In Memoriam
Frey, Larry 1914 – 2010
Captain Larry Frey crossed the bar on Dec 10, 2010 at the age of 96. He was born February 27, 1914. At Larry’s death, there was no family or close friends to provide information about Larry’s life but a Bilge Pump article written by the then Rear Commodore in 1988 provides a lot of information and is quoted here:
“You’re going to meet a captain from the ‘far east’ this month - from ‘steel city, USA,’ and that stood for Pittsburgh, PA at one time.
Larry Frey was born in a suburb of Pittsburgh, and while still a youngster, the family moved into the heart of the city. He then attended grammar and high school and then on to the University of Pittsburg to pursue a course in Electrical Engineering. During the last year of college studies, he was recruited by the Department of the Navy for advanced design work in electronics.
Before leaving Pittsburgh for the assignment in Philadelphia, he married Lu, who was then attending Duquesne University. Lu was born in North Carolina and as a baby journeyed with her parents to the Pittsburgh area and settled some 20 miles from Larry’s home. Occasionally in their youth, their paths would cross and in so doing, the stage was set for more social activities to bring them together often.
After two years with the Department of the Navy in Philadelphia, Larry was assigned and transferred to the Puget Sound Naval Radio Materials Office in Bremerton, to pursue further research and development in the Advanced Electronics Field to help the cause of the war in progress.
During his tenure with the Navy, and as a result of the nature of the research activities, acquaintances were formed with others performing similar work at the University of Washington.
At the close of the war (circa 1946), he was approached by the Department of Engineering at the U of W to join the staff. Acceptance was made and he remained a “Husky” faculty member for 31 years until his retirement in 1977.
Larry and Lu were avid boaters, commencing in the 1950’s with small boats and progressing with larger boats until a 36’ Younquist was purchased in 1969. Larry was a Power Squadron member and an Advanced Pilot. He served in Piloting classes, Group Instructor and Supply Officer. In joining the Power Squadron, acquaintances were made with Queen City Yacht Club members and in 1970 the late P/C Orv Lupton sponsored his membership into the club. Boating continued until 1973, when it was interrupted by the necessity of corrective surgery on his spine.
Larry is still active in the Club, presently serving as Wednesday Meeting Night Steward. You’ll always see him picking up a plate or two and coming around to fill the coffee cups of those who want a refill. His second home seems to be our galley where you’ll find him constantly cleaning it and making it shine during one of our many club functions.
Lu is active in Tarettes and works right along with Larry in the various chores and duties, in and around the galley and club premises at our social events too.
Again, the subtle but very visible sign of team work is demonstrated where it counts most – making Queen City the ever friendly, vibrant and “good times” yacht club that it is.
We’re fortunate to have Larry and Lu as part of the team at QCYC. And, if the words that follow just might have any “taint” whatsoever of Larry’s profession – they’re meant to be that way.
More power to both of you!
R/C Doug O’Brien”
Captain Frey joined Queen City in October of 1970. As the above article reports, Larry served as Wine Steward and Meeting Night Steward for many years. His 36’ Youngquist was named “Sea Fly.”
