Larry Thomas Bauman

Big Lake resident Larry Thomas Bauman, 52, died in his sleep of natural causes Sept. 30, 2012.

The family has planned a potluck gathering with friends and family to celebrate Larry’s life at 2 p.m., Oct. 13 at Linda and Wally Wirtanen’s home, 12850 East Norman Ave. in Palmer. Larry’s ashes along with the ashes of his canine companion “Rose,” will be spread in the spring on his birthday, in Hatcher Pass, which was one of his favorite places.

Larry was born July 11, 1960, to Ted and Angela Bauman. The Baumans moved their young family to Palmer with the Michiganeers of 1959. But Larry was truly 100 percent homegrown Alaskan. Larry lived in Alaska for the majority of his life, but also spent some time in Colorado and Florida.

He grew up skiing the slopes of Hatcher Pass; surfing through the powder in the Valley by snowmachine and hitting the trails on his four-wheeler, but his favorite thing to do was sit by the fire at barbecues and family gatherings. Although, Larry didn’t have any children, he had many nieces and nephews that he treated as if they were his own. He was an avid animal lover and had a great appreciation of art.

“He never hesitated to give his time to help anyone that needed it; all they had to do was ask,” his family said.

He was a journeyman electrician for many years, which allowed him to travel to many places and experience much of Alaska. Although, electricity and he did not agree, he had the scars to prove it. He had an adventurous side to him and was always trying to come up with new ways to make money. He loved inventing things. That was who he was.

Surviving are his seven siblings and their families, Linda and Wally Wirtanen, Mark and Janet Bauman, Christine Bauman, Kenny and Jill Bauman, Tim and Tammy Bauman, Terry Bauman, Dian and Lonny Wares; and 19 nieces and nephews.

Because Larry loved the outdoors so much, instead of sending flowers or donations, his family suggests trees planted in his memory would be something he would love.

Arrangements were by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory. An obituary and guestbook are online at AlaskanFuneral.com.