Larry Eugene Arko

Larry Eugene Arko, age 78, passed away peacefully and comfortably while watching the Mariners on Sunday, July 17^th in Ferndale, WA. He was born to Dan and Vave Arko in Bellingham, WA on July 20, 1943.  Larry graduated from Ferndale High School in 1961 and attended Bellingham Technical College before operating heavy equipment at construction sites across the state and numerous local refineries. He married his wife of 49 years, Renee Riley on June 4^th, 1973 in Bellingham, WA. Larry is survived by his daughter Pam (Brad), his son Chad (Jenn), 8 grandkids (Rob, Cassey, Dylan, Bailey, Brayden, Blake, Emma and Paige) and 11 great grandchildren (Brayden, Henry, Kallie, Waylon, Audrey, Hudson, Charlee, Jackson, Jaxon, Frankie and Cody). He also is survived by his sister Dee as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Larry worked many years in construction for Nelson and IMCO Construction companies as well as NW and Sicklesteel Cranes.  He lived in Custer and Ferndale, WA all his life while enjoying the great outdoors. Some of his hobbies included: playing softball with Pottle Construction for 22 years, golfing with his buddies, fishing for holigans on the Nooksack River, picking morel mushrooms in the woods and barbecuing for the family. Larry’s favorite pastime was the game of baseball with his favorite team being the LA Dodgers.

A graveside service will be held Monday, July 25, 2022 at Enterprise Cemetery at 11:00 AM with a Celebration of Life following at the Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road starting at 1:00 PM. Family suggests memorial contributions be donated to Whatcom County Hospice and local Heart Association.