Larry Donald Partridge, 78, the loving husband of his wife, Nancy, died away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at his home in La Conner.

Larry was born on October 29, 1936 in Spokane to Donald and Charlotte Smith Partridge. He had a lifelong love of flying, which was inspired at a young age by his mother, Charlotte, who was a stunt pilot in her early 20s.

He joined the Air Force at age 17, becoming a flight engineer and later earned his pilot’s license through Kenmore Air. Larry flew as a bush pilot throughout Alaska in his early years, leading to a commercial career with the Flying Tigers. He would go on to have a colorful legacy as a Tiger, with trips to every corner of the world and carrying every cargo imaginable including Shamu, the killer whale.

Larry’s compassion led him to volunteer as a civilian pilot during the end of the Vietnam conflict, completing 52 “Mercy Rice Lift” missions to help the South Vietnamese. Later, he would receive a personal call from President Ronald Reagan, thanking him for his courageous service.

He was also an avid fisherman and loved to take trips with his friends and family on the Puget Sound.

Larry is survived by his wife, Nancy; three sons, Scott and daughter-in-law Libby of La Conner, Aaron of La Conner and Stephen and daughter-in-law Wendy of Kettle Falls; his grandchildren, Nolan, Chelsea St. John and Adam St. John; his sister and nephew, Lesley and Chad Martin of Hailey, Idaho and his beloved cat, Maui.

At his request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local animal shelter. Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Larry, please sign the online guest register at http://www.evanschapel.com.