Lawrence "Larry" D. Pixley

Lawrence (Larry) D. Pixley 1946-2023 Larry Pixley died from Parkinson's Disease on June 15, 2023. He lived with the disease for more than 16 years and made every minute count until he simply couldn't fight anymore. Larry is survived by his wife of 20 years Robin Ratcliffe, his son Andrew Pixley & wife Rebecca Wertheimer and their children Ben and Mae of Portland, ME, his daughter Chandra (Pixley) Kanluen, her husband Ted and their two little girls, Sonia and Lily of Chicago, IL and stepdaughter Dina Emerson and her husband Keith Barker of Las Vegas, NV. He also leaves behind a brother, James Pixley and wife Susan of Ocala, Fl, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends far and wide. Larry was born in Buffalo, New York to Donald Pixley and Joyce (Drake) Pixley. He received his BA from SUNY Albany, an MSW from Simmons College and a Masters in Hospital Administration from the University of South Carolina. He came to Maine in 1976 as part of the urge to go "back to the land." After a few weekends felling trees for the homestead, however, he decided living in town was a lot easier! In 1985 Larry co-founded Portland-based Stroudwater Associates, a leading healthcare consultancy, from which he retired in 2009. While an innovator in statistical modeling, he is remembered at Stroudwater (and beyond) for his great story-telling prowess. Larry and Robin traveled extensively throughout Asia, Africa, and South America. They spent part of the last ten winters in Oaxaca, Mexico building another community of close friends. Their home in Falmouth is filled with art that reflects their shared love of diverse cultures and artistic expression. Larry was never happier than at Camp Phoenix, near Baxter State Park, paddling, hiking, or snoozing on the porch. At home he loved being in his wood shop where he built canoes, a Whitehall dory, and carved elegant paddles. Larry gave widely of his time and talents to The Compass Project and Furniture Friends, always looking to help anybody without a home or family. His family and friends will miss his great laugh and wide smile, his bagpipes, balalaika and didgeridoo. (Maybe not the didgeridoo.) And they will be happy that Larry is no longer suffering from the indignities of his disease. He will be remembered always as a loving husband, father, grandpa, and a true friend. A Memorial Service for Larry will be held in the autumn. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Larry's name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (www.mjfox.org) or the Maine Maritime Museum (mainemaritimemuseum.org).

Lawrence "Larry" D. Pixley

September 7, 1946 - June 15, 2023

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