Lauren "Larry" Swanson

Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, on September 22, 1939, to the late Adrian Albert Swanson and Ellen Elizabeth Swanson, Larry spent the majority of his life in Florida working in sales and making long-time friendships and lasting memories in West Palm Beach, Gainesville, and Tampa.

Larry truly never met a stranger. Known for his infectious sense of humor, he loved to tell a good joke or share a captivating story, touching the lives of everyone he encountered.

Larry lived life to the fullest. As an avid bicyclist, one of his most cherished accomplishments was leading a tour group across the United States from the east coast to the west coast. He was passionate about the Florida Gators, and loved road trips, cruising, and white-water rafting.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Judi Edwards; his children, Tracy Messier (Todd), Sherri Carkhuff (Maynard), and Kirsten Kennedy (Joe); his grandchildren, Blake Messier, Laurel Carkhuff, Alex Carkhuff, and Will Kennedy; and his nephews, Kerry Swanson and Adrian Swanson.

Larry was preceded in death by his brother, Allan Swanson, and his youngest daughter, Stephanie Swanson, who battled epilepsy for most of her life and with whom Larry shared an incredibly special and enduring bond.

A final resting service will be held at a later date at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Larry’s memory to Parkinson’s research via the Parkinson's Foundation www.parkinsons.org or the Michael J. Fox Foundation, give.michaelfox.org.