Larry Blackburne

Lawrence (Larry) Allen Blackburne went to join his mom, Marie Blackburne, and brother Les Blackburne, in heaven.

After 8 years of fighting ALS (Lou Gehrig Disease), on Monday Nov. 12, 2012, his heart quit while receiving care at John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, Mich.

Larry had been a long-time resident of Mountain Home. He fell in love with Mountain Home area during his first assignment to Mountain Home AFB, so he was excited to be returning in 1987 where he could live the outdoor lifestyle he loved.

He was an outdoorsman who preferred fresh air while fishing, hunting, boating or four-wheeling over being confined indoors.

Larry and his wife, Denise (Dee), moved to Michigan in 2008 so they would have additional family support in helping Larry fight the ravages ALS was wrecking on his body.

Larry was born on May 15, 1958, and raised in The Dalles, Ore., by his dad, Paul Blackburne, mom Marie (deceased), along with his siblings, Les Blackburne (deceased), Linda Hanson, Lisa Goodenough and Mary McNeice.

At 19, in 1977, he joined the Air Force and after earning the rank of technical sergeant. He made the choice to pursue other career option in 1995 and took the offered early retirement.

Larry enjoyed having new destinations, different places to go see, and long-haul trucking became the perfect career choice for him.

As a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 98 he managed to pass on his love and knowledge of Idaho and all the beauty it has to offer to not only his son, John Blackburne (J.J.), but many other young men.

Larry was an inspiration in the grace and dignity and courage he displayed upon receiving the diagnosis of ALS in September, 2004. He was inspiring to all who knew him, but to his children the determination and strength he had was best displayed when he managed to escort Christina down the aisle as she married Brent Van Dyk in 2006. It was one of the last times he ever walked on his own. Jennifer Blackburne was the apple of his eye as not only the youngest but also the child most likely sitting next to him while fishing. She also moved to Michigan in 2008 so she could spend more time with her dad.

Other family member also celebrating memories of him are John's wife, Jessica Blackburne, and his loving grandchildren, Samantha Blackburne, Sykler Blackburne, Jacob Holt and Kaitlyn Van Dyk.

A viewing and memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 17, under the direction of Lynch & Sons Funeral Home in Clawson Mich. A military burial will take place at Roseland Cemetery immediately after.

Donations in memory of Larry may be made to: www.alsa.org/donate.