PORTLAND – Lawrence “Larry” A. Oberlander, 69, of Vassalboro, died at Maine Medical Center in Portland Saturday, July 24, with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. He left this world as he lived in it, on his terms, conscious of God, fearless of death and very much at peace.

He was born July 11, 1935, in Boston, Mass., a son of Walter Valentine and Eileen C. Earner Oberlander. He was educated in Boston public schools and was a 1956 graduate of the UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture with a degree in applied forestry.

Larry dedicated 38 years of his working life to the Maine Forest Service, Highway Commission and Maine Department of Conservation, retiring in 1995. A source of particular pride was his management of the Maine State Rest Area Program throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s for traveling families to enjoy; as well as the planning and construction of the Conservation Department’s highly successful boat launch facility program. Great professional contentment and personal enrichment was gained thorough his close relationship with co-workers and project crews around the state.

He also served his country loyally for 23 years beginning in 1958 as an infantryman in Korea, Reservist and National Guardsman before his retirement in 1995. His attention to duty, detail and efficiency allowed him to advance to the rank of staff sergeant and be the recipient of commendation medals while on active duty.

He was a communicant of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church.

He was active in the community as a Little League baseball coach, Pack 410 cubmaster, Weeblos leader, town of Vassalboro Planning Board member, state plumbing inspector, and CCD teacher along with his wife, Priscilla, for 22 years.

Wife, children, home atmosphere and traveling with “the gang” to spots around the state, Boston or the Cape was a source of contentment and happiness. He enjoyed landscaping and gardening, putting considerable time into both as an expression of his appreciation of nature’s beauty and bounty. A knowledgeable woodsman, he freely shared his knowledge with others and had a strong commitment to the wise use of our natural resources.

Larry himself was an outstanding athlete throughout his life and an exceptional high school referee in his later years, regularly officiating Class A games. He was extremely proud of his eight grandchildren, all of whom are excellent students and accomplished athletes, following in his footsteps.

Larry married Priscilla Mae Mason on Aug. 8, 1962, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in North Vassalboro.

He is survived by three children, Michael and his wife, Nicole, of Lewiston, Rachael Baril and her husband, Phil, of Mechanic Falls, Matthew of Los Angeles, Calif.; one foster son, Joseph H. Mason and his wife, Cheryl, of China; three sisters, Eleanor Monahan of Lexington, Mass., Ann Welsh of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Elaine Davidson of Boston, MA; companion, Jean Cummins of Searsport; grandchildren, Philip Jr., Ryan, Jennifer, Nathan, Dustin, Devin, Celina and Calvin.

He was predeceased by both parents in 1984;a brother, Walter P. Oberlander in 1977; and by his loving wife, Priscilla, on May 26, 2000.