Laurence R. MacDonald

BRAINTREE — Laurence R. MacDonald, 53, of Braintree, died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, May 24, 2008.

Born in Quincy, he was a lifelong Braintree resident, Class of BHS 1972. 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, Calif., 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 pickup 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 are 4 to 8 p.m. at the Mortimer and Russell Peck Funeral Homes, 516 Washington St., Braintree, on Wednesday, May 28. Funeral service is on Thursday, May 29, at the First Congregational Church, 12 Elm St., Braintree, at 1:30 p.m., where the Rev. Richard Hotchkin will officiate; interment to follow at Blue Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heritage Christian Academy, 655 Boxberry Hill Road, East Falmouth, MA 02536.

For directions, please see www.peckservices.com.