Lawrence F. Tupper

TUPPER, Lawrence Frances Born February 23, 1923, in Crandon, Wisconsin; Died October 16, 2011, in Santa Barbara, California. Lawrence (Larry) was the fourth of eight children born to Orin and Irene Tupper. He graduated from Crandon High School, and then spent a year in Seward, Alaska. He returned to Crandon, where he and his brothers co-owned a trucking company. During World War II, he proudly served in the US Marine Corps, in the Pacific Islands. He was wounded in action three times and was awarded three Purple Hearts, and a Bronze Star for "heroic achievement under heavy artillery fire." He was recalled during the Korean Conflict. On May 13, 1950, he married his sweetheart, Harriette Mount, in Crandon. He and his brothers continued as co-owners of the trucking business, a Cities Service Gas station, and a Dad's Root Beer Stand. Eventually, memories of warm Southern California, from his time at Camp Pendleton, drew him, and in 1955, he moved his young family to Garden Grove, California. He worked in the food sales business for many years, first for Alex Foods, and later for the Borden Company. In 1971, the family moved to Santa Barbara. Our dad had a profound love of God, of his wife Harriette and his family, and of his Catholic faith. He was a kind, generous man who opened his heart and home to others. He was very involved with Holy Cross Catholic Church and with the prayer communities in Santa Barbara and throughout the area. He and Harriette spent countless hours feeding the homeless, visiting convalescent and rehab hospitals, and just helping others. He loved to attend school events with his children, and after his retirement he was able to spend special time with his grandchildren. He could often be found in the bleachers, cheering them on. Dad was proud of his Irish heritage and always had fun on St. Patrick's Day. He had a warm smile for everyone and sparkling eyes. Even when fighting Alzheimer's, he kept his sense of humor. Lawrence is survived and deeply loved by his wife of 61 years, Harriette; by his six children and their spouses: Theresa (Fred) Buss, Pat (Diane) Tupper, Mary (Gerry) Alcasas, Madelon (Greg) Calderon, Mike (Janie) Tupper, and Mary (Tom) Lopez; by his seventeen grandchildren: Nick, Heather (Chris), Emily (Richard), Allison (Dan), Shannyn (Ray), Ryan (Laura), Greg (Jan), Sabrina, Danielle, Jason, Michael, Kyle, Megan, Mackenzie, Madison, Caton, and Jeremiah; and by his eight great-granchildren: Cynthia, Caleb, Sarah, Evan, Evelyn, Jillian, Camilla, and Gabriel; and by his only surviving sibling, Margaret (Ralph) Brandt. He is also survived and loved by his sisters-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends. A Rosary and viewing will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church. The Funeral Mass will be on Monday, Oct. 24, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church or to the Wounded Warrior Project. To leave online condolences, please visit www.wrhsb.com Arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels.

Lawrence F. Tupper

February 23, 1923 - October 16, 2011