LAURENCE GALE "LARRY" ETTER

LAURENCE GALE 'LARRY' ETTER, 97

LAKELAND - Laurence Gale 'Larry' Etter passed away peacefully of natural causes on Sunday, February 8, 2015. He was 97.
He was born in Nova Scotia but his family moved to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1927 where he graduated from Boston English High School in 1935. During World War II he proudly served with the United States Marine Corps from 1942-1948. He then attended Boston University, graduating in 1951, followed by a Master of Social Work Degree from Simmons College. For most of his working years Larry was employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health.
Larry was active in the community, serving as President of the Dorchester Historical Society of which he was a life member. He was instrumental in the revival of the week-long Dorchester Day Celebrations and a life member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Canadian Club of Boston; also a member of Buttons & Bows Square Dance Club for many years.
Larry met his future wife, Lee (Elizabeth), in Boston and after 18 years living in the Dorchester district of Boston, upon his retirement the couple chose Lakeland as their future home and never regretted that decision. For 28 summers they traveled to Nova Scotia to Lee's home town, visiting friends and relatives and enjoying places of interest along the way. Over the years they traveled extensively to many destinations.
Larry enjoyed the out-of-doors--hiking. snowshoeing, and gardening--also curling and square dancing. In retirement his great interest was genealogy of his Swiss family roots and planning family reunions.
Laurence was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Beatrice (Boyd) Etter, his sister Phyllis Hammond, and brothers John and Paul. Surviving besides his wife are nieces Kristine Etter-Foster (David), Liz Boudreaux, Amy Robbins (Calvin), Pamela Etter Mack, Sheila Mack, nephews Peter Hammond (Kim) and Jack Etter, sister-in-law Nancy Etter, as well as several grand nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland, 33801. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.