Lawrence H Shanker

In the Yiddish dictionary, under the word “mensch,” there should be a photo of Larry Shanker. His unassailable integrity, loyalty, and kindness to others made him a legend in the Greater Lansing area. He died peacefully on April 5th surrounded by family at age 81. First and foremost a devoted family man, he and his wife Margie raised three sons with his spirit and sense of humor - Todd (Helen and Levi), Randall (Julia, Lila, Charlie) and Scott (Tammy (Lackner), Joshua, Zachary, Adam). He was an exceptional father, always supportive and encouraging. Ever loyal, he stood by Margie throughout her long and devastating battle with Alzheimer’s. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh as well. That gut-busting laughter rang out during time-spent with his sons and friends. His humor ranged from wry, dry, and clever to utterly juvenile.

His eight grandchildren - Helen, Levi, Julia, Lila, Charlie, Joshua, Zachary and Adam - were unquestionably his pride and joy, and he closely followed each of their exploits and accomplishments. He talked glowingly about them to anyone who would listen.

Born (July 31st, 1941), raised and forever steeped in the Lansing/East Lansing community, he was the keynote commencement speaker for the East Lansing High School class of 1959. After graduating from Michigan State in 1965, Larry took over the family business - Canada Dry Bottling Company of Lansing. He carried forward the long legacy of family owners - from his father Jack, and before that his grandfather Louis. That family business never left the area, and has become a vital part of the business community, carried on to this day with vigor and vitality by his son Randall. Larry treated his employees as part of his family, and that loyalty led to many staying with the business their entire professional careers. With a sterling reputation in the industry, he earned a number of awards and was universally respected. He was incredibly generous with a wide range of charities, almost always as a quiet or anonymous donor. He never sought the limelight, he strived only to do the right thing by his family, his friends, and his community. He was truly loved and respected by all who knew him, and as a reflection of his good nature, kindness, sense of humor, and loyalty, it was impossible to find anyone who had a bad word to say about him. His friendships lasted a life-time, as did his reputation in the community.

A true Michigan State Spartan loyalist his entire life, he was one of the most ardent Spartan fans in the East Lansing area. He was a season ticket holder for 58 years - with a particular passion for Spartan basketball and football, though he also attended many MSU hockey games with his son Todd. He attended Rose Bowls in 1988 and 2014 with Scott, several Final Fours, as well as the National Championship victory in 2000. He and his three sons attended the Champions Classic for most of the last 13 years, with memories that will not be forgotten. He was a frequent donor to the University throughout his adult life. He was also an influential, lifelong member of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in East Lansing. His passion for golf was reflected in the many rounds he enjoyed with his friends and family at Walnut Hills Country Club. He was the oldest remaining member when the club closed. He treasured his time with friends on the links far more than his handicap.

The beauty of Northern Michigan captivated him, and every summer he and his sons headed North for cottages on Walloon Lake, Lake Charlevoix, and Lake Michigan. Eventually, he and Margie settled in a summer home in Cross Village for nearly 30 years. A dog lover with a huge heart, he was known to bring stray dogs home and make them a part of the family. But Golden Retrievers were his favorite, and that passion has been passed on to his sons. In his last years his dog Ozzie was his close companion, and followed him everywhere.

In later years, although his Facebook account was hacked nearly a thousand times, he enjoyed social media as a way of keeping in touch with friends all over the United States. He never did join Tik-Tok though.

A mensch his entire life, his kindness and humor led him to find true love again at the age of 79 with Marcia Salkin. With his love for Marcia, Larry found a new passion for life. Though their relationship was cut cruelly short by cancer, his capacity for love once again flourished, a reflection of a life well-lived.

There will be a Celebration of Life to take place this spring, in East Lansing. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan or the American Cancer Society.