Lawrence C. Furlott

Lawrence C. Furlott, 94, of Farwell, MI passed away peacefully on February 15, 2021. Larry was born October 29, 1926, to Levi Charles and Jeanne Emeline Furlott, in St. Ignace, MI. His mother, an immigrant and war bride from France, passed away at the young age of 26 when Larry was only 2 years old leaving him and his siblings to be raised by their father Levi Charles, and paternal grandparents, Phoebe Jane, and Matt Furlott. Larry said as a small boy, when his grandpa, a devout catholic, would go to church to evening prayer, he would wait by the front gate for him to return from church so he could carry his grandpa’s big prayer book into the house for him. He said most mornings he and his grandpa were the first ones to get up, so he would sit next to the big wood stove in the kitchen to stay warm while his grandpa made pancakes for breakfast. As a growing child Larry was very curious about what made things work, so he became a tinkerer and developed the lifelong gift of being able to fix nearly anything, a gift that served him well. Growing up during the depression, he was a very resourceful young man and found opportunities to be helpful, stay busy, and ways to earn money. He delivered groceries, worked at a gas station, and he had one particular job that earned him the nickname of “Ashcan”, a nickname he cherished, and was known mostly by his St. Ignace friends. Around age 15, Larry’s job as a bakery helper was to do cleanup, including emptying the ashes from the wood stove. The bakery’s owner’s son, Irving, together with Larry would carry the ash cans outside to where the ashes were to be dumped. Irving being few years older, taller, and stronger than Larry, would lift the cans up high, flip them upside down and always make sure some of the ashes spilled onto Larry’s head, consequently earning him the nickname Ashcan, which Larry loved! After leaving school Larry joined the Army, and became a proud WWII Veteran. Finishing his military service, he met Betty Cobe, and they married in 1948 and celebrated 55 years of marriage until Betty passed away in 2003. In 1951 Larry and Betty moved from St. Ignace, MI, to Belleville MI, where Larry worked at the Heininger Chevrolet Dealership in Belleville learning the Auto Body Repair trade. Eventually he opened his own Auto Body shop in Belleville, Larry’s Collision, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 1988, at which time he and Betty decided to retire and move to Farwell, MI. Not one to stay idle, and not wanting to be “officially” retired, Larry found interesting odd jobs in the area. For some time, he worked at All Car Collision Body Shop, in Farwell, he also worked as a Carpenters helper with Ted Mattonen Construction Co, and with Hagerman Builders. And no matter what job he held, workmen younger than him were the first to comment that they didn’t know how he had the energy and strength he had, because he worked circles around them all. He also kept everyone in stitches with his great sense of humor. Larry was also generous with his time as a volunteer. As a member and Trustee of the Farwell VFW Post 3039, he volunteered for many years selling Poppies and always tried to be the one that collected the most donations. He served in the Honor Guard at funerals, and parades, and he generously supported all causes taken on by VFW Post 3039. Larry was a happy man with a celebrated sense of humor! Rarely was anyone able to tell him a joke that he hadn’t heard before, and he never forgot a punchline! But his love for life centered around his family of kids, grand kids, extended family members and friends, they meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He would do anything he could to help them, because Larry’s nature was to be generous with his time and help anyone in need. Whether it be move books from the small library at the St. Cecilia school to the downtown public library, paint a bumper for a family friend, or help another friend set tables for an annual flea market, he once gave away a piece of land to a neighbor. He always said, “I’m at my best when I’m helping somebody,” a lifelong rule of conduct he held steadfast, Larry never met a stranger, only friends. He loved dogs and always had a pet, he planted an annual garden, built wood projects, such as birdhouses, birdfeeders, and kids’ toys, he liked to cook, and was especially good at making biscuits and pancakes, always a family favorite. But one of his greatest passions was making homemade wine, of which he gave away hundreds of bottles over the years to anyone asking for it, and sometimes to those that didn’t! One of his favorite sayings was, “Sometimes it tastes good, sometimes it tastes evil!” Larry and Betty were devout Catholics and attended Our Lady of Hope Parish in Clare. After most Masses, Larry would fold a $20 bill up very small, and on his way out of church he would shake hands with the Priest, and palm the $20 bill to the Priest, usually telling the Priest to go buy some “good” wine, they would both laugh about the secret exchange. And as was his nature, he used his favorite term of endearment when addressing the ladies of the church always calling them all, “Smiley”. As a fan of the old-time country music, Larry had quite an extensive record and tape collection, and his favorite musician was always Johnny Cash, but Larry could sing too! He enjoyed singing the hymns during Mass, and he entertained all kids with their favorite songs of Chocolate Ice Cream Cone, and Buffalo Gals. Larry was preceded in death by his wife Betty Furlott, his mother and father Jeanne and Levi Charles Furlott, his sisters, Rita Pemble, and Marlene Curtis, his brothers Mathew (Sonny) Furlott, and George Furlott. Larry is survived by his daughter Carla (Randy Brown) of Clare MI, and son Levi Wilfred Furlott, of Farwell MI. He is also survived by Grandchildren Kelli Butzin (Gary Linsea), Shannon Butzin (Brad Compo), Matthew Furlott, Amy Furlott, and Brandi Furlott, Great-grandchildren, Jordon Butzin(Courtney Gladish), Johnathan Cox, Hunner Linsea, Hiayah Linsea, Dylan Furlott, Ariana Whitehead, Noah Furlott, Adrian Dematteo, Mya Dematteo, Anthony Dematteo, Ryan Beatty, Layla Beatty and Maggie Beatty, as well as Great-great grandchildren Sonya Butzin, Addy Butzin, Jaydon Butzin and Jenna Butzin. Also, by Levi’s daughter Becky (Bill Nanasy) Kenzie, Kathryn and Alayna, many beloved nieces and nephews. Also a dear niece Susie Hakola, of Rudyard, MI and a dear nephew Dave Furlott, of Marquette, MI, both of which had a very loving bond with Uncle Lawrence, and one sister, Connie Mayer of Rudyard MI. Also, surviving Larry are his beloved friends,Marie Thompson, Peggy Coveyou, and Alvino and Joyce Soto. His love lives on in all of us. In lieu of flowers the family is suggesting donations be made to the two charities most dear to Larry and best summed up in the music piece of country singer Tom T. Hall…"Ain't but three things in this world that's worth a solitary dime, but old dogs and children and watermelon wine. St. Ignace Backpack Program, c/o Mackinac County Round Table, P.O. Box 56St. Ignace, MI 49781. Donations should be made payable to the Mackinac County Round Table. Or to: Mackinac Animal Aid Association, P.O. Box 71, St. Ignace MI 49781 Visitation and services will be held at the Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Cecilia Site on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. Visitation will be from 10 A.M. until the time of service at 11 A.M. led by Monsignor Francis B. Koper. Per Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions, and for the protection of Larry’s family and friends in attendance, proper face coverings over both nose and mouth is required. On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Lawrence C. Furlott

October 29, 1926 - February 15, 2021