It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Lawrence (Larry) Francis Laliberte, 89, on April 15th after a lengthy battle with illness.

Known as a man of faith who worked hard, loved immensely and always put his family first, Larry is survived by Janet, his wife of 68 years, children Richard (Robin), Anne Marie (David) and Mary Jo (Holly) and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Larry was predeceased by his father, Telesphore “Tel” Laliberte, mother Winnifred, brothers Richard and Eugene (Veronica) and son Michael (Lise). Survived by his brothers Gerry, Clarence (Lorraine), Philip (Carol) and Alan and many in-laws from the Wilson/MacKenzie family.

Larry was born as the second of seven boys in 1937 in Windsor, Ontario, sharing a room with six of his brothers and the house with his seventh, both his parents and his grandparents.

Family was always the first pillar of his life. The tender love and care of his parents helped him survive and recover from a bout of polio as a young child.

He credited a second pillar of his life, his faith, and the trust he placed in the Virgin Mary with helping him get through the challenges faced following his recovery from polio.

Together the seven boys - eight if you count Tel - played sports and caused mild mischief, and learned to sing together in harmony.

As he aged, music remained central to his family life, as Larry led spontaneous choruses of I found a Horseshoe and, each Christmas, gathered his family to share in song.

He attended Corpus Christi HIgh School in Windsor, Ontario, where he met Janet at a New Year’s Eve Party.

They married at Assumption Cathedral in Windsor on August 31, 1957.

Larry entered the work force immediately after high school, following his father’s footsteps by taking a job at Ford Motor Company first in the blueprint room, then as an engineering clerk.

Seeking a better life for his wife and four children, Larry returned to school, working during the day and taking classes toward an Engineering degree at Wayne State University at night.

Family remained his focus. He continued coaching Richard, Mike and Mary Jo’s sports, and never missed one of Anne Marie’s piano recitals.

Later obtaining his MBA from the University of Michigan, Larry worked in a lumber yard, owned property and started a business, but spent the bulk of his career at Ford Motor Company, rising to the rank of managing engineer and designing components for the WinStar engine.

Outside of work he was a clever and competitive Euchre strategist, enjoyed his days on the golf course and both vigorously cheered for — and occasionally napped in his chair while watching — the Pistons, Tigers, Lions, Red Wings and the University of Michigan Wolverines

He cared deeply about his community, donating to several causes and volunteering with the Knights of Columbus.

But his most treasured activity was spending time with his family. He was known for his hugs, his bottomless heart and willingness to take his grandchildren almost anywhere — including memorably to a rock festival, where he sat at the back and turned off his hearing aids.

His endless love and boundless support for his family left a profound impact on his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren alike, as well as the adopted friends and extended relations he took under his wing as Camp Boss of the annual Laliberte family men’s camping weekend.

His big heart, tenacity and loving spirit is carried on by the generations who learned to follow Larry’s lead.

The family extends its appreciation to his care team from Beaumont Home Health and Michigan Palliative and Hospice Care.

Visitation will be held at John N. Santeiu and Son, Inc in Garden City, MI from 2-8 p.m. on April 21, with a funeral mass to follow on April 22 at Church of the Divine Child at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Maryknoll Missionaries, officially the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America or Heifer International.