David Lee Laswell
August 25, 1939 - May 20, 2025
Obituary
David “Lee” Laswell passed away quietly at home on May 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and family, after a courageous four-and-a-half-year battle with bladder cancer.
Lee was born on August 25, 1939, in Alta Vista, Kansas, to Viola and Augusta “Gus” Buerger. After his father’s passing in the early 1940s, Lee met the man he would come to know as his dad—Delbert Laswell—when his mother remarried. With Delbert came two new brothers, Randy and Vernon, and together they became a tight-knit family of five. Lee loved to share stories about their early adventures, moving frequently before eventually settling in the Renton/Seattle area when he was in the 5th grade. He often said those years were some of the best of his life, and he especially looked up to and admired his older brother Randy.
Lee graduated from Highline High School in 1957 and often joked that the school was already old long before his three children graduated from there decades later. Along with his high school friends George Watkins and Dave Lowery, Lee enlisted in the Army after graduation to avoid the draft. He used to say he felt like a “Civilian in military clothing,” reflecting both his humility and humor about his service.
After the Army, Lee took on a variety of jobs and lived in several places—including a stint in California. One of his favorite stories was about driving a car built for then-Princess Elizabeth from the East Coast to California. Eventually, he returned to the Seattle area, where fate led him to a service station—and to Sharron, a beautiful blonde woman who would become the love of his life. Though she initially hesitated to date him (famously saying to her sister that “he’s old like you”), the two shared five New Year’s Eves together before marrying on July 5, 1969. They spent their early years in White Center, welcoming daughters Stacy and Becca and son Danny before settling in the Seahurst/Burien area.
Lee worked hard to provide for his family as a warehouseman. He took pride in his work, often saying he was a “damn good warehouseman”—a sentiment echoed by many who worked alongside him. He was always eager to share his knowledge and help others learn to work smarter, not harder.
Some of Lee’s happiest moments were spent with family and friends—camping, playing cards, attending his kids’ events, dancing with Sharron, celebrating holidays, and making frequent trips to the casino. His life was full of love, adventure, and laughter.
Lee is survived by his beloved wife, Sharron; his children, Stacy (Ryan), Becca, and Danny (Debbie); his grandson, Kyle; his brother Randy (Sheri); and many nieces, nephews, and extended family whom he loved and adored.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Viola, Gus, and Delbert; his brother Vernon; mother-in-law Julia; father-in-law Dick; siblings-in-law Myrt, Rich, and Jim; and several beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends—no doubt already sharing stories and laughter with him once again.
Celebration of life will be at the Tulalip Casino and Resort September 13th 4pm -8pm Chinook 1&2.
In lew of flowers enjoy time with family and friends in his honor.
-
- 0 G[49.9] N[4] od[0][1][3][2] e_f_d_p[85] a_e_f[0] c_p_n[20] FM2 CR0 Prmid2 mxDrkA1.25 mxBrtA1.23 mxPkNSat0.90 dr37.01 br25.03 wdr11.92 wbr12.72 sbr4.47 ldr40.77 lp42.0 [f2] 111011111bfalic 00000
