Lawrence Lee Cecil Jr.

Larry Cecil, age 100, passed away peacefully on April 7th, 2023. He was born to Lawrence and Anise Cecil on March 6, 1923 in a farmhouse in Comus, Maryland. He was the second of four children. As a young boy, Larry enjoyed all outdoor activities including baseball, horseback riding, farming, chopping firewood, and hunting and fishing. In 1941, Larry answered the call to serve in WWII and later the Korean War. As a Navy pilot, he flew the Grumann Avenger, a torpedo bomber. He accomplished 103 air craft carrier landings, as well as, surviving three crash landings. After his service time, Larry attended Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. His degree eventually led him to a position as International marketing manager for The Diamond Shamrock Company. This work allowed him to travel to 100 countries. He'd proudly tell how in 1968, by selling the 2nd largest quantity in the world of DDT, he probably saved many lives from malaria and typhoid. In 1952, when visiting the Methodist youth group in Roseland, New Jersey, Larry met his wife to be, Peg Fischbach. They were married the next year and eventually had five children: Lawrence (Skip), Chris, Holly Beth, Peter, and Robin. Over the next 70 years, the Cecil family lived in New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio, Florida, and finally, Fort Collins, Colorado. Larry's love and devotion to Peggy and the children stood firm through the years. Larry had a personal magnetism that shined in many aspects of his life. People were drawn to him and a common phrase his children heard was: " I just love your Dad. He is my favorite." He had an uncanny knack for winning contests or raffles. If he entered he almost always won. Larry was an exceptionally hard worker and thrifty saver. Generational musical talents were passed on to each of his children. Throughout his life he planned adventures for himself and his family. His children had amazing experiences all across the country. At a fancy restaurant on his 90th birthday, he told attendees they should do daily exercise. He then stripped down to a t-shirt and attempted 90 pushups. He could do 60 fast jump ropes at age 95. Finally, Larry would want you to know how his love and belief in Jesus, The Holy Spirit, and church directed his life and his legacy. He kept many small books in which he recorded what he called "Pringles." - unexplainable or serendipitous everyday events. In his last few years Larry would say: "When I reach 100, I'm going to march on out of here!" ---- Larry Cecil 100 years - 1 month - 1 day. Larry is survived by his brother in law, Dennis Fischbach, (Patrick), Ogunquit, ME, Children: Skip Cecil, (Debra Sue), Chris Cecil, Peter Cecil, (Susan), Robin Cecil, (Michael), and Mary Schwed - all in Fort Collins. Also, nine grandchildren: Simon Cecil, Noah Cecil, Wilson Cecil, Matthew Cecil, Catherine Cecil, Daniel Cecil, Ruthie Cecil, Aaron Vaughn, and Noelle Vaughn, and six great grand children: Natalie Vaughn, Claire Vaughn, Benjamin Vaughn, and Jackson Cecil, Florence Cecil, and Camilla Bruce. Service: 12:00pm Tuesday, April 18th, Fort Collins United Methodist Church, Reception: Visiting and finger food will follow after service, Grandview Cemetery: Military burial service at @ 2:00. All are invited. A live video stream will be available at http://vimeo.com/event/2983556. In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry’s honor can be made to the Virginia Dale Community Church, 30437 U.S. Hwy 287, Virginia Dale, CO 80536,virginiadalechurch.org

Tributes

Lawrence Lee Cecil Jr.

March 6, 1923 - April 7, 2023