Lawrence "Larry" Michael Ward, 50, was born in Kalispell to Larry and Mary Ward On April 19, 1959, and "passed into the Lord's hands unexpectedly" on Aug. 5, 2009.

He attended Saint Matthew's Elementary, Kalispell Junior High School and Flathead High School. His appreciation for music led him to his employment at Sound West right out of high school.

Lawrence's journey led him to Phoenix in 1980, where he continued working in sales, installation and wiring of sound equipment.

He had a love for aquatic life and maintained several fresh and saltwater fish aquariums for many years. His entrepreneurial spirit then led him to start a plastics business where he built aquariums and supplied parts to other businesses.

While in Phoenix he met and married Jeannie Kost, where also their twin sons Jonathan and Michael were born.

He moved his family back to the Flathead Valley in 2000, where he continued his aquarium business and also pursued his love of carpentry. He was a master cabinet maker who was bright and very precise. He helped build the Creston Center. He had a talented touch and took full advantage of his woodworking gift.

Lawrence and Jeannie divorced in 2004.

From a very young age Lawrence always enjoyed puttering in his garden and sharing the fruits of his labor with others. He attended Saint Matthew's Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was loved and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; his brother, Daniel Ward; and brother-in-law, Dan Danaher.

He is survived by his parents, Larry and Mary Ward, of Kalispell; sons, Jonathan and Michael Ward, of Lake Pequot, Minn.; sisters, Sister Marilyn Ward, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Susan Danaher and Todd of Kalispell, Barbara Coccia and Bob of Newcastle, Wash., and Sandra Ward and Dan of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; brothers, Christopher Ward and Stephanie of Beaver Creek, Ohio, and Patrick Ward of Kalispell; and several nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be said by Father Ray Hannigan at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at the Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory. A funeral Mass will be said by Father Vic Langhans at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church.

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." - Psalms 1:24

To send condolences, please visit the Web site at www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.