Larry W. Laursen

~Music Man of Yatesville~ Larry Laursen

Born May 27^th 1960-April 20, 2022.

On the evening of April 20^th, 2022, Larry passed away peacefully. Larry was visited and comforted by family members at Thompson Hospital at the time of his passing. He was 61 years old.

Larry was diagnosed with a complicated disease, muscular dystrophy, that he battled his entire life with grace, courage, and dignity. He never let it hold him back or keep him from enjoying life’s adventures. His motto was “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger”. Larry was supposed to be in a wheelchair many years ago; however, he was determined to defy the odds. He was not your typical research statistic and if the doctor said “you will be in a wheelchair by a certain age” Larry rebelled against it. Larry was very active throughout his lifetime playing sports, hunting, fishing, swimming, and riding bike all over the countryside with his children. His determination to help others through his own struggles has always taken precedence. Towards the end of Larry’s life, he was going to hospitals and presenting on the effects of muscular dystrophy to doctors.

Larry grew up on a dairy farm just outside of Gorham, NY, and is the oldest son of Albert & Edith Laursen. He worked for many years at Voplex/Meridian in Canandaigua NY as an Engineer.

Larry was very talented in many areas, but his passion later in life was his family and music. After being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy Larry was unable to do many things, so he took up music. He played several musical instruments including the guitar, harmonica, and mandolin. The band he played with was called the “Crooked Lake Fiddle Club”. Larry said once “I try to get them to change their name to Justice so people would think I was a law abiding for once.” Larry would play anywhere from churches, fields, court houses, front porch, to hospitals and trains, anywhere to make people smile and happy. He especially enjoyed playing for family and friends.

Larry is described by family & friends as having a great sense of humor, witty, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. There wasn’t anything Larry wouldn’t do for his family. The past couple years he has not been able to play music, so he has enjoyed being on his boat fishing with family and friends. Never has Larry let his adversities become a stumble block, but rather looked at them as a challenge and opportunity to grow.

Larry is survived by his wife, Juli Laursen, Penn Yan NY; his children, Angela & Tim Burd, Jeffrey & Alysia Laursen, Jamie & Cody Darnell, Jennifer & James Haddock, and Gary & Ryan Subocz; his grandchildren, Maison & Kash Burd, Carter & Hailee Laursen, Colt & Harley Darnell, and Jayce & Jade Haddock; his siblings, LeeAnn Shipman, Leslie Laursen, Debra Sorrows, Margie Minogue, and Ryan Connelly; and of course, his pets, Cassie, Moon dog, Cowboy, Mogan, Cleo, Pickle, and Puff.

We would like to recognize his friends who have been with him through his illness; Chris Holder, Rocky Reifsteck, Neil Ross, Mike Freeman, and Tom Sander.

Preceded in death by parents Albert & Edith Laursen

Viewing will be held Tuesday, April 26^th, 2022, from 4 pm-6 pm at the Kenneth J. Perkins Funeral Home in Gorham, NY. A Service will be led by Rev. Tom Wunder at 6 pm. There will be no interment.

A Celebration of Life will be May 28^th at the home of Juli & Larry Laursen. We kindly ask any donations go directly towards the funeral service, as we hope to carry out all of Larry’s final wishes. Donations can be sent via Venmo at @Juli-Laursen.

Please visit www.kenperkinsfuneralhome.com to send a condolence to Larry’s family.