Lawrence Lee Gaskins

Lawrence (Larry) Lee Gaskins, 82, of Lake Orion passed away on September 29, 2025 at home with his wife, Marilyn, and kids – Erin, Dana, and Derek – lovingly holding his hands and caressing his magnificent mane of silver-white hair. He had lived with ALS for eight years, a ventilator becoming a constant in the last week. The air was turned off, and in that peace, he listened to the soulful strains of his favorite Elvis gospel – “In the Garden.” A portrait of his beloved mom, Roselyn, who passed 25 years and a day ago to the day, hung on the wall. Filtered sunlight lit the room, a harbinger of a perfect fall day in Michigan. It was the kind of day he would have treasured; maybe a bike or a boat ride, a classic automobile show, or hopping into the car to enjoy the changing colors en route to Cook’s Farm Dairy for a pistachio ice cream cone. Of course, it would include his greatest treasure – family.

Larry loved life. Even as he slowed down, he spoke wistfully of all the things he still wanted to do. He was fortunate to have a travel companion in his wife and, together, they traveled the world. Even with all his worldly travels, his favorite destinations were Up North and Hilton Head Island where he spent lots of quality time with family and friends. He was never happier than when he was driving the backroads of northern Michigan or biking the shaded trails of Sea Pines.

He was a quick study with an entrepreneurial spirit and a penchant for working with and bringing out the best in others. His business acumen started with a paper route which led to an ironing service (5 cents per shirt), and eventually the head of his father’s medical supply business, American Orthopedic Services (AOS). The company expanded to become American Medical Services and altogether something more with the help of his son, Derek. He had stops on his way to AOS, most notably his time at Olivet College and Kent State University. He was an integral member of Kappa Sigma Alpha at Olivet, making lifelong friends that kept him coming back most falls for Homecoming Weekend. After graduating from Olivet with a BA in economics, he headed to Kent State to accept a graduate position as assistant director of residence halls, earning his MBA and eventually becoming director. He met Marilyn there, fell in love, and married her on June 24, 1967. And it was there on May 4, 1970, that he found himself caught up in history when four students were shot and killed by the Ohio National Guard. He never forgot the tragedy of that day.

It was two years later that he made his way back to Michigan with Marilyn and his baby daughter, Erin. They settled in the family-oriented subdivision of Keatington located in Lake Orion, not far from where he grew up in Beverly Hills. They welcomed Dana in 1975 and Derek in 1980. They built a life in Lake Orion, meeting some of the best people. In 1985, they moved into their dream home on Lake Voorhies. He loved lake living and all that went with it – evening cruises on the pontoon, gorgeous sunsets, and the joy of seeing his kids and grandkids (and granddogs) enjoy it.

Left to treasure his memory are his wife Marilyn, children Erin (David), Dana (Nick), Derek (Christina); grandchildren Patrick, Avery, Kyra, Nolan, Kylie, Jayden, Brooklyn, and Madelyn: and sister Carol. He was predeceased by his parents Roselyn and Joseph Gaskins.

A celebration of life will be held at Lake Orion United Methodist Church on October 24, 2025 at 11:30 a.m., visiting hours starting at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lake Orion United Methodist Church or to the Gaskins Legacy of Love Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Established by Larry and entrusted to his children and grandchildren, the foundation reflects his enormous heart and lifelong commitment to giving by championing charities dear to his heart, and advancing the fight against ALS through the support of ALS of Michigan and ALS Association. In this way, Larry’s spirit of generosity will live on for generations to come.