UPPER JAY — Richard E. Lawrence was born on Oct. 13, 1942, in Wilmington, N.Y., to Adrian and Bea Lawrence. He passed away at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center on Nov. 25, 2012.
Growing up in Wilmington, Dick was a Boy Scout, a member of the Volunteer Fire Department, and active in the Methodist Church. He graduated from Lake Placid High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served his country for 21 years to include a '67-'68 tour in Vietnam with the 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion of Combat Engineers, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He also served overseas in Japan, Okinawa, and aboard ship in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Pacific. He served his fellow North Country veterans and their families for over 30 years through various leadership positions in American Legion Post 504 in Au Sable Forks and Marine Corps League Detachment 219 in Plattsburgh.
Dick was an expert marksman and avid history buff. He was proud of his Adirondack heritage and worked to educate all who would listen about our history. He greatly enjoyed old-time country music and bluegrass. Many North Country residents referred to him as "Uncle Dick." Spending time with family and friends meant the world to him.
His survivors include his former wife, Phyllis; and his two children, Richard and his wife Stephanie, Gregory and his wife Laura. He was a proud grandpa to six grandchildren, Phillip and his wife Danielle, Rachel, Sarah, Noah, Hannah, and Zachary. He is also survived by four siblings and their spouses, Adrian Lawrence and his wife Andrea, Allan Lawrence and his wife Judith, Cheryl Strack, Brenda Balsley and her husband James.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Thwaits-Zaumetzer Funeral Home in Au Sable Forks. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, at Whiteface Community United Methodist Church, Wilmington. A graveside ceremony with military honors will follow at the Haselton Cemetery.
Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the American Legion Post 504 in care of Thwaits-Zaumetzer Funeral Home.
Home in Heaven -- see you soon. Semper Fi.
