Lance, our dear brother and friend passed away on June 30, 2020. He was 65. He grew up in Sacramento and was in the building industry his entire career, first as a general contractor in California and then as a city building inspector primarily in Western Washington. Lance was very proud of his work and was known for his friendly and knowledgeable customer service by all who worked with him. His wry sense of humor was his trademark, surpassed only by his impeccable beard.
He met the love of his life, Elizabeth Walker in Vancouver, WA in 1996, and they remained close throughout the years. Lance was preceded in death by his father, Bill and mother, Gloria. He is survived by his younger sister, Melodie Murphy of Reno, NV.
No services will be held; donations can be made in honor of his love for his dogs to N.O.A.H., https://www.thenoahcenter.org/
Tributes
Vicki Chambers wrote on Oct 19, 2020:
"Lance was my dear friend and we worked together at the City of Vancouver. He was one of the reasons that I liked coming to work. He was witty and smart and kind. He was an excellent wood artisan and a great inspector. He loved his Elizabeth who remained his best friend and confidante even after they were no longer married. It was a privilege for my husband Neil and me to know him. Rest In Peace Lance. My condolences to Elizabeth and his family. I am sad that I didn?t get to say goodbye. You made a difference in this world. "
Deborah O. wrote on Aug 3, 2020:
"Safe travels, Lance. Thank you for always being so kind to Lucy and I.
"
Melodie Murphy wrote on Jul 10, 2020:
"Sorry Lance but I couldn?t resist sharing your army uniform. "
Yvonne David wrote on Jul 10, 2020:
"I worked with Lance for about 2 years and became good friends with him in that time. I am going to miss his unique sense of humor, which I enjoyed, his big heart and his smiling face. RIP my friend. "
David Sweetland wrote on Jul 8, 2020:
"I knew Lance in the early 1970s -- early 80s, Sacramento; we shared a passion for rock climbing. I spent hundreds of hours either in Lance\'s man cave or on the crags around Lake Tahoe. Lance was a close friend, I got to know Mel and Gloria and we shared in many laughs. I feel very fortunate, a real \'trivecta\' to know Lance by holding his climbing rope -- life line -- as L worked his way UP a hard rock climb. Thanks Melody, Gloria, and you Lance. Dave on belay"
Roxanne Robles wrote on Jul 7, 2020:
"I knew Lance for a brief time at the City of Woodinville, his witty humor and warm energy will be missed."
Patrick Lawler wrote on Jul 7, 2020:
"I was lucky enough to work with Lance the past two years and have to say that he was quite a character. Funny guy with integrity and a strong work ethic. I will miss him very much. "
B. Anderson wrote on Jul 7, 2020:
"Lance was a kind and caring soul. Our world could definitely use a lot more men with his character. May he rest in peace! "
Angela G. wrote on Jul 6, 2020:
"Lance was a very kind and wonderful man. I am honored that I got the opportunity to work with him and know him a little bit. He will be missed. "
D. Greer wrote on Jul 6, 2020:
"The world has lost a little more of its precious humor with Lance\'s passing. Always a friendly guy and fun co-worker. He will be missed."
Todd Cunningahm wrote on Jul 5, 2020:
"I will miss you Lance my dear friend of so many years. We have some great times dating back to the Butte College days and our adventures as building officials. Rest in peace Lance I will remember you always. "