Lawrence Paul (Larry) Bannister

Lawrence Paul “Larry” Bannister, 82, lifetime Upper County resident, passed away at his home on Sunday, October 16, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Laurel Hill Memorial Park in Cle Elum.

Larry was born on June 21, 1940 in Roslyn, Washington, the youngest of three children born to George & Olga (Kuchin) Bannister.  He grew up in Roslyn and graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1958.  He married DeLiela “Snookie” Juris on August 5, 1958 and they made their home in Cle Elum.

Larry began his career in logging in 1961, starting his career by setting chokers.  Throughout his years in the woods, Larry worked most jobs on the ground except falling trees.  He had many great stories to share of his time working in the Teanaway, Meadowcreek and Lake Kachees. In recognition of his contributions to the timber industry of the Upper County, Larry was honored at the High Country Log Show as the 2019 “Bull of the Woods”.

In 1980, Larry left logging and went back to his family roots of carpentry, working as a carpenter until his retirement.  Even in retirement, Larry still worked with wood and built everything from keepsake boxes to cutting boards and jewelry boxes.

Larry enjoyed hunting, camping and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Whether it was fixing a fence or repairing some sort of household gadget, Larry was very unselfish with his time and would lend a hand to others when they needed it.  He also enjoyed taking road trips with his son Greg and daughter in law Dora.  He also loved spending time in front of a slot machine.

Larry is survived by his son Greg (Dora) Bannister of Cle Elum; daughter Tammy (Josh) Tash of Selah; grandchildren Brad (Jessie) Bannister of Spokane and Mallory (Tim) Klees of Kennewick; great-grandchildren Gage, Kody and Hudson as well as his sister Evelyn Johnson of Iowa and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife DeLiela, son Doug and sister Barbara.

Memorial contributions in Larry’s honor are suggested to Hearts & Hands of Kittitas County (formerly Hospice Friends), 302 E. Second Ave., Ellensburg, WA 98926

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for Mr. Bannister and his family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com