Metro transit operator Everett ‘Laury’ Minard honored by community
He comes to work ready to crisscross downtown Seattle in his Route 2 electric trolley bus, slogging through afternoon commutes that frustrate most everybody else. He doesn’t mind, isn’t flustered by any of it.

Riders notice. They say he’s humble, with a gentle presence and a way with customers.
Everett Lawrence Minard, known as Laury, recently received Madrona’s “Tyrone Love Unsung Hero Award” from the Madrona Community Council as part of their Neighborhood and School Appreciation Day.

Courtesy photo: Laury Minard receives the Tyrone Love Unsung Hero Award, Anne Knight and Bill Mahoney, Jr., vice president of the Madrona Community Council.
Courtesy photo: Everett ‘Laury’ Minard received the Tyrone Love Unsung Hero Award from the Madrona Community Council March 22, from Anne Knight and Bill Mahoney, Jr., vice president of the Madrona Community Council.
Metro driver Laury Minard, left, was surprised with an invitation to receive the Unsung Hero Award from Madrona leaders, Barbara Parker, Jerry Arbes, Rose Driver, Anne Knight, Shoshana Driver with Chewie Rudo (the dog in her lap), Susan Roberts.
Courtesy photo: Metro driver Everett ‘Laury’ Minard, left, was surprised with an invitation to receive the Unsung Hero Award from Madrona leaders,
Barbara Parker, Jerry Arbes, Rose Driver, Anne Knight, Shoshana Driver with Chewie Rudo (the dog in her lap), Susan Roberts.

Leaders in the community say Laury is part of the fabric of their community. They surprised him on his bus the night of March 6 with an invitation to the March 22 awards ceremony.

“I don’t usually pick up large groups of people at night on 34th,” Laury said. “It was a complete 100 percent surprise.”

Laury is an example to the community, said Shoshana Driver of Madrona.

“When I graduated from college in 1991 and returned to Madrona and the bus #2, I was often struck with Laury’s kindness and interest in his passengers,” she said. “He was a gentle and sincere man. And he hasn’t changed!”

Laury was raised in Magnolia, graduated from Queen Anne High School, became a WWII Navy tailgunner, later graduating from Seattle University and working as a Chevrolet salesman. Laury didn’t start driving for Metro until 1986, after enjoying riding along with his son, Frank Minard, on his Metro route.

Laury Minard, humble as ever, is behind the camera in this photo, preferring to put the spotlight on those around him instead.
Courtesy photo: Bus driver Laury Minard, humble as ever, is behind the camera here, preferring to put the spotlight on community members, Metro Chief Tim Mack and his popular Route 2 bus.

He was drawn to the challenge and responsibility of the job. “A person wouldn’t get bored,” he said. Low seniority started him on the late shift, but he’s stuck with the routine for nearly three decades. Today, he leaves Atlantic Base in SODO at 4:30 p.m. straight into downtown evening rush hour. Things quiet down as he pilots the bus on into the wee hours.

“He’s still enjoying the job. He’s one of the happiest bus drivers out there,” said his son, Frank Minard, who now works in Metro Rideshare Operations.

Laury has a ready smile and is helpful, making him a great ambassador for the important work transit operators perform, said Anne Knight of Madrona. “Our bus drivers do so much for us in the community,” she said. Honoring him honors all bus drivers.

He’s quick to say he doesn’t deserve the attention. “I love the route and the people,” Laury said. “I feel like part of the neighborhood. I feel like extended family.
“Every day I say a little prayer, thankful for another day that I can be here.”