Larry Standish

A man of great courage and strength, Larry Standish enjoyed many things throughout his life yet nothing was more near and dear to his heart than his family. He faced struggles in his life and had years of health challenges to deal with, yet he was resilient and overcame the issues that plagued him. Although he was not always expressive in his love for his family, Larry left no doubt in the hearts and minds of those he loved that he viewed each and every one of them as a priceless treasure. We would have loved more time to make new memories with Larry, but we are thankful to have been given the opportunity to share the time we had with such a kind and loving man.

Nestled within the year 1954 there was great anticipation for Berwyn and Dorothy (Boehm) Standish from Kalamazoo, Michigan, as they were looking forward to the birth of their new baby. It was on May 18th that the baby boy they named Larry made his arrival. When Larry was still a young boy, his father met and married Linda Peabody who loved Larry as her own. He was raised in the family home in Delton alongside his older brother, Dan, and his younger siblings, Rick and Cathy. Larry’s father worked as a truck driver while his mother Linda worked as a secretary at Western Michigan University.

Like many young boys of his generation, Larry attended local schools. He could often be found hanging around with his close friends, Leroy and Terri, and the three friends remained as such throughout Larry’s life. Larry and Leroy wrestled together at Delton-Kellogg High School.

Shortly before the end of his senior year, Larry moved to Florida but soon after he returned to Michigan. Once he returned, Larry finished High School in Plainwell graduating in 1978. During this time, he was reacquainted with a Sue Boysen whom he had dated during their senior year in high school. Although they had lost touch while Larry was in Florida, it didn’t take them long to catch up and a dating relationship soon resumed. With a desire to build a life together, Larry and Sue were married on January 21, 1976. Together they were blessed with two children, Shawn and Stacy. Although Larry’s marriage to Sue ended in divorce in 1986, he was forever grateful for the children they shared together. Larry worked for Checker Motors. When He was laid off he went to school to obtain his CDL. During this time he worked for Terra International. Once he had his CDL, he drove for Mashall Plastics in Martin and later for USF Holland. There he found his home. USF Holland was like a family to him and he recently received a certificate for five years of service.

During his childhood, Larry’s parents took him on several trips Up North to the family cabin. He was an avid outdoorsman. He passed on his love for the outdoors to his children. It was on a weekend with his children that Larry met Bonnie. After dating for a time, they were married. She, too, shared his love for the outdoors and together they purchased a cabin up North where he loved to go. Memorable family times were had up at the cabin where Larry frequently went fishing on Lake Margrethe with his children. Dogs were always an important part of life in the Standish family starting with his hunting beagle, Budweiser right up to Maggie. Maggie was an America Bull Dog that Larry and Bonnie raised. Maggie was Larry’s companion to the end. Larry and Bonnie remained together for 20 years, divorcing in 2006.

Throughout his life Larry was a man of many interests. With a passion for the outdoors he not only enjoyed fishing, but also hunting and riding his motorcycle. Larry was a gifted musician who loved being the lead singer and guitarist in a country band. He had a deep love for country music and in many ways, Larry has been described as an old school country boy. He enjoyed following the NASCAR circuit, too, but nothing was better than spending time with his family. Larry was thrilled to become a grandfather and cherished spending time with his grandchildren as often as he could.

It was a car accident in 1994 that led to years that were blanketed with health issues for Larry. He underwent several surgeries over the years that followed and then in 2009 he had an aneurysm of his aorta that need to be repaired. Larry’s health struggles continued when earlier this year he was diagnosed with cancer in his one remaining kidney. Dealing with years of health issues was understandably difficult for Larry and although he struggled to cope at times, his will was determined. In the end, although he passed away, he was at peace with himself and victorious over the challenge he faced.

A good old country boy to his core, Larry Standish touched the lives of his friends and loved ones in such a special way. He could be hard-headed and set in his ways at times, yet he also had a sense of humor that kept those around him laughing once he got going. Larry deeply loved his family and thought nothing was better than spending time with the children and grandchildren he adored. The precious memories he leaves behind will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of his loved ones. Larry will be deeply missed.

Larry Standish of Wayland died on October 19, 2011, at the Cleveland Clinic. Larry’s family includes his parents, Berwyn and Linda Standish of FL; two children: Shawn (Shauna) Standish of Delton and Stacy (Matt) Palmer of Kalamazoo; three siblings: Dan (Ginny) Standish of Battle Creek, Rick Standish of MS, Cathy (Bruce) Murray of CO; three grandchildren: Keely Standish, Zakery and Brayden Palmer; as well as many nieces, nephews and close friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 5 at the Hickory Corners Bible Church; 13720 Kellogg School Road, Hickory Corners, MI. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 with the service at 12:00. Please visit Larry’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online before coming to the memorial service.