Laurence Holmes Ransom

Laurence (Laurie) Holmes Ransom, 81, passed away peacefully on Jan 2nd, 2018 at his home in Seattle, WA.  He was born in Chico, CA to Harold and Margareta Ransom.

Laurie Ransom was a passionate, strong and charismatic man with a bigger than life presence whose first loves were music and entertaining.  His diverse interests and wide-ranging talents, as well as his “can do” attitude, served to enrich his many careers and hobbies over his lifetime.

At 18 years of age Laurie volunteered to serve in the US Army where he became a chaplain’s assistant.  While in the Army he married Donna Gorham and together they began a music career, serving in Christian Music Ministry as choral and youth directors.  This profession took them to Alaska, Washington and Oregon.

After his work in the Christian Music Ministry, Laurie spent several years in the Country Club Management Industry where he worked as Greens Manager at the Shadow Hills Country Club in Oregon, Assistant Manager for the Seattle Tennis Club, and Manager of the Ocean Shores Community Club.

Still driven by his passion for music, Laurie engaged in a career as a professional musician and entertainer, along with his wife Donna.  They became known as “The Ransom Duo” and performed primarily in Olympia and the greater Grays Harbor County area.

In 1987 Laurie married Karlyn Abrahamsen, at which time he started his own building contractor business in the Seattle area and worked as an expert tradesman for more than 20 years until his retirement.

Laurie Ransom is survived by his wife Karlyn who was his love and best friend for over 30 years.  He was a proud and loving father of his daughter Lisa Flesher (David), son Larry Ransom (Michelle), son John Ransom (Marianne), stepson Shaun Abrahamsen (Denise), and his seven beloved grandchildren, Rachel, Ryan, Elliot, Benjamin, Jacob, Jordan and Bria.  His sisters Elizabeth Gattenby and Marilyn Lyon, along with many extended family members and friends, including former wife, Donna and husband, Orville Jacobson, also survive him.

Laurence (Laurie) Ransom will always be remembered by his family and friends for his beautiful baritone voice booming out “Amazing Grace,” for picking up his favorite Petosa accordion and belting out “Lady of Spain”, and for his rousing rendition of “Bumble Bee Boogie” on the piano.  His love of adventure, his welcoming and commanding personality, his big contagious smile and his profound faith in God will remain with us forever.

Memorial donations in memory of Laurie may be made to the American Diabetes Association. (Opens in a new window)