Laurence Varda

Laurence J. Varda, 85, of Kingsford, passed away after a brief illness, on Monday, August 15, 2011 at Freeman Nursing and Rehab Center. Larry was born on June 28, 1926 in Norway , MI, the son of the late Joseph and Violet (Mellon) Varda. He graduated from Norway High School in 1944. He then enlisted, as an aviation cadet in the Army Air Forces during World War II. After the War he worked construction and did carpenter work with his Father. He entered college under the GI Bill in 1947. Larry married Patricia DeFiore on September 9, 1950 and the couple lived on the campus of Northern Michigan University , Marquette . Laurence graduated with a BS Degree in Education in 1951. Laurence received a contract to teach in the Kingsford High School and remained with Breitung Township Schools for 18 years. Larry recieved his Master's Degree in 1954 and later a Specialist in Education Degree in 1969, both from The University of Michigan. Larry spearheaded the original concept of vocational-technical education for high school students and procured the funds necessary for the completion of the Dickinson-Iron Vocational Technical Center . Laurence joined the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District in 1968 as the Director of Vocational Education. The Laurence J. Varda Technical Education Building was dedicated and renamed in his honor in June 1990, when he retired as technical education director--a post he held since the building opened in 1976. Larry was a member of St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kingsford, and served on numerous committees including the Building Committee. He played the cornet in a band with his wife and brother-in-law and was also in The Norway City Band for many years. He belonged to The Kiwanis Club, The Golden K, Elks Club and countless educational committees/classes affiliated with Bay de Noc Community College , Northern Michigan University and Michigan Tech He was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors. Laurence is survived by his children, Linda Varda Kosovec (Michael) of Madison, WI, Gary (Carol) Varda of Norway, and Robert (Linda) Varda of Kingsford; granddaughter Michelle (Nathan) Barrows of Grand Rapids; and 3 year old great-granddaughter, Laurel Rose Barrows. Laurence was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, on March 9, 2008; granddaugher, Lauren Kosovec in 2003; father, Joseph Varda in 1966; mother, Violet Varda in 1990; sister, Arelene (Varda) Ryan in 2009 and brothers Leslie and Allen in 1925; brothers-in-law, John Ryan and Francis DeFiore and sister-in-law Rosalie Johnson. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain . Parish prayers will be recited at 7:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be on Friday, August 19 at 11:00 am at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kingsford. Fr. Paul Nomellini will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park . Memorials may be made to The Laurence J. Varda Scholarship Fund being made in his memory to benefit the students of The Dickinson-Iron Technical Education Center. The family wishes to thank all the nurses and staff at Evergreen Assisted Living and Freeman Nursing & Rehab Center that were so kind to our Father in the last 3 years of his life. Condolences to the family of Laurence Varda may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Laurence Varda

August 15, 1926 - August 15, 2011