Lawrence Buppa J. Green

Lawrence (Buppa) James Green passed away on December 29, 2013 surrounded by family. He was 83 years old. He was born on April 5, 1930 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to James Green and Vivian (Schmidt) Green. He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1947, and graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1948. He went on to attend the University of Marquette, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering in 1952. He later went on to pursue a Master's Degree in City and Regional Planning from Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. Following his graduation, he was commissioned as Ensign, Civil Engineer Corps, United States Navy. Shortly after, he married the love of his life, Joyce Marie Rasmussen, on June 14, 1952, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oshkosh Wisconsin. After being commissioned, Larry embarked on a 27-year military career. Throughout his service, he was stationed in Guam, Port Hueneme, Puerto Rico, Antarctica, Washington State, Great Lakes, IL, Washington D.C. Naval Yard, Vietnam, and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) in El Toro California. Most notable of these assignments was his role as officer in charge of all Seabees during Operation Deep-Freeze on the continent of Antarctica. The overall mission of Operation Deep-Freeze, which consisted of approximately 22 countries around the globe, was scientific. He also served two terms in Vietnam, where he personally contributed to the reconstruction of railroad bridges and military camps. Larry's selfless leadership and outstanding devotion to the country, earned him the Bronze Star among many other accolades including the Navy Unit Commendation, the Silver Star, and the Vietnam Service medal. Larry retired from the Navy in 1973 with the rank of Captain. Upon retirement from the navy, Larry joined the Architecture and Engineering firm VTN in Irvine, California. He remained there until 1978 when he moved to Longmont, Colorado to begin reconstruction on the Big Thomson Canyon. During this time, he owned his own construction management company, was appointed the first director of Community Development for the city of Longmont, and held the position of President and CEO of the Economic Development Association of Longmont. He also served on Governor Romer's Trade Missions to Japan and other far East Countries. In 1991, Larry formed Larry Green and Associates, a commercial real estate firm. While in real estate he continued to serve on boards, committees, and task forces. He was awarded the very first Brock Memorial Award for outstanding contribution to the business and community. In addition, Larry was very active behind the scenes in local politics. He retired from real estate in 2007 to his home in Mead. Throughout his life he enjoyed playing tennis, hunting, reading history, and spending time with family, especially his wife Joyce. In his spare time, he received his private pilots license and loved flying his own plane. He also frequently found peace visiting the family cabin in the mountains of Wyoming. Larry was a long time member of the Catholic Church in which he was an active participant in the choir. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He never met a stranger and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his family and community. He was preceded in death by loved son-in-law Adolf (Ady) Medina. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Joyce, of Longmont Colorado; his seven children; sons Jeff Green (Lynda) of Dayton Wyoming, Jim Green of Longmont, Colorado, Mark Green of Indianapolis, Indiana; daughters Sue Wade (Jerry) of Yreka, California, Mary Pedersen (Michael) of Seattle, Washington, Kate Medina of Longmont Colorado, and Barbara Hunter of Laguna Beach, California; his 18 grandchildren Kari, Jensen, Caleb, David (Elissa), Sarah, Hannah, Heather (Kevin), Chelsea (Brian), Cory (Julie), Sierra (Cody), Josh, Alex, Hailey, Joben, Nels, Ryan, Natasha, and Dylan; and 9 great grandchildren, with one on the way. Visitation will be held from 5:30-6:30pm, Thursday, January 2, 2014 at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Mead, Colorado, with a rosary at 6:30p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am, Friday, January 3, 2014 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Father Alan Hartway officiating. A burial with full military honors will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Longmont, Colorado. Afterwards, a reception will be held at Mead Hall with dinner provided by Mead Women's Group. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 15179 County Road 7, Mead, CO 80542. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.