Larry Richard “Coach” Donovan
March 31, 1941 – April 13, 2025
Larry Richard Donovan passed away at home on April 13. Known to most as “Coach,” he was born in Casper, WY to mother Mary—a strong and determined woman of German heritage—and father Bill—a bronco buster and musician who brought the Irish family name and Gaelic spirit. Larry grew up in Scottsbluff, NE where he and sister Jean were surrounded by a large extended family and learned the values of love, faith, and hard work.
Athletics shaped Larry’s life from a young age. He set and broke records in middle school, high school, and at university. Through a dedication to academics and hard work on the field, he earned a full scholarship to the University of Nebraska in track and football. While in college, Larry joined the ROTC, which led to service as a 2nd Lieutenant for the US Army in Korea and National Guard membership in South Dakota. His more serious UN obligations were balanced with an awesome student life that included campus clubs and organizations, his Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brothers, and so many parties, banquets, and balls!
Larry parlayed his love of football into a coaching career that began with his beloved Cornhuskers and spanned the globe for 52 years. Along the way, he won championships, was an instrumental fundraiser, and inspired thousands of players and fellow coaches. He secured his first head coaching position at the University of Montana in 1980 and his second with the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League. For the last 18 years of his career, Larry worked in Japan, coaching X-League team Hitachi Hurricanes, holding clinics at universities, and helping with the high school team at Yakota Air Force Base.
In his personal life, Larry married college sweetheart Georgia Merriam in 1966. By 1982, the Donovan family included three wonderful daughters. Coaching was a demanding career that took many hours away from home, but with Georgia beside him, Larry lovingly raised accomplished children who exemplify his values.
Larry applied the fundraising and organizational skills he learned as a coach during his retirement years in Blaine, WA. He volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club, Blaine Food and clothing banks, the Community Assistance Program, and the Blaine Scholarship Foundation. Coach’s focus was always on lifting others up and his ability to connect with people was truly remarkable. To the end, he coordinated maintenance to beautify his beloved St. Anne Catholic Church, enjoyed the company of his many friends, and cherished and honored his family. He will be dearly missed.
Larry is survived by his loving wife of 58 years and their three daughters, Andrea, Molly, and Lindsay. His surviving family also includes his sister, Jean Ingrum, niece Julie Miller, nephews Mark and Matt Ingrum, and their spouses.
A service for Larry will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church in Blaine at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20. In lieu of flowers, you can honor Coach by donating to the Blaine Scholarship Foundation or the Blaine Food Bank.
