Lawrence Merrill Bemish

Lawrence Merrill "Larry" Bemish Age 78, passed away peacefully in his home in Northville, Michigan with his wife Catherine Eugenie (Green) "Jean" Bemish by his side on December 27, 2012. He was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on March 22, 1934 to Leslie and Ann (Sonderman) Bemish. He's survived by his wife Eugenie, son Andrew Lawrence "Andy" Bemish of Northville, daughter Katherine Clare "KC" Bemish of Ann Arbor and grandson Ngun "Charlie" Thang of Northville. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Gail (Bemish) Green. He met the love of his life, Eugenie through her brother Bill. While big in personality, Larry was small in stature (he topped out at 5' 3") and the first question he asked his future wife on the phone was "how tall are you?" Thankfully, her response suited him perfectly (she's 5' 3" as well) and they were married on June 22, 1957 in Northville. As a youth Larry divided his time between Northville and Ann Arbor and as such never officially graduated high school. Undaunted by this minor flaw in his education, Larry went on to earn a BA in Special Education from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan and an MA and PhD in Special Education from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He taught special education in the Livonia Public Schools until 1970 when he landed his "dream job" as professor of special education at Eastern Michigan University where he taught for 30 years until his retirement in 2000. Larry led a long and happy life and it was often said of him "he's the nicest man I've ever met." His kindness, caring and understanding were enhanced by his ever-present sense of humor. He believed that laughter healed all pain and made any situation bearable. And it just seems right to honor him by passing on his favorite joke; "What did the zero say to the eight? Nice belt." Visitation will be held Friday, January 4, 2013 from 4-8pm with a scripture service at 7pm at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 10am at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard, Northville. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Angela Hospice, 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154-5010, www.AskForAngela.com.