LAWRENCE PANTAK, 84, of Green Valley, passed away Nov. 16, 2009, in hospice care at the VA in Tucson, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer.

Lawrence was born in Bay City, Mich. He was a merchant seaman in WWII and retired from Galen E. Wilson Petroleum Co., where he worked for over 40 years. He enjoyed singing and was an avid hunter for many years.

Lawrence leaves behind his devoted wife Jacqueline; their daughters Caroline A. Pantak, Sharon A. (Tim) Weaver-Clay, Kelly J. Weaver, Suzanne M. (Robert) Swanson and Elizabeth (Rico) Garcia. He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Walter R.A. Woods, Elijah J. Woods, Michael L. Weaver, Shaheen L. Houshiar, Mariam S. Houshiar, Timothy S. Clay, Vannessa Barror, Ryan Barror, Joseph Swanson, Lynnette Hendrix, Eden, Ederico, Christa, Adam and Danny Garcia; as well as nine great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a loving brother-in-law Larry (Sandy) Cox; three special cousins Dave, Don and John Novak; many nieces and nephews; and friends who are too many to name. Like a son was special friend Adolfo Rodriguez, with whom he shared a common bond.

He was preceded in death by his mother Caroline Pantak; aunt Antoinette Siniki; brother Raymond Pantak; and a grandson Dennis Barror Jr.

A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 23, 2009. A celebration of life and luncheon will immediately follow at American Legion Post #66. There will be a short service and flag presentation with color guard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lawrence’s name to Tucson VA Hospice Care.

“You may shed tears that he is gone, but also smile that he has lived.” ~ We will love and remember you always, your loving family.