy, and architecture.  He possessed a vast storehouse of knowledge about numerous topics.  He received Bachelors’ Degrees from the University of Washington in History and in Philosophy.

Larry was a gifted photographer and took beautiful photos of a wide variety of topics.  His photos included his beloved cat, Paolo; impromptu as well as professional portraits of friends and family; lush landscapes and wildflowers blooming in the valleys of Mount Rainier.

In 2006, Larry married Mary Krawczak Wilson after a long courtship.  They enjoyed their time together and did a lot of traveling, hiking, gardening, and socializing with friends and family.

Larry embraced life.  He enjoyed traveling to destinations both near and far.  He loved to meet new people and formed many lasting friendships.  He was quite convivial and enjoyed fine wine, great food, and good company.  He was extremely kind, caring, and personable.  He touched so many lives with his wit, charm, compassion, and intellect.  He will be greatly missed.

Larry in Hawaii

Larry was preceded in death by his father Jon Whitcomb Wilson and mother Jean Wilson.  Survived by spouse Mary Krawczak Wilson.  Memorial Service to be held July 18, 2010 at the Wedgwood Community Church, 8201 30^th Ave NE, Seattle, WA  98115.  Donations may be made to the Ben and Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment, 550 17^th Ave, Suite 500, Seattle, WA  98122.