09/21/2023
Lawrence Scott Coutermarsh
If you are reading this, that means I have passed away. I know I was shocked when I heard! Who knew? I was shopping in Fred Meyers, and just like that, I was gone. The man who cheated death more times than I could remember now hangs out with the afterlife. The positive is the food is good, and I get to hang out with Stan Lee.
This is an obituary, and it is customary to list all those I have left behind and some of my background.
My name is Lawrence Coutermarsh; I died on September 11, 2023. I was 62 and lived in Fairbanks, Alaska. I am survived by my wonderful wife, Reba Jewel Coutermarsh (Married: 22 years), who has given me the best gift: a lifetime of adventures. Even though our journey has ended here on Earth, I know we still have many journeys to take. My six darling children: Demetrius (Salena) Baker, Ja’net (Karen) Bergman, Sunny Baker, Natasha (Tim) Masse, Calethia Baker, and Clay Coutermarsh, I may not always be there to hold your hand, but I have always had your back. Your love is an eternity, and I am so grateful I get to take it with me. I will truly miss you. Thank you for letting me be your father; I hope I have made you proud.
To my eleven grandchildren, Ethan, Shawn, Brooklyn, Rylie, Emma, Matthew, Ariana, Klinten, Kiley, Konner, and Demetrius Jr. You filled a space in my heart that I never knew was empty. You were my favorite hello and the hardest goodbye. I love you all, and I promise to be with you always. My siblings Sandra (Alan) Schnell, Richard (Karen) Coutermarsh, Randall (Renee) Coutermarsh, Cathy (Brian) Fortin, and Karen (Leigh). Fahel), and predeceased brother Peter Coutermarsh. Even though I have passed, our bond cannot be weakened. I will carry your memories in my heart and hope you will take them in yours. My parents, Leo & Theresa Coutermarsh, preceded me in death; they have always guided me and have been my biggest cheerleaders. Lastly, I leave behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
I was born on February 22, 1961, in Hashua, New Hampshire. I graduated from Nashua High School and, shortly after graduation, enlisted in the Army in the 172d Infantry. I was stationed in Fort Richardson and was honorably discharged in 1983. I was injured while a U.S. Army Ranger in 1985. While in the hospital, the founder of the Alaska Challenge told me about the race. I was released from the hospital that February and competed in his first race in July using a standard wheelchair. Another racer took pity on me and loaned me a race-worthy vehicle. I placed third overall that year and have been racing ever since, including in 1994 when the race was canceled. I ran from Fairbanks alone, prompting a new sponsor to step in for the next 20 years (Sadlers Ultra Challenge). July 2, 1992, was proclaimed “Larry Coutermarsh Day” in recognition of my completion of the Midnight Sun Wheelchair Marathon. I received a new chair courtesy of the Alaska Peace Officers Association. I was an advent bodybuilder and competed in professional bodybuilding competitions during the 90s and 2000s. Fitness has always been my passion. My motto has always been, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” Lastly, I began my career with the FAA 2000 as a management program assistant. FAA has always been my other family. I enjoyed working with so many astonishing people.
Please join us for a memorial service on Thursday, September 21, 2023, between
4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. at Blanchard Family Funeral Home, 611 Noble Street, Fairbanks, AK.
