Key Points
- Passing of a Local Marksman: Larry Earl Steiner, a 71-year-old lifelong resident of Bellingham, Washington, passed away on 12 July 2026.
- Accomplished Career: Steiner was a nationally recognized marksman, specializing in Smallbore, Smallbore Hunting, and High-Power Metallic Silhouette disciplines.
- Regional Contributions: He was a dedicated member of the Pe Ell Sportsmen’s Club competition team and a regular fixture at the Custer Sportsmen’s Club, where he actively mentored newcomers.
- National Representation: Throughout his career, he represented Western Washington and the United States at the National Rifle Association (NRA) National Silhouette Championships.
- Funeral Arrangements: A private memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 PM on 10 August 2026, at Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale, Washington.
- Community Support: The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be directed to the Custer Sportsmen’s Club Junior Program or local youth marksmanship initiatives.
Bellingham, Washington (Evening Washington News) August 8, 2026 – The competitive shooting community in the Pacific Northwest is mourning the loss of one of its most respected figures, Larry Earl Steiner, who passed away on 12 July 2026 at the age of 71. A lifelong resident of Bellingham, Steiner was not only a fixture in local shooting circles but also a distinguished competitor on the national stage, leaving behind a legacy defined by technical mastery, sportsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to mentoring the next generation of marksmen.
Who was Larry Earl Steiner?
As detailed in the formal obituary published by Moles Farewell Tributes & Crematory, Larry Earl Steiner was born on 12 February 1955. A graduate of Bellingham High School, class of 1973, he dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence in marksmanship. His journey in the sport spanned several decades, during which he transformed from a local enthusiast into an exceptionally accomplished marksman.
Steiner’s expertise was primarily focused on technical disciplines, specifically Smallbore, Smallbore Hunting, and High-Power Metallic Silhouette. These disciplines require immense concentration, precision, and a deep understanding of ballistics, traits that Steiner was said to possess in abundance.
How did Larry Steiner impact the competitive shooting community?
Beyond his personal accolades, Steiner was deeply integrated into the institutional fabric of shooting sports in Washington state. According to records provided by Moles Farewell Tributes & Crematory, he was a long-time member of the Pe Ell Sportsmen’s Club competition team. His presence was a constant at Whatcom County shooting facilities, most notably the Custer Sportsmen’s Club.
His peers remember him not just as a competitor, but as a teacher. As noted by the funeral home, Steiner was highly regarded for his readiness to offer guidance to newcomers. He bridged the gap between elite competition and community service, ensuring that the skills he honed over a lifetime were passed down to those just beginning their journey in marksmanship.
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What were Larry Steiner’s notable achievements in marksmanship?
Steiner’s commitment to the sport went beyond local ranges. He was a dedicated representative of Western Washington, consistently qualifying to compete at the highest levels of the sport. His record includes frequent appearances at the National Rifle Association (NRA) National Silhouette Championships, where he represented the United States. His participation in these national events solidified his reputation as a premier marksman and an ambassador for the competitive shooting community in the Pacific Northwest.
When and where will the memorial services take place?
The family of the deceased, including his sisters, Linda Cochran and Nancy Keel, along with his nieces and nephew—Jaimie (Dan) Larson, Ryan Cochran, Nicolle (Darren) Keel, and Krissy (Craig) Keel—have announced that a private service will be held to honour his life and contributions.
As per the information documented by Moles Farewell Tributes & Crematory, the service is scheduled for Monday, 10 August 2026, at 2:00 PM. The ceremony will take place at Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale, Washington, the city where the funeral services are being facilitated.
How can the public contribute to his legacy?
In reflection of his lifelong dedication to teaching and fostering interest in marksmanship among young people, Steiner’s family has requested a specific form of memorial tribute. Rather than traditional floral arrangements, the family has asked that those wishing to pay their respects consider making a donation to the Custer Sportsmen’s Club Junior Program. Alternatively, they suggest supporting local youth marksmanship programmes.
This request serves as a final testament to Steiner’s character—a man who valued the growth and development of the sport as much as his own accomplishments. He is survived by his sisters and six great-nieces and nephews, having been preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Mary Steiner. As the community gathers to remember him, the emphasis remains on the enduring impact of his mentorship and his quiet, steadfast dedication to the disciplines he loved.
