Laurence D. McGregor

Laurence David McGregor, age 85, of Warren, Michigan passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born in Detroit, Michigan to the late Lawrence & Rachel McGregor. He was a Royal Oak Native with a heart as big as his hometown. Born and raised in Royal Oak, he embodied qualities of friendship, generosity, and unwavering loyalty. A true competitor and fighter, he carried these traits throughout his life, whether on the golf course, bowling alley, or serving in the Army as part of the 101st Airborne.

After 30 dedicated years at GM at the young age of 53, he retired in February 1993, leaving a legacy of hard work and commitment. His early days as a caddie at Red Run Golf Course in Royal Oak foreshadowed a lifelong passion for golf, marked by an impressive seven hole-in-ones over his 78+ years on the green. After retirement he continued to play golf and took on a part-time job as a greenskeeper at Sunny Brook Golf Course. He also built his own putting green in the backyard.

As a proud member of the 101st Airborne from 1958 to 1964, his final rank as Company A 1st Airborne Battle Group Light Weapons Infantryman reflected his courage and service to his country. His marriage to Barbara, 'the best thing ever happened to him' on November 27, 1970, at First Presbyterian Church in Royal Oak, flourished for 53 years, filled with shared moments of joy, love and camaraderie of moonlight bowling doubles and outings with friends.

A decent bowler when the occasion called for it, some might say sandbagger, especially those who knew that he had once bowled a perfect game and was invited to be on Beat The Champ. He also shared a passion for football, enjoyed the thrill of watching and betting on sports. His love for vacations, especially golf outing up north, creating cherished memories with his buddies and his lifelong companion Barbara leaves a legacy of love, laughter and friendship that will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Larry (Mac, Lars, "My Larry") was a fighter, surviving a long battle with health complications due to kidney removal (cancer) in 2017, and spent 92 days in the hospital. in 2021, respiratory ailments landed him in hospice care, but he would not be defeated as his will to live was too strong. Once again, 'Nine Lives Larry' cheated death, graduating from hospice and returning to play golf, bowling and enjoying time with family. When lung cancer took hold in August of this year, he fought long and hard, choosing radiation treatments rather than succumbing to the disease. He fought through pain and discomfort for a little more time with his loving wife Barbara and devoted children Cathy, Mark and Suzy who provided round-the-clock care. He was a warrior who never surrendered, but in the end his body couldn't match his indomitable spirit and he gave up the ghost.

Laurence is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara McGregor; Children, Cathy (Russ) Pendrick, Mark (Pam) Pendrick, & Suzy (John) McGregor; Grandchildren, Samantha & Zackary and his Sister, Barbara Trueman; God Daughter, Michelle Bauer-Mosher and buddy OZ who waited by the door for him to get home whenever he left the house.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Dorothy Gillick, Eddie McGregor, Laurine McGregor-Bauer, Jimmy McGregor & Roger McGregor.

A Memorial Visitation for Laurence will be held Tuesday, December 26, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home, 30351 Dequindre Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071.

The family will greet guests Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 10:00 AM, up until the time of the Memorial Service at 11:00 AM, 30351 Dequindre Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071.

In lieu of flowers donations in Larry's honor can be made to Wounded Warriors Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or to the Michigan Humane Society at or to https:/www.michiganhumane.org