Laurence McIntyre Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

When he walked through the door of the Sassafras Cafe each morning, his broad smile beaming, the regulars would turn to him and ask, "What's going on in Green Lake, Larry?" And he knew. This city boy, who moved to the small town at the age of 63, found a new sense of joy and purpose in this tightly-knit community. A two-term alderman, Larry drove a van for seniors, was active in the local recovery community, and became known throughout the county as “Larry the Uber Guy.” He loved people. Larry had an infectious smile, an endless supply of corny jokes, and a genuine curiosity that made people want to talk to him. He collected the news of the small town through his daily walks. When they asked him what was going on in Green Lake, Larry knew. Larry passed away on March 14,2020 after a four-month illness, tended by his beloved wife, Barbara. He was 81. He was born Laurence Francis McIntyre on July 26,1938, to Helen Sullivan McIntyre and Lawrence Francis McIntyre in Chicago, Illinois. Larry graduated from St. Ignatius high school in 1956, where his passion for basketball soared, becoming a star on the team. He attended Loyola University in Chicago and was thrilled to make their team. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1959, and was sent to Alameda, California, serving in the Pacific. At 6ft.4 he was the tallest man on his ship. On his first day at sea his crew announced "As long as we have McIntyre we don't need any ladders!" Larry returned home to the Coast Guard Reserve, serving six more years. His favorite duty was to steer the USCGC Ice Breaker Mackinaw through the Sault Ste. Marie locks. The vessel is a museum now. During these years he began his banking career as Assistant Vice President in business development at North Shore National Bank, continuing as an officer at Madison Bank and Albany Bank. He was President of the Roger's Park Lions Club in the 70's. In 1965 he married Patricia Ann White; the young couple had three daughters. Then in 1971, tragedy struck, and Pat died. Larry was left to raise his three girls: Catherine, age 5, Colleen, age 3, and Cara who was just 9 months old when their mother passed. They moved to Skokie, Illinois and Larry hired Marcella C. Koenig, a retired nun, to help with the girls. She was an integral part of the family for many years until her passing. Upon retiring from the banking industry, with the girls grown, Larry moved to the northern suburb, Lake Bluff, Illinois where he worked for WW Grainger Corp as a head of security at the headquarters in Vernon Hills and Lake Forest. He often worked for owner Bill Grainger as his personal assistant, bodyguard and driver. In 1997, he met his future wife, Barbara and a new life began for Larry. He got involved with Barbara’s horse business, Foxly Farm, in Mettawa, Illinois. Larry enjoyed going to the horse shows with her students, and he became close to Barbara’s three children. In 2002, Larry’s youngest stepson, Sean, graduated from high school, and Barbara retired and sold the farm. Together they moved to Green Lake. These were rich years for Larry. He rejoiced in his 9 granddaughters. He threw himself into the convivial, easygoing life of the town. He and Barbara started "Barblar Antiques" with a booth in Princeton (at Woolbright's River City Antique Mall, when they opened in 2006) and also in Green Lake. He joined the Rotary for a few years, was a member of Thrasher Opera house and Town Square. Berlin Senior Center hired him as their van driver. After serving two terms as alderman, his third election was a tie, and decided by a coin toss, which he lost. He joked that "only in Green Lake can someone be elected by the flip of a coin!" He and Barb traveled the country, from Alaska to Arizona and Florida with many trips to NYC, Cleveland and Chicago to visit family. Larry brightened the lives of all he touched. His famous, broad smile came from his heart and expressed the joy of a man who persevered through tragedy and struggle to find peace, love and acceptance. Larry will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Barbara Babcock Clune. He was blessed with three children and three stepchildren; Catherine McIntyre Heuck (Dave), Colleen McIntyre Burke, Cara McIntyre Batke (Kevin), Michael William Clune (Lauren), Jennifer Margaret Clune, Sean Austin Clune (Michelle). He loved his 9 beautiful granddaughters. Also survived by his sister, Elaine (late Ralph) Beaudoin; sisters-in-law, Judith White Jesswein (Richard), Margaret Babcock Harper (Mike), Martha Babcock Pafralides (Bobby); brothers- in-law, William Foster Babcock, Jr. (Tracy Webster), Richard Fayerweather Babcock III; 13 wonderful nieces and nephews; 11 grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and so many friends and family, especially Paul Baker, dear wise friend and mentor. Family and friends are invited to a special graveside memorial service on June 19, 2021 at 11 a.m. in the new section of Dartford Cemetery of Green Lake. Chairs will be provided. May God hold Larry in the palm of His hand. A memorial has been established.

Laurence McIntyre

July 26, 1938 - March 14, 2020