Laurence R. MacDonald

Braintree Laurence R. MacDonald, 53, of Braintree, died Saturday May 24th unexpectedly at his home. He was born in Quincy and was a lifelong Braintree resident, class of BHS '72. He was a finish carpenter. He enjoyed landscaping and gardening as well as boating and canoeing, bicycle riding, welding, photography and calligraphy. Son of Estelle (Rogers) MacDonald and the late Roy S. MacDonald of Braintree, Larry is survived by his sister, Prudence Shorton of Norwood and brothers Michael MacDonald of Norwood, Geoffrey MacDonald of Chatham, Timothy, Raymond, and John MacDonald of Braintree, Douglas MacDonald of Falmouth, and Anthony MacDonald of Ranchos Palos Verde, CA, along with many nieces and nephews. Larry was a generous and deeply considerate brother, son, uncle and friend. He was self-employed as a contractor before becoming ill. A renaissance man, he loved bicycling (designed/built two recumbent bicycles from spare parts) and often cycled up to 120 miles in a day such as cycling from Braintree to Falmouth. He enjoyed half-court pick up basketball, fishing, volunteering with brain injured, and many charitable organizations, boats, hot rods, motorcycles, drawing, calligraphy, gardening and his faith in God. A craftsman, he was very skilled with his hands; mechanically inclined, whether working on machinery, metal or wood. Larry read widely and researched as much about subjects until thoroughly proficient, readily recalling intricate details years later. He applied this diligence to studying the scriptures. A quick wit with a keen sense of humor, he loved to play a practical joke now and then. True to his Scottish heritage, he was ever practical and thrifty. Visiting hours from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Mortimer and Russell Peck Funeral Home, 516 Washington Street, BRAINTREE, Wednesday, May 28th. Funeral Service is on Thursday, May 29th, at the First Congregational Church, 12 Elm Street Braintree at 1:30 where the Reverend Richard Hotchkin will officiate. Interment to follow at Blue Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, make donations to a charity of your choice. For directions, please see www.peckservices.com