A Tribute To Larry Mebane.

[bdenner]

Larry Mebane 69, an African American, is to be cremated here in Ban Dung tomorrow after losing his long battle with cancer. He was not only a practicing Christian but a very practical man knowing the logistics of transporting his many friends and Thai relatives to Phuket for services could be nullified by having his body transported to Ban Dung. As was his wish he was given a full Christian Service in Phuket with his local friends in attendance prior to be flown to Udon to be given a traditional Thai cremation here. Larry had no close relatives in the US.

Larry retired to Phuket with his Thai wife, Porn, of some 18 years after a long career in the US Navy where amongst other things he saw active duty in Viet Nam. They built 2 nice homes one in Phuket and one here in Ban Dung where they stayed on their frequent visits to Porn’s family. He enjoyed a drink and a joke but caught me out on a number of occasions where when I was enjoying his company and/or hospitality he would recite grace prior to eating, I had knife and fork in hand.

His many attributes are too long to list suffice to say he will be sadly missed. I must pay my special respects to Porn for her strength and dedication, she nursed, cared for and loved her husband to the end. A very hard year indeed.

Never forgotten Larry, RIP.