Lawrence ‘Larry’ Edson Chaulk died of natural causes peacefully in his sleep on September 29th, 2024. Born on April 2nd, 1933 in Nebraska, Larry lived a long and meaningful life.

Known for his biting sense of humor and uncanny guffaw of a laugh, Grandpa Chaulk, as he was known by his family, was first and foremost a veterinarian and animal lover. From his childhood pet cow, Molly, who followed him around his grandfather’s farm to his final companion, Brodie, a mutt with a kind face and a heart of gold, Larry always made time for the animals in his life, whether his own or his family’s.

Before graduating from UC Davis in Veterinary science, Larry served for 3 years and 10 months in the United States Air Force flying mainly supply and refueling missions. His service took him all over the world, including England, Ireland, Greenland, Newfoundland and Labrador and Alaska.

Larry ran a successful Veterinary Clinic in Northern California for several decades before retiring at the age of 84. At first, he specialized in Equine care but eventually shifted his focus to dogs and cats because he found he liked horses more than he liked horse people. Larry was known for his fair prices and for prioritizing the comfort of his animal patients and their owners over overt pursuit of naked profit.

Driven by his desire to be near his daughter, Nadia Usher and her family, in his last years, Larry moved first to Molson, Washington and then to Kettle Falls. His only stipulation in choosing a house was that he didn’t want to see the neighbors. This didn’t stop him from socializing, however, and Larry was a staple at the nearest local coffee shop no matter where he ended up.

Larry is survived by his two daughters, Corinne Chaulk of Northern California, and her children, Sebastian Rico, Sidney Rico, Spencer Rico; and Nadia Usher (Jesse Usher), of Castlegar, British Columbia, and their sons, Aidan and Tristan.

Larry was generous, kind, funny, and sometimes as cutting as a single solitary piece of sauerkraut, but everyone he knew loved him for it. Larry was tough as nails, with a wrought iron gut and a penchant for eating food well past its expiry date yet never missing a step. He could laugh at himself, and he made those around him laugh. Larry was inexhaustible, fiercely independent and endlessly loving and supportive. He was a devoted and loving father and family man, he wasn’t perfect, but then, no one is. Perhaps it could be said that Larry’s steadfast love, through all the ups and downs, made him the perfect role model because he always came back, always said he was sorry and never stopped trying to do his best.

Lawrence Chaulk was a tremendous man, and he will be sorely missed.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/lawrence-chaulk/obituary/

Copy