Larry Paul Boda

Larry Paul Boda, 62 of Harbor Springs, walked on December 10, 2018, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Larry was born in Petoskey, the eldest son of Alfred and Shirlee (Johnson) Boda, on August 28, 1956. He graduated from Petoskey High School in 1975. Shortly after graduation, Larry moved to San Francisco.

He was working at the Discount Builder's Supply store when he met the love of his life, Lisa MacDONALD. They were married on Mackinac Island, July 4, 1987. Together, Lisa and Larry traveled all over the United States. They lived in Oakland, California, Salem Oregon and Olympia, Washington before again moving back to Harbor Springs in 2017.When Larry and Lisa moved back to Harbor Springs, Larry jumped right into helping those around him. He could often be found lending a hand to his neighbors and friends at the Village at Hillside with many small tasks around the building, including hanging pictures, sweeping, and raking up leaves.

Larry enjoyed playing horseshoes and pool with his friends. He was a dedicated sports fan, especially for his favorite team, the San Francisco 49ers. He adored his dog, Smidge, and would often go on hikes with his companion at his side. He was a member of the Who-Who, which was a California based lumber association, where he would dedicate his spare time to building homes for those less fortunate. Larry would also look forward to giving out saplings every year on Arbor Day and Earth Day.

He also loved astronomy and would study the different star patterns in each new town he moved to. Larry had a lifelong subscription to Sky and Telescope Magazine and could spend hours setting up telescopes to look at different planets and constellations.

Larry is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lisa MacDONALD-Boda of Harbor Springs; siblings, Patsy (Bill) McGowan of Grand Rapids, Valerie Boda of Traverse City, David Boda of Traverse City, Duane (Anne) Boda of Ishpeming, Karen Boda of Harbor Springs and Rose Pyant (Bob Chicks) of Harbor Springs; cousin, David Jesse James of Stockton, CA and his son, David James, Jr; niece, Laura MacDONALD; and countless other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Larry is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Mary Jane "Cookie" Boda; and cousin and close friend, Albert Colby.

The Boda family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Village at Hillside in Harbor Springs for their warm welcome and wonderful sense of community; McLaren Hospice for their attentive care for Larry; the Purchased/Referred Care Department of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians; and a special thank you to Gina Lewis for being with Larry during his final moments and making him feel comfortable.

There will be a memorial service on the winter solstice, Friday, December 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Stone Funeral Home in Petoskey. Rev. Dan Chingwa will officiate.

Memorial donations are asked to be directed to Larry's wife, Lisa.

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