Obituary: Dicus, Lawrence Arthur “Larry”
Age 90
He was born February 16, 1923, the second of two children of Paul and Ruthe (Lythell) Dicus, in Spokane WA.
He graduated from North Central High School Class of 41/42.
His father was the director of the Boy Scout Camp Cowles on Diamond Lake.
He spent every summer there for 13 years and had many adventures.
He earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was crew on a B-17 protecting the Washington DC area during WWII, while stationed at Andrews A.F.B.
He enjoyed skating, and met his wife of 66 years Bella (Knoppel) Dicus in Maryland through this.
After the war, they were married in Spokane on July 20, 1946 and had two children, Ronald and Shirley.
Larry returned to his job at Galena, now Fairchild Air Force Base.
He later worked for Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone for 36 years.
He was active in the Telephone Pioneers, an employees volunteer service organization.
He and Bella were avid square dancers for many years, belonging to several local clubs.
Dad continued his interest in the outdoors through boat and kayak building, and the family camped at many area lakes.
He was creative and designed the house they lived in.
He built the stone wall and designer fence around it from re-purposed old telephone poles.
The yard became a certified Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary as their interest in birds grew into a passion.
They were members of the Spokane and National Audubon Society.
He also was a member of Unity Church and Eagles Aerie Number 2.
After retirement, Larry and Bella enjoyed travel in their camper trailer, were members of the Good Sam’s Club and visited most of the United States enjoying sunshine, square dancing, relatives and birds.
They had a small dog, Tappy, who added to their adventures.
Later in life, Dad was joined by a Havanese named Pogo, who he called Hobo.
Hobo was a one person dog and Dad was it.
Hobo gave Dad lots of pleasure.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Maxine (Dicus) Savas.
He is survived by his wife Bella of Spokane WA; his children Ronald (Diane) Dicus and Shirley Dicus of Spokane; eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
A Funeral Service and reception will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 1:00 PM followed by Military Honors and burial at Washington State Veterans Cemetery, 21707 W. Espanola Rd., Medical Lake, WA.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Spokane Audubon Society, P.O.
Box 9820, Spokane, WA 99209-9820.