Lawrence (Larry) Sanford Stokes

Larry Stokes passed away October 12, 2023, at the age of 84. Larry was born January 4, 1939 to Lorenzo and Lela Cook in Tremonton, Utah. After losing both of his parents at the age of 7, he and his two younger siblings were adopted by Verl and Louie (Cook) Stokes. Larry spent his youth in Tremonton before joining the United States Navy on February 2, 1956 at the age of 17.

Larry spent the early years of his career as a U.S. Navy deep-sea diver, spending time in Vietnam during the heat of the war. He attended Basic Training at U.S. Naval Recruit Training Command San Diego. Upon completion of Basic Training, he reported to U.S. Naval Training Center, San Diego. He then reported to the following Commands: Balboa Naval Hospital, San Diego; Camp Pendleton, CA; U.S. Marine Corps Supply Center, Barstow, CA; U.S. Naval School, Diving and Salvage, Washington D.C.; USS NEREUS; USS SPERRY; Naval Propellant Plant, Indian Head, MD; U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor; USS CHANTICLEER; Harbor Clearance Unit ONE; U.S. Naval Torpedo Station, Keyport and USS DIXON. After 20 years of diving the world over and specializing in the medical aspects of deep-sea diving Larry retired from Naval Service. While stationed in Keyport, Washington, Larry fell in love with Kitsap County. His dream of retiring here came true after his final Navy stint on the U.S.S. DIXON out of San Diego.

After retiring from the Navy, Larry researched what services were missing in the Bremerton area. He found there were no auctioneers and, in March of 1974, Larry enrolled in the Western College of Auctioneering at Billings, Montana. Two weeks later, after learning the basics of auctioneering, Stokes Auction Service was born. Despite the business not being profitable in the early stages, Larry remained determined. He enrolled at Olympic College where he earned his GED, and a Associates Degree, all while continuing to develop the auction business. In 1974, Larry purchased and moved his family and business to what we all know now as “Auction Acres.” His determination paid off and the rest is history. With over three generations of the Stokes family in the auction business, Stokes Auction Service conducted thousands of auctions and supported multiple charitable organizations. Next year, Stokes Auction will celebrate its 50th anniversary, a milestone of which Larry was very proud.

Finally, after retiring from the auction business in 2000, Larry spent more time with his taxidermy trade. He took up taxidermy in the 1990’s as a way of paying for his hunting avocation. His favorite destination was his hunting lodge near his hometown of Tremonton, Utah which he visited frequently. He could not wait to take his 4-wheeler to the “Eye in the Sky.”

Throughout Larry’s life he was passionate about supporting the Kitsap County community. He did so through many avenues from political pursuits, volunteering, and active fundraising. Larry was first elected to the Kitsap County Port Board of Commissioners in 1979, serving for 10 years. In 2008 and 2014, he was re-elected to the Port Board of Commissioners, announcing in 2019 he would not seek another term. In addition, he donated his time to service charity auctions, acting as the master of ceremonies at the Fathom’s of Fun parade, and driving his Clydesdale and buggy through the streets of Port Orchard to kick off the holiday season dressed as Santa Claus. Larry was recognized on several occasions for his support of the community, including being named Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce 1989-1990 “Man of the Year” and the “Grand Marshall” of the 2018 Fathoms of Fun Parade.

Larry enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and pets. He loved decorating their property for the community to enjoy over the holidays. This is a tradition that will be continued by Stokes Auction and Shirley Stokes.

Larry married Patricia Anne Hughes in February 1959. They had a son Jeff and daughter Jackie and were married 12 years prior to her passing in 1971. Larry married Shirley in 1973, who also had two children, a daughter LeAnn and son Paul. Larry and Shirley marked their 50th wedding anniversary in August 2023 with a big celebration attended by family and friends.

Larry is survived by his wife Shirley, son Jeff (Kelly), daughters LeAnn (Mark) and Jackie (Gary), brother Leland, sister Carolyn, 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and his beloved goldendoodle Maggie. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patricia, and son Paul.

In his 84 years, Larry impacted countless lives and truly made a difference. We will all miss Larry’s big heart, his sea stories, and all the love he had for life, his family, friends, and animals. His legacy will live on through all of us that love him. As per Larry’s wishes he will be cremated and laid to rest in a few of his favorite places.