Larry Stanley, 97, founder of Spokane, WA-based Empire Bolt & Screw Inc., died August 7.

He grew up in Oakesdale, WA, during the Great Depression and credits his upbringing for shaping his work ethic. Growing up poor, he learned to work hard.

His career in the hardware industry started with working in general hardware stores but ultimately, he had a dream to start his own business. In 1972, Stanley mortgaged everything to start Empire Bolt. Along with his wife and business partner Beverley, he built the wholesale hardware startup into a distributorship now owned by his son, Ron Stanley.

Larry Stanley was the charter president of the Western Association of Fastener Distributors in 1982-83 (now known as Pac-West Fastener Association). He also served on the National Fastener Distributor Association board from 1981-84 and was named to the National Industrial Fastener Show Hall of Fame in 1991.

Music played an important role in his life. In his early business days he entertained audiences at night with his jazz bands. As a clarinetist he performed in the NFDA or WAFD bands.

A celebration of his life is being planned for autumn. In lieu of flowers, gifts to any of the following organizations are suggested:* Salvation Army of Spokane;* Union Gospel Mission of Spokane;* Innovia Community Foundation - Oakesdale Community Endowment Fund.