Obituary of Lawrence Selfridge

Lawrence Charles Selfridge, 59, of Huddleston, VA., and formerly of Montgomery, NY, died at his home in Huddleston after an eight month struggle with cancer. The son of the late Frederick F. Selfridge, Sr. and Alice Conner Selfridge, he was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on October 10, 1953. He was predeceased by his wife Laurie Rae Selfridge. Larry was a graduate of Valley Central Schools in Montgomery, NY, class of 1971, and attended University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA where he earned his lumber Inspection certification. His is survived, and will be greatly missed, by his mother, Alice Conner Selfridge of Montgomery; brothers Fred F. Selfridge, Jr., and his wife Gail of Walden, NY; Eric W. Selfridge and his wife, Suzanne of Huddleston, VA; Andrew B. Selfridge of Montgomery, NY; nephews Eric of Fort Myers, FL., Christopher of Walden, NY, and Lowell of Montgomery, NY, and nieces Allison Handy of Milford, PA., Sadie Klein of Raleigh, NC., Kasey Selfridge of Florida, NY., LeeAnneFeagan of Orlando, FL., and Angie Selfridge of Gardiner, NY. He was also the great uncle of six nieces and nephews. Larry was a lumber inspector and carpenter by trade. He possessed a true love for hiking and loved every aspect of the forest and animals both wild and domesticated. He was seldom seen driving without a faithful dog perched in the passenger's seat. He showed his love for wood by making furniture as well as creating intricate carvings of canes, wall hangings, hand mirrors and cutting boards as well as many other items. He was also a master of scrimshaw. He was a self-taught musician who mastered both the harmonica and keyboard and entertained many by playing solo or with bands in Orange County, NY., and in Bedford and Roanoke Counties in VA. Before he moved from Montgomery, Larry was instrumental, along with his brothers and two friends, Randy Sutter and the late Larry Sutter, in forming and playing in the original Sailcat band. That band is still active and popular in Orange County, NY. Whenever Larry appeared as a spectator he would, more often that not, be spotted by someone who had previously heard him play and he would be asked to "sit in for a set." He never left home without his hand carved box filled with his beloved harmonicas. Larry's family expressed "This oldest brother had a love for not only the playing and listening of music but also possessed an extensive knowledge and appreciate of the history of music; especially the blues era, and enjoyed sharing and discussing blues history with all that were interested. 'A brother and best friend.' " Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at Overhiser Funeral Home, 76 Union Street, Montgomery, NY., and at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2013, SML Gallery, 13366 Booker T. Washington Hwy. Moneta, Va. 24121, Westlake Va. In lieu of flowers, those who are interested are asked to donate to American Cancer in Larry's name. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston.