Larry Newland

Larry J. Newland of Livonia, age 79, January 8, 2020. Beloved husband of Mary for 48 years. Loving father of Patrick (Stephanie) Newland and Sherri (Stuart Hoag) Newland. Dear brother of Sherri (Greg Burden) Bovino and Beverly Lapinski. The love for flying ran deep in Larry’s soul. At the age of 16 Larry completed his pilots training and flew solo. He was one of the youngest in Michigan to achieve the goal. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1959 Larry pack his bags and moved to California. After jumping out of helicopters to fight forest fires it was at that time Larry found his true passion, flying helicopters. While in California he become an instructor and shared his passion for flying with many students. Larry’s flying career took him all over the United States from crop dusting in the State of Washington to flying for a wealthy millionaire in New Jersey and then back to Michigan. Upon his return to Michigan while working for Diponio’s Larry found the love of his life Mary Josephine Campbell. In 1971 after his first date with Mary he promptly told his mother Mary was the woman he was going to marry. A few months later he and Mary were engaged and 4 months later married on May 20, 1972. In 1975 Larry and Mary welcomed their first child, a son. Then in 1977 Larry’s flying career took his young family to Pennsylvania where he flew for the coal business and very shortly thereafter welcomed a second child, a daughter. In 1985 Larry and Mary returned to their home state of Michigan. Larry continued has career as corporate pilot flying helicopters for McMahon Helicopter Services. From contracts for organ procurement to automotive part transport Larry was an integral in transporting very important items to where they needed to be when they needed to be there. If you were lucky you could catch Larry doing a fly over his home on the way back to the airport or even jump on a late-night flight with him if it wasn’t a school night. After retiring from his professional flying career Larry continued to pursue his passion and purchased a 1976 Beechcraft Sierra. He spent his days out at the airport working on his plane. Larry was an active member of the Beech Aero Club and in his retirement one of his greatest joys was flying with his wife. Larry continued to fly until he was 77. Though flying was Larry’s passion his love for his family and friends always came first. Larry loved being a husband, brother, and father and was proud of his family. He supported his wife whole heartedly as she pursued her career. Whether it be a football game, basketball game, or a rhythmic gymnastics meet he never missed an event. Larry always supported his family and loved ones. He was a kind generous soul and will be greatly missed. A Memorial Visitation will be held at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Friday, January 15, 2020 from 3 PM until a Memorial Service at 4 PM. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org/michigan). Larry's Service will be Live on Facebook starting at 4 PM Friday, January 15, 2021 On Facebook Search for RGGRHARRISFUNERALHOME Please share a memory of Larry on his Tribute Wall.