Lawrence M. Brownlee

Lawrence M. Brownlee, age 89, passed away surrounded by his family December 13, 2009 following a short illness. Born Feb. l, 1920 to Ross & Mary Brownlee in Detour, MI Larry attended Sault High School graduating, in 1939. He attended the University of Grand Rapids from 1940 - 1943. Larry entered the U. S. Navy in 1943, graduating from Columbia University as Ensign in the Navy. His first duty in the Navy was officer in charge aboard an LCT (Landing Craft Tank). On June 6, 1944 Larry participated in the Normandy Invasion taking part in the first wave on Omaha Beach, losing his LCT. He spent one month in England at a survivor camp. He was then assigned to another LCT for duty unloading. equipment on the beach. His LCT was to first to arrive in LaHavre, France after it was liberated. He served his country for 31/2 years before returning to the Soo in 1946 as Lieutenant Junior Grade. Larry was especially proud to have served and preserved our country''s freedom. He was co-owner of the Merchants Bar for 10 years and then established Soo Supply and Equipment, which he ran a total of 23 years until his retirement in 1979. Larry enjoyed many things in life, especially golf. He joined the Sault Country Club in 1946 and was the most senior member until his passing. In this interim he was honored as Club Champion in 1972 & 1976. He was also winner of a Grandfathers Tournament and organizer of the Lock City Tournament. He also enjoyed playing cribbage, poker and bridge up until a few weeks prior to his passing. He loved his time at the Hunting Camp in Eckerman and spending quality time with his family and many friends. He had been a winter resident of Naples, Florida until 2 years, ago, and was a member of BPOE (Elks) of Sault Ste. Marie and was a lifelong member of St. Mary''s Parish. Larry was predeceased by his parents Mary & Ross Brownlee, infant daughter Christina, brother Jim and sister Catherine Woods, brother-in-law Milton Woods, son-in-law Robert Deluga and stepson Ronald Ree Somes. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Pearl, daughters Cathy (Tom) Scozzafave of Brimley and Connie Deluga of Boca Raton, FL, Stepchildren Brenda (Jay) Welch and Rick (Sally) Somes all of Sault Ste. Marie, Debbie (Dave) Harwood of Brimley and Wanda (Robert) Marchant, of Baltimore, Maryland. Two Grandchildren, Christen (Dan) Zampillo, and Gina Scozzafave. Nine step-grandchildren, Wendy(Kevin) Ball, Jason (MaryAnne) Welch, Marci Stebleton, Joey (Frank) Tambone, Kristin (Ron) Clemow, Ree Somes, Rachel (Jeff) Morency , Courtney (Dan) Winberg, and Kira (Morgan) Mudge. Larry is also survived by 17 step-greatgrandchildren and nieces Mary Ruth Gamlin, Nancy Lowes, Kathy LaPrairie and one nephew Ross Woods and many friends. Arrangements are being made through Clark, Bailey, Newhouse Funeral Home. Visitation will be at Holy Name of Mary Church Wednesday December 16, 2009 beginning at 9:30 a.m. preceding the Mass of the Christian Burial being celebrated at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ted Brodeur as Celebrant. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Larry''s name to St. Mary''s School or Hospice of E.U.P who took such loving care of Larry and his family during his illness, The family would also like to thank the staff at Hearthside Manor for their wonderful care. Larry''s kind and kindred spirit will be missed by all. Entombment will be in Oaklawn Chapel Gardens.

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Lawrence M. Brownlee

February 1, 1920 - December 13, 2009