Lawrence Arthur LaBrie

Lawrence was born in Lewiston on February 6, 1944 at CMMC. The son of Evelyn Bushey LaBrie and Roger LaBrie, he graduated from Edward Little High School in 1962. Larry met the love of his life, Wilma Durrell, while attending college at the University of Maine at Presque Isle and they married on June 17, 1967. Larry became a Social Studies teacher at Walton Junior High in Auburn and coached the 9th Grade Football team. Larry worked with a special group of teachers at Walton, many of whom have remained dear friends throughout their lives (including Scott and Li Gowell, Larry and Nancy Sirois, Dan and Ellen Cifelli and Tina Vanesse). Larry coached 15 years of football, having many winning seasons, and became the Walton assistant principal and then principal under the mentorship of beloved Gerry Alden. In 1987, Larry fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming the principal of his Alma Mater, Edward Little High School. One of his greatest accomplishments was expanding the Arts programs at EL including adding a choir director and more art teachers which culminated in receiving the prestigious Kennedy Center Award for support of the arts in schools. In 1992, he became the Assistant Executive Director of the Maine Principals Association where he finished his career. At the MPA he oversaw nineteen committees, was known for his work in expanding sports access for young women in Maine, creating professional development for administrators and coaches, and continuing relationships with national education organizations. He chaired the EL Alumni Association for many years, and served on the board of the MELMAC foundation which supported many students’ educational pursuits.

Larry loved his family most of all and was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend. He and wife Willy enjoyed traveling around the country with special trips to Hawaii, Alaska and their yearly trips to Las Vegas to visit Larry’s brother, Roger and his wife Sherri. But their favorite place was their camp on Clearwater Lake in Industry where they loved gardening together, playing cards and dominoes with friends and family, and listening to the loons. He and Willy spent many hours supporting their daughters Beth and Becca in their love of horses. This included cheering them on at horse shows, and helping with chores at Beth’s horse farm in Turner.

Larry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Willy, his daughter Beth LaBrie and her husband Bill Buzza of Auburn and grandchildren Patrick and Reid Buzza; daughter Becca LaBrie of Wales and her partner Alan Deditch, and granddaughter Samanatha Baldwin; his sister-in-law Frances Brann, nephews Keith and Kendall Brann and their families, brother-in-law Gilbert Durrell, his wife Connie Durrell and niece Lynelle Schumaker and family. Larry was predeceased by his parents, his brother Roger LaBrie, and nephew Grant Durrell.

The family thanks the staff of Elite Homecare, the Odd Fellows and Rebekkah's home in Auburn, and Andwell Health Partners for the care they provided.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Edward Little HS Performing Arts Department by writing checks to the Auburn School Department and writing Larry LaBrie in the memo or by using the Auburn School Department venmo @Edward_Little_HS.