Larry Joe Luchi

Larry Joe Luchi, age 75, of Bellingham, passed away Monday Oct. 28, 2013 at the Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham. Larry was born June 9, 1938 in Cut Bank, Montana to parents Amerigo and May (Omsberg) Luchi. Larry entered the Navy at the age of 16; he served on the USS Floyd County, a Minesweeper. He worked in the engine room, and once saved the ship from sinking while double checking a value that someone left open. The engine room would’ve flooded had it not been for his quick thinking and thoroughness. Larry was a truck driver, an amateur race car driver, a self-employed mechanic specializing in head and valve reconditioning. He drove truck for over 50 years, retiring at the age of 70. Larry hauled everything from shakes and shingles, to boats, monster trucks and everything in between. He primarily drove between Bellingham and Seattle, but went on several long haul trips to places like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida and Arizona. He was a good Christian man who loved to go to the Skagit Speedway, loved to sing and play his guitar, but most of all loved to spend time with his family and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his sister Darlene who fought a long brave battle with cancer, his brother Dave who passed away Nov. 8, 2013 from complications of Alzheimer’s and Kidney Failure. He did not have children of his own, but had 4 stepchildren; Julie from a previous marriage, Jeff, Randy and Matt from his 28 year marriage to Judy. Four brothers and sisters, Delbert, Dave, Ray and Elaine.