Contributions to the tribute of Laurence J. McCormick

Friday, July 24, 2020

The first time I met Mac was at the UUC coffee hour when he was in town and went to church with his parents. I believe we were introduced because I had started to make noises about joining the military. He said I should join the Marines as a first option, the Navy if I wasn't up to the Marine Corps, or the Air Force if I wanted to fly. Don't join the Army he said. Of course I went off and joined the Army years later having forgot that conversation. Still when I met him again he did what any great NCO does, coach, teach, and mentor. Throughout my cadet time and as a young officer his guidance and training both in the Fire Department, the military, and in life generally were pearls that I could count on. I would not be here today with out his lessons, given during drill at the fire department, in the apartment above Za, or over the phone when I moved away. Mac is dearly missed by me and mine. Until Valhalla! Kenneth Bellows

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Lisa Forshee-Miller lit a candle

Friday, July 24, 2020

Sending my thoughts and prayers to the McCormick family. So sorry for your loss, Mike (mic) at this difficult time.

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Paul Weaver posted a condolence

Friday, July 24, 2020

I deeply regret not being able to attend today’s services; I am out of the area for a week. But that regret pales in comparison to the sense of loss I feel over my friend Mac’s passing. He was an individual who was truly larger than life; he filled every room he entered with his presence. All that he did, he did with gusto and determination that was an example to others. His love of leadership and training combined with his care and concern for his community serve as an inspiration to all. Mac and I worked alongside each other for a number of years in the A.E. Crandall Hook & Ladder Company. We were Captains together, and spent a lot of time coordinating training planning and execution. Mac had a deep knowledge base born of first-hand experience. We also shared status as Veterans, Mac in the Marines and me in the Army. As is common, we ribbed each other with good-natured jests and shared commonalities. And yes, we occasionally disagreed strenuously, but always over differences in opinion on how to achieve the same common goal of providing maximal care and service to our community. Mac was a consummate leader, never tiring of showing others how to accomplish a task, always happy to drill over and over until competence and excellence were achieved. He gave all he had, as well, to his family; working tirelessly to bring dear Samantha to live with him, and helping ensure she found her own place in the Alfred community. There simply isn’t enough space to say all I would want to about what an outstanding man my friend Mac was - good leader, great teacher, loving parent, caring friend. I will miss you, my brother. Til Valhall. Paul Weaver