Larry Skrine
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Larry E. Skrine, 78, of Charlevoix, died at home on December 22, 2019. Born in Pontiac on September 29, 1941, Larry was the son of Joseph and Mary (Smith) Skrine. After graduating from high school, Larry enlisted in the United States Navy. During his ten years in the military, Larry worked in search and rescue and as a helicopter mechanic. While in the service he married his sweetheart Shirley Gay. They were married on November 5, 1962 in Fresno, California and were blessed with 41 years of marriage when Shirley passed away in 2003.
After his military service, Larry made a career in the insurance industry working for Adjusting Services Unlimited as an insurance adjuster. He retired in 2002. Larry was a member of the Charlevoix Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Alpena.
A devoted husband, a wonderful father, and an amazing grandfather, Larry was stern but loving. He believed in discipline but was understanding, supportive, and had very open relationships with his children and grandchildren. He insisted that his family had dinner together every day and friends were always welcome and treated like family. When Larry was raising his family in Drayton Plains he always planted a garden with a big pumpkin patch making sure everyone in the neighborhood had a pumpkin for Halloween. He loved having kids around and was a Dad to everyone and when he had grandchildren, Larry was a Grandpa to their friends as well.
An avid outdoorsman, Larry enjoyed fishing the Great Lakes, deer hunting, and bird watching. He loved to golf and enjoyed traveling, sight-seeing, and spending winters in Brownsville, Texas. Always up for a game of Euchre, Hearts, or Cribbage, Larry was competitive and played to win. With Larry's quirky sense of humor and infectious laugh those cut-throat card games were always fun and memorable for everyone. Larry's family will miss his delicious pancakes, his awesome Coney dogs, and most of all the way he could make any day better by saying just the right thing at just the right time. Funny, outgoing, and kind, Larry will be fondly remembered.
Surviving Larry is his son, David Skrine of Pontiac; daughters, Gail (Michael) Radke and Judy Skrine, both of Tower; step-sons, Bill (Diane) Marquardt of East Jordan and Jim Marquardt (J. Lynn Warner) of Petoskey; grandchildren, James Skrine of Tower, Olivia Skrine (Jerrard Kolasa) of Onaway, Julia White of Cheboygan, and Jeremiah (Melissa) Radke of Montana; as well as eight great grandchildren. Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, and his longtime companion, Sandra Marquardt.
A Celebration of Life was held last week at the Charlevoix Elks Lodge. Larry's final resting place will be in Waterford at Ottawa Park Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Larry to the Friends of the Onaway State Park (Pavilion Fund), PO Box 605, Onaway, MI 49765. Cremation arrangements were in care of the Chagnon Funeral Home.