Lawrence Mitchell MERIN

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Baylor College of Medicine Vanderbilt University Wayne State University

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Nashville, Tennessee

Lawrence MERIN Obituary

MERIN, Lawrence Mitchell A devoted family man and gifted photographer, whose work improved the lives of others, died Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at home in Nashville. He was 61. Larry was the founder and director of the Vanderbilt Ophthalmic Imaging Center at Vanderbilt University, and an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology. A loving father, husband and brother, Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Anne and Earl Merin. He is survived by his wife, Becky; daughter, Sydney and son, David; sister, Elaine Merin Perri of Chicago; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Esther and John Cervantes; sisters-in-law, Julie (Doug) King, Anna (Mike) Lemos and Debra Vazquez, all of CA, and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, November 11th at Congregation Micah, with burial following. After the service, the family will receive friends at home. Gifts in memory of Lawrence M. Merin may be made in support of the Vanderbilt Eye Institute and sent to Vanderbilt University, Gift Processing, PMB 407727, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37240-7727. More information can be found at MarshallDonnellyCombs.com

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Published by The Tennessean on Nov. 9, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence MERIN

10 Entries

January 2, 2013

I am saddened to hear of the loss of my dear friend and mentor, Larry. He has been my tele-ophthalmolgy mentor for 12 years. I last spoke to him in August. He informed me, then, of the battle which lie ahead for him. My sincere sympathy to his family. Larry was a kind and generous friend. We used to call each other "cuz" (cannot remember how it ever started:)
Peace and love to my cuz, Larry
Abby Guiver
Arizona Foundation for Eye Health
Phoenix, Az.

Romona Davis

November 28, 2012

I was a second year medical student in Little Rock when Larry showed facinating pictures he had taken of patients eyes. He told amazing stories as he taught...some that I remember more than 10 years later. Now as an ophthalmologist, I recognize the true gift and love that he brought to his work. I consider it an honor to have been one of his students.

Marsha Hines

November 28, 2012

Dearest Becky, Sydney and David,
I am devastated by the news I just received - I cannot believe that Larry is gone. He was the bright spot at the Jones Eye Institute and I enjoyed every moment we shared working together. His talent was enormous and so was his spirit. Larry and I used to laugh and say that we were "twins separated at birth" but I would quickly add that "he got the brains." I have never known a kinder, more thoughtful gentleman in every sense of the word. I still proudly display two of Larry's photos in my office and I treasure them just as I shall treasure the memory of his friendship. Please know that my thoughts are with you and give my sincere condolences to his "much adored" sister. With all my love, Marsha

Julie bryer

November 12, 2012

So sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved husband. I regret that I did not know until today so I missed the service. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Julie Bryer

Sandy Atkinson

November 12, 2012

Becky and family,

I was so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. Gerry informed me by email right as I was headed out of town for a cousin's funeral. You couldn't have asked for a more patient, loving and consderate boss/instructor/friend. I was very proud of the work he taught me. Give big hugs to your children and know I will think of you often. Your indomitable spirit will keep you going.

Sandy Atkinson

November 11, 2012

I offer my most sincere condolences to the family and those who knew him so well. My prayers are with you.

Nancy Mason (UNHS, Nashville, TN)

Gerry Skews

November 9, 2012

I am so sorry to hear about Larry, he was a visionary, a campaigner and a good man, that is a great legacy and one that few can truly claim. In addition I am proud to call him my friend, he was a wonderful man to know and I appreciated his friendship, humor and guidance while I lived in the US. I will miss you Larry and I will be thinking of him, Becky, Sydney and David on Sunday. Thank you Larry for being my friend.

Pat Saine

November 9, 2012

Larry was a compassionate ophthalmic photographer. He was active in OPS, serving on Boards, helping organize ICOP meetings, writing articles and chapters. He was active in developing the use of digital imaging screen and follow diabetic retinopathy. He was always ready with a good word; he was positive and encouraging. His method of working with people was about finding a way to move ahead together, as opposed to pushing his own specific agenda.

I'll miss Larry. We met by chance at a jazz bar in Chicago at my first AAO meeting. We ended up rooming together at countless OPS Board meetings. Flooded showers; middle of the night fire alarms; one time, I was checking the hotel room drawers while packing and found one full of Larry's dirty clothes. I called to make sure they were his (what color are your boxers?), found a box and mailed them out to him. We always talked about our families and his health when we got together. His family came later in his life than he would have planned, but he still had plenty of time to give and receive their unconditional love and support. When we had free time at meetings, we used to visit local galleries with photography shows. Larry taught me about a lot of things besides ophthalmic photography. He introduced me to well pressed shirts and to fountain pens. Larry owned a little car that went fast. He let me know that life is short, and that we should always make the best of whatever situation we find ourselves in. I'll miss Larry, but I will think of him and the good things he did on a regular basis.

Billie Odom

November 9, 2012

I am very sorry for your loss. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Tina Alston

November 8, 2012

Larry's kindness to JWayne Biggers both during their work with Scout Troop 3 and in reaching out at JWayne's memorial reflected a lifetime of Righteousness. I'll always recall him tooling around in that little convertible.

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