LARRY BRYANT DUTCH

LINCOLNVILLE and DEDHAM – Larry Bryant Dutch, 58, passed away unexpectedly Feb. 12, 2008. He was born June 4, 1949, in Belfast, the son of Dryden C. and Norma (Hatch) Dutch. Larry graduated from Belfast Area High School in 1967, played football, basketball and baseball. He traded basketball for wrestling and became state champ his senior year. He was on the baseball team when they won the KVAC Championship, hanging the first banner at Belfast Area High School in 1966. He was weight lifting champion in Maine and in North Carolina, as well as a founding member of ASU Barbell Club. He graduated from Appalachian State with a master’s degree in physical education. He went on to teach Cumberland County Community College and next at Rutgers University, New Jersey. He was an instrumental part of starting Belfast YMCA in the 70s. Larry moved back to Belfast in 1974 and was hired by MSAD 34 to teach elementary education. He was the first elementary physical education teacher in MSAD 34. Larry started Belfast Area High School gymnastics program in the late 70s and led them to several state championships. Larry started the soccer team in the early 80s that were co-ed at the time. Most recently he taught dance in Dedham and gymnastics to many cheerleading squads in the Bangor area. His teaching of dance is recognized statewide. Larry also volunteered at nursing homes teaching dance in the Downeast area. He was predeceased by his father, Dryden Dutch; and sister, Julie Marriner. Larry is survived by special friend, Carrie Lumbra of Milo; his children, A.J. Dutch of Lincolnville, and Lisa Chase and husband, Cory, of Searsmont; and their mother, RoAnn Blood of Liberty; his mother, Norma H. Dutch and special friend, Vaughn Ellis; grandson, Hagen Chase; brother, Jeffery J. Dutch and wife, Mary, of Belfast; brother-in-law, Michael Marriner of Lincolnville; many nieces and nephews. A memorial visitation will be held 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast. Services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at Belfast Area High School. Those who wish may make donations in Larry’s memory to Waldo County YMCA, 157 Lincolnville Ave., Belfast, ME 04915.