Larry Allen Weis

In Loving Memory of Larry Allen Weis May 17, 1953 – July 15, 2025 Larry Allen Weis of Ephrata, WA, passed away peacefully in the early hours of July 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife, Debbie, and cherished daughter, Autumn. He was 72 years old. Born on May 17, 1953, in Walla Walla, WA, Larry was the youngest son of Thelbert "Bob" and Emma Lou Weis (Mitchell). Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Richland, where Bob worked as an electrician at Hanford and Emma Lou taught elementary school. Larry graduated from Richland High School—proudly known as a Richland Bomber—with the class of 1971. After high school, Larry embarked on a cross-country road trip that sparked a lifelong love of adventure. Upon his return, he earned his Associate’s Degree from Columbia Basin Community College and soon after headed to Alaska, where he worked in a logging camp. He later returned to Washington and joined the Carpenters Union, becoming a skilled Journeyman Carpenter. But his passion for following in his father’s footsteps eventually led him to Perry Technical Institute in Yakima, WA, where he trained to become a Journeyman Electrician. While in Yakima, Larry met the love of his life, Debbie Smith—whom he affectionately called “Cupcake.” From the moment they met, Larry embraced fatherhood with open arms, instantly becoming a devoted dad to Debbie’s young daughter, Autumn. In 1985, Larry began his long career with Grant County PUD and moved his family to Wanapum Village, where he quickly became a beloved figure in the community. Known for his easygoing spirit and big heart, Larry made life an adventure for neighborhood kids—whether it was opening the “Pink Building” gym for late-night basketball or towing a boat to the river for spontaneous beach trips. Larry and Debbie were married on October 1, 1988, beginning a journey of love, laughter, and shared joy. He was welcomed into the close-knit Smith family, gaining four brothers—Jim, Tom, Rob, and Scott—with whom he shared countless fishing trips, backyard barbecues, and legendary family gatherings. Affectionately known by many as “Big Guy,” Larry was larger than life in both presence and personality. Over the years, he answered to many loving nicknames—Big Lar, Lovin’ Lar, and of course, Big Guy—each one reflecting the warmth, humor, and heart he shared with everyone around him. In 1995, the family relocated to Ephrata, WA, though Larry’s heart remained tied to the river. After a brief stint at the Ephrata Electric Shop, he returned to Wanapum Dam, where he worked as a Hydro Electrician until his retirement in 2015. Larry's soul came alive in the great outdoors. Whether he was fall fishing in Lewiston with Debbie’s brothers or beach camping with family on Lake Roosevelt, he was happiest on the water, with a fishing rod in hand and the sun on his face. Music was another lifelong passion—Larry was a self-taught guitarist and songwriter, often serenading loved ones around the campfire with his original songs. To those who knew him, music wasn’t just a hobby; it was his love language. In 2010, Larry became a proud bonus grandfather when his daughter Autumn married Michael Dietrich, bringing Gracelyn Goode into the family. In 2011, Larry's joy multiplied with the birth of his grandson, Trevor. The bond between Larry and Trevor was extraordinary—more than grandfather and grandson, they were inseparable best friends who filled their years together with laughter, adventures, and unforgettable memories. In May 2019, just days before his 66th birthday, Larry was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. True to his nature, he faced this journey with courage, optimism, and a heart full of love. Though the disease slowly took his memories, his family held on tightly to every story, every song, and every smile. Alzheimer’s is often called the “long goodbye,” and now Larry’s journey is complete—his soul is at peace, his spirit free, and his memory eternal. Larry is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 37 years, Debbie Weis; his daughter Autumn (Michael) Dietrich; his grandchildren Gracelyn (Andrew) Goode and Trevor Dietrich; brothers-in-law Rob (Raven) Smith and Scott (Shantel) Smith; and nieces and nephews, David Weis, Tina Gouge (Weis), Greg (Lisa) Smith, Heidi (Brandon) Burns, Kristal (Stihles) Clark, Gunner Smith, Lila Smith, and Colt Smith. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, beginning with a graveside service at 11 a.m. at the Ephrata Cemetery, followed by a family-hosted reception at the home of Autumn and Michael Dietrich. All who knew and loved Larry are welcome to attend and share in the remembrance of a life so beautifully lived. Larry Weis was a loving husband, devoted father, joyful grandfather, and friend to all. His legacy of kindness, music, adventure, and deep-rooted love lives on in everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

Tributes

Larry Allen Weis

May 17, 1953 - July 15, 2025