Seattle, WA - LaMar Efaw passed away on March 4, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on December 20, 1942, the third child to Verna and Fred Efaw in Yakima, WA, LaMar joined big sister Fredene and big brother Gene, and was followed by little sister, Karin. LaMar spent his youth in Hawaii, California, and Oregon. It was in fourth grade in Astoria, Oregon where he met his future wife and partner in all things, Marlys Hoagland. They graduated from Astoria High School in 1960 and in 1965, LaMar graduated with a degree in interior design and architecture from University of Oregon. LaMar married Marlys that same year and after several months' adventure camping in and exploring Europe, they settled in Seattle, WA. Together, they started LaMar Efaw Interiors, Ltd. in 1975 and the rest is history.

Anyone lucky enough to have met LaMar knows the magic he brought to any room, through not only his charismatic wit and wicked storytelling skills but also his unique ability to see potential all around him. As a designer, he turned blasé square footage into a tasteful and elegant space that exuded luxurious comfort. As he and Marlys moved to different homes throughout Seattle, each home was an exquisite masterpiece that was also welcoming to guests. Marlys and LaMar loved to entertain; music and dancing were a given at the Efaw home. If the Efaws were on a guest list, they were by far the most anticipated arrival, for with their arrival, so came the fun.

In 1992, LaMar won the Design Achievement Award of the Washington Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. His signature work enhanced restaurants, offices, private homes, and even yachts. As a great friend to and supporter of Pacific Northwest artists, LaMar incorporated local work into his commercial and residential designs, helping many step to the forefront of the art world.

Outside design work, LaMar loved racehorses and owned and cared for Mr. LaMar, a thoroughbred racehorse, for more than thirty years. LaMar enjoyed a day at the track right up until his last year.

LaMar loved his people, which he showed through his generosity and time; he was a devoted son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. Though he and Marlys did not have children, LaMar played with their many nieces and nephews, often whipping them into a frenzy before returning them to their parents. LaMar and Marlys were at big and small events, from soccer games to school plays to graduations to weddings. He worked tirelessly to help those he cared about; LaMar was never one to sit still, even in his final days.

With his passing so comes the end of an era.

LaMar was preceded in death by Marlys, his brother Gene Efaw, his parents, nephew Jason Rogers, sister-in-law Darle Fearl, and niece Erin Benevento. He is survived by sisters Fredene Rogers and Karin Efaw, sisters-in-law Nancy Meyer and Sheryl Ohler, and many nieces and nephews who dearly miss their uncle.