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In Memoriam

Note: Laurence F. Browning, a long time ITD employee who retired as construction engineer at Headquarters recently passed away at the age of 86 in Salt Lake City. He held a number of positions in the districts and many colleagues still remember the amiable, caring nature that marked his 42-year ITD career. Following is an obituary prepared by his family.

Laurence F. Browning (October 29, 19210-September 12, 2008)
Our dear husband, father, and grandfather, Laurence Flamm Browning, passed away peacefully on Sept. 12, 2008, in Salt Lake City, Utah, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

He was born Oct. 29, 1921, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Elbert Wylie Browning and Sarah Pauline Flamm. He married Dorothy Virgin on Sept. 9, 1941. They were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Laurence was an intelligent and hard-working man. After serving in the Army Air Corp in the Pacific theater during World War II, he began his 42-year career with the Idaho Transportation Department. He started as a snowplow driver and a chainman on a survey crew.

He finished as the head engineer over highways. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some of the callings he enjoyed most were serving as bishop, fulfilling a mission with Dorothy to Louisiana and working in the Boise Temple.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Harold and Eldon; a granddaughter, Crystal Harris Codd, and grandson, Richard Browning Chase.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; his five children, Judith (Paul) Swann, Linda Hall, Carol Lynn (Richard) Chase, Wylie (Joyce) Browning, Sue Browning; 20 grandchildren, 41 great -grandchildren and a great-great grandchild.

"Grandpa great" as he was affectionately called by many of his great grandchildren, will be missed by many people. Laurence and Dorothy spent many of their retirement years traveling through the western United States in their "fifth wheel" to enjoy golfing, square dancing and round dancing, and meeting new friends.

The family would like to express special thanks to Silverado Senior Living for the love and care they gave dad during his three-year stay with them. We would also like to thank Silverado Hospice for their tender care, especially during his few months of declining health and especially during his last two days.

Thank you. We cannot fully convey the gratitude we have for both of these groups.

Funeral services were scheduled for today (Friday, Sept. 19) at the Meridian East Stake Center, Boise, located at the corner of McMillan and Shamrock (11443 McMillan).

Interment will be Saturday (Sept. 20) at 1:30 p.m. at the Rest Lawn Cemetery in Pocatello, under the direction of Independent Funeral Service of Salt Lake City.

Larry F. Free, 51, Rigby
A Sunday automobile crash claimed the life of Larry F. Free, a District 6 transportation technician and a member of the district’s vegetation/maintenance crew.

Free, 51, was a passenger in a pickup driven by Shane E. Love, 43, of Rigby. Love apparently lost control of the vehicle while trying to negotiate a curve on Idaho 48. The pickup crossed into oncoming traffic, left the roadway and rolled, crashed through a fence and stopped upright in an adjacent field.

Free died at the scene, and Love was taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.

A funeral service was held Thursday at Eckersell’s Memorial Chapel in Rigby; internment followed at Fielding Memorial Cemetery in Idaho Falls.

Free’s many colleagues in District 6 express their condolences to family members and friends. Notes of sympathy may be sent to the family in care of the funeral home at www.eckerselfuneralhome.com