Date of death: 8/20/2004
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1951
RATCHFORD, Lawrence Ambrose, MD, 78, of Tampa, Hilton Head, S.C., and Asheville, N.C., passed away peacefully on August 20, 2004. Born on March 15, 1926, in Kewanee, Ill., Larry grew up in Tampa. After graduation from Jesuit High School in Tampa, he received an academic scholarship to Spring Hill College where he majored in Chemistry and Biology, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He was accepted into St. Louis University Medical School. Following his graduation and internship, Larry completed his medical residency at the University of Kansas, specializing in Anesthesiology. He began his medical practice in Tampa, and had privileges with St. Joseph’s Hospital since 1960. Upon his retirement from medicine, Larry enjoyed his leisure time with family in Florida, and spent summers in the North Carolina mountains where he played golf daily until the past few months. While in North Carolina, he volunteered his time to provide free medical care for the poor in the rural western mountain region. Larry was a lifelong member of the Roman Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a loyal member of the Republican Party. Larry was devoted to his family, and honored as a respected physician in Tampa for over 35 years. He was an ardent supporter of the arts, academics, and medicine in Florida and North Carolina. As a sports enthusiast, Larry enjoyed sailing, fishing, skiing, and golf with his five sons. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Jesuit Tigers and University of Florida Gators. Larry was married for 45 years, and was predeceased by wife, Retta. He is survived by his wife, Angelina; and his three brothers, Frank (Jewel) of Miami, Fla., William (Gladys) of Bloomington, Ind., and Robert, SJ of New Orleans, La. Larry is also survived by his five sons, Lawrence A. Jr. (Elizabeth), Joseph L., Patrick J. (Caryn), Thomas L. (Kerry), and R. Andrew; as well as 12 grandchildren, Spencer, Jessica, Victoria, Kelyn, Caitlin, Thomas, Evan, Robert, Andrew, Patrick, Hailey, and Hunte r.