Larry J.R. Newman of West Branch died Monday, April 18, 2011.He was born on April 30, 1969, in Pontiac. He graduated from Whittemore-Prescott High School in 1988, having had a very impressive high school track and cross country career. He still holds two records to this day. In 1990, Larry met his future wife, Melanie Durfee, and they wed in July 1995. Larry was an intelligent, hard-working, dedicated family man. He loved most any sport, helped coach his children's sports teams and played volleyball at church. Larry was an excellent woodworker and a talented handyman. He could fix almost anything around the house. He loved his family, his friends, his church, U of M and his career in respiratory therapy. During the many years he worked as a respiratory therapist at West Branch Regional Medical Center, he was deeply devoted to and knowledgeable about his work and helped countless patients throughout his career.Larry leaves behind his wife, Melanie; and his children, whom he loved with his life, Kayleigh Mona and Parker Hayden. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Michael (Theresa) Durfee and David (Amy) Durfee; sister-in-law, Wendy (Jeff) Fisher; and nieces and nephews, Matthew and Brian Durfee, Dani, Sam and Drew Durfee and Morgan, Joshua and Elijah Fisher. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins by marriage, and numerous friends. Larry was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Otho and Mona Durfee. Larry will forever be remembered for playing basketball and watching movies with Kayleigh. Parker remembers Daddy as being "tough, brave, loving, a great Dad" and will miss him when he takes to the football field this summer and Daddy isn't coaching. Melanie will miss his smile, his laugh, his strength and the way he came through for her family in a pinch, and for the love he showed her father as he cared for him in his last days. Please remember Larry as the jovial, smiling, funny, helpful, devoted Christian man that he was and, if you see his beloved children, share a fond memory you have of their Dad. Visitation at Steuernol and McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch was held on Thursday, April 21, and Friday, April 22. On Saturday, Larry lay in state at Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church in West Branch until the time of the service. Pastor Bob Mohr officiated and burial followed at Brookside Cemetery, West Branch.Memorial contributions may be made to the family.