On April 4, 2024, a stroke attempted to extinguish our beloved Larry’s light, yet Larry’s indomitable spirit prevailed. That night, he went to bed with a pounding headache only to awaken to partial left-side paralysis. Thanks to the swift actions of his devoted wife, Eileen, emergency services were summoned, and Larry was transported to the Emergency Room, where he received life-saving medication and was stabilized. Unfortunately, due to an extraordinary April snowstorm, Larry was unable to be LifeFlighted to Portland for immediate treatment. The following day, he was transported to Maine Medical Center, where he currently remains, awaiting a bed at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland to embark on his journey to recovery. Throughout this ordeal, his wife and children, Valerie and George, have steadfastly stood by his side.

While the stroke caused some neurological damage, resulting in profound weakness of his left side and partial vision impairment on his right, Larry’s cognition, speech, demeanor, memory, and personality remain resolutely intact. Despite the challenges ahead, he is very much the Larry that we know and love. We maintain an unwavering optimism that he will regain some mobility and motor functions on his left side.

Prior to this life-altering event, you knew Larry to be the most active man with a zest for life. When he wasn’t working, he could undoubtedly be found hitting the open road on his Harley, hunting, ice fishing, nurturing his garden, doing anything outside with his faithful companion, Lacey, by his side, or doting on his cherished grandsons, Carter and Caden.

A friend to everybody, if you ever needed anything, you knew you could count on Big Lar. To know Larry is to know love, kindness, compassion…and unbridled honesty! He knows how to tell a story and make you laugh until you cry. He’s always the first to offer help and and the first to show up, having selflessly offered assistance to anybody who needed it on countless occasions.

Everybody who knows Larry knows his tenacity and his relentless determination. We know that Larry is going to fight with every fiber of his being, but he is aware of the gravity of his situation. Although the outcome remains uncertain, we are anticipating months of intensive therapy in hopes that he can regain some his mobility. He will undoubtedly face a myriad of challenges on his road to recovery — many accommodations will be required for a successful recovery, and we want to give him the best chance possible.

Big Lar has spent his entire life taking care of everybody. Now it’s our turn to take care of him. We’re imploring you to rally around him and lift him up in love as we strive to alleviate some of the financial burdens ahead. In addition to loss of Eileen’s wages, significant house modifications are required in anticipation of Larry’s hopeful return home. Additionally, there are likely to be an array of unforeseen financial needs in the coming months, as his condition evolves.

Thank you so much for your support.

With much gratitude and love,

The Family of Larry Surrette