Larry Wayne Drummer

Larry Wayne Drummer (September 9, 1952 - September 10, 2015) Larry Drummer was one of 13 children and was born September 9, 1952 in Lafayette, Louisiana, to Earl and Margaret (Mason) Drummer. He grew up in Melville, Louisiana and attended school there. He was a quiet but very hard working and determined young man who attended Phyllis Wheatley High School until tenth grade before transferring to Melville High School. Larry loved the game of basketball his entire life and was a standout, star basketball player at Melville High, where he graduated in 1970. He was deeply and profoundly impacted by the hurtful segregation practices that took place in Louisiana during the 1960's and 1970's, practices that dictated where people of color could eat, play, drink, swim, and go to school - or more notably to him at that time - where they could not. Larry chose to focus on hope rather than despair, and learned early on that hard work eventually paid off. Coming from such a large family in the Deep South, Larry endured more hardships than most of us could imagine, but he also felt surrounded by love and was never one to languish over the past. He remained forever, heartfelt grateful to his brother, Fready, who advised and encouraged him to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, which he did in 1971. This decision changed the course of his life. Larry served enthusiastically, was honorably discharged in 1975, and always felt proud to have served his country. It was while he was in the Air Force that Larry was given the opportunity to continue honing his natural talent for mechanics, and as a result, he learned his trade of diesel mechanics. Serving in the U.S. Air Force brought Larry to Grand Forks, ND, but it was meeting the love of his life that most influenced his decision to stay. In September of 1975, Larry wed Bridget McCarthy Drummer and following a life of love, shared adventures, parenthood, companionship and best friendship, the Drummers would have celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary on September 19. Larry held several positions in the East Grand Forks and Grand Forks communities from 1975 to 1983. He founded Drummer's Diesel Inc. with a mere tool box, $1000 he had saved, and an absolutely unparalleled work ethic. Drummer's Diesel Inc. opened its doors in the spring of 1984 and the hard work, long hours, and excellent, trustworthy service he provided did indeed pay off. The business continued to grow along with his number of customers, many of whom became lasting, dear friends of the family. Larry Drummer was an extraordinary man. He could fix anything that was broken and take a pile of rubble and make it into a masterpiece. His talents ranged widely, from overhauling a diesel engine the size of a small room to grilling the most succulent, tasty steak. Larry had high expectations and made everyone better by the example he set. Words that have often been attributed to Larry Drummer and his success include: honest, fair, caring and friendly, generous throughout his community, and ever willing to go the extra miles or hours to get the job done right. A special place and project Larry created in recent years was his "park," as he called it, an area at his home where he spent his time away from the shop tenderly planting and nurturing beautiful flower beds, new trees, a little vegetable garden, and a perfectly manicured lawn. He truly loved his "park" and he and his wife spent as much time as possible there enjoying the peaceful beauty. Larry remained forever grateful to the city of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, for the opportunity and support provided to him as a business owner. He had a great deal of "East Side pride," which was only topped by the pride and love he had for their only child, a son, now grown. Larry is survived and will be missed every day into forever by his wife, Bridget; son, Darin, who resides in Grand Forks; brothers Earl Jr., Fready, Herbert, and Rivets; sisters Louise, Faye, and Constance; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dennis; and sisters Marguerite, Helen, Dorothy, and Georgia. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 24 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks, ND. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, September 25 at Hope Covenant Church in Grand Forks (located in the mall on South Washington Street.) In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a contribution to the Mentor Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Mentor, MN; the Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) in Grand Forks, ND; the Circle of Friends Humane Society in Grand Forks; or a charity of your choice in honor and memory of a man born into a world of chaos who created his own Eden with a fistful of hard work and a smile, leaving it a far more beautiful place for all who knew and loved him.