Lawrence Arnold, 78, of Kennewick, passed away on Friday, July 5th, 2013. Lawrence was born January 22nd, 1935 in Toppenish, Washington and resided in the Tri-Cities for the past forty years. Lawrence's life was a testimony to perseverance and the overcoming of barriers. Lawrence accomplished something that very few have done - he went from residing in a state institution as a child to living independently in his own apartment for over 18 years. His long-time partnership with Tri-Cities Residential Services was of great assistance in this effort. Lawrence worked as an assembly man at Columbia Industries for many years. He had a very strong work ethic and was most disappointed when health issues forced him to retire at 73. Lawrence was among the first CI employees to master the use of the Ben Franklin Transit bus system, a service he used for work and recreation for decades. Lawrence was a kind and gentle man with a quick wit and an incredible memory for people and dates. His favorite things in life were going to work, riding the bus and rooting for his beloved Seattle Mariners. Lawrence's friends wish to thank Columbia Industries and Tri-Cities Residential Services for their support of his dreams. A special thanks is given to Randall Richards for his loving care of Lawrence in Lawrence's last years. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents Marian Bladow and Ernest Levi Brandt Arnold. Services will be held Friday, July 12th, 10 a.m., at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 S. Union Street, Kennewick with viewing on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.