Photo courtesy of Larry's Shipmate and Fellow Summiteer Carmine Mazza. Click HERE.
A Letter from Larry's Wife:
Hello, My Beloved Friends!
Larry has struggled with health issues for years: a Stage 4 diagnosis of cancer in the lymph nodes on his neck, chemo and radiation, having a lung removed, the amputation of his right foot, healing enough to finally receive a state of the art permanent prosthesis - only to acquire a fatal staph infection and die suddenly and completely unexpectedly, the day before Valentine's Day.
He had received his permanent prosthesis two days before he was admitted into the hospital.
The doctors couldn't determine what, specifically, brought on the infection. It may have been from shucking a half-bushel of raw oysters, eating under-cooked smoked oysters, or both. He developed septicemia, was in isolation in the ICU for 48 hours, then transferred to hospice where he crossed over peacefully the following afternoon.
Larry was the finest human being I'd ever known. He was funny and irreverent and kind and compassionate - and just the perfect yang to my yin. I am so honored to have enjoyed almost 4 decades of "goofball bliss" with My Captain.
A Celebration of Larry's Life - so well lived - took place on Tuesday, June 18th (what would have been our 36th wedding anniversary), from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at the Florida House Inn, 22 South Third Street. in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Following the gathering at the Florida House Inn, dessert and champagne was served during a sunset cruise of the Amelia River.
Friends Forever,
Laurie Leigh Keller
May 5, 2019
|
James Lawrence "Larry" Keller
November 1, 1949 - February 13, 2019
Beloved Husband, Friend to All
James Lawrence "Larry" Keller, age 69, crossed over on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida. Larry grew up in Fernandina Beach, Florida, surrounded by cousins and friends in the close-knit community of Old
Town. Larry loved fishing and exploring the waters of the Amelia River and Egan's Creek, as well as sailing on the Atlantic Ocean.
Larry enlisted in the United States Navy in 1967, and he served his country proudly.
Larry met his partner in life and love, Laurie Leigh, in Fernandina Beach, Florida and they were married for thirty six remarkable years. Larry was employed by Florida Public Utilities Company in Fernandina Beach for 14 years. Then, Larry and Leigh chose to realize their dream of living aboard, purchased their sailboat 'Now Voyager', and spent twelve wonderful years as citizens of the boating community. During that time they made many lifelong friends - who became"family" - leaving them with many spirited tales to tell of their nautical exploits and dventures.
Having to give up the sailing life for life on land, a move to Waycross, Georgia opened a brand new chapter for The
Kellers. The Waycross community embraced them, and they enjoyed almost seven years near the Okefenokee Swamp
among musicians and artists and kindred spirits - who also became "family".
Larry loved sailing and cooking - a combination that earned him the nickname "Sailor Chef". He was also a gifted woodworking craftsman and
accomplished carpenter, leaving a remaining legacy of remarkable projects - both large and small - he had completed over the years. Larry loved music, and was inspired, uplifted, and healed by listening to his favorite artists - both family members and friends, as well as internationally recognized performers. Not one day went by, that Larry didn't have music playing for hours.
Larry Keller was predeceased by his brothers, William Allen "Billy" Keller, and Raymond Harold Lucas; a sister, Denise Dimkoff; and his parents and stepparents. Survivors include his wife, Laurie Leigh Keller; his daughter, Jennifer Keiser (Jody); sisters, Nancy Thompson (Truman) and Linda Robbins; brothers, Ricky Lucas (Faye), Kevin "Jack" Keller, Todd Keller, and David Bissett, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. Larry was cremated, according to his wishes. Casual memorial celebrations of Larry's life
so well lived ,.. were held in his hometown of Fernandina Beach; his adopted hometown of Waycross, Georgia; and in
Ohio.
This information provided by Larry's Shipmate at USNAVRADSTA(T), Summit, CZ - Carmine Mazza. Carmine, a.k.a. "Maz", wants us to know that Larry always had a smile on his face and that he loved basketball.
Larry's Obituary has also been posted on www.tribute.com
|