Michael Gavin Traylor Larus Jr., 72, of Saluda, Va., and formerly Gloucester, Va., died on March 7, 2023 at a family home, surrounded by his loved ones. “Mike” passed away after a very brief battle with cancer.
He was predeceased by his parents, Michael Gavin Traylor Larus and Sarah Lamb Larus, and is survived by his life partner of 17 years, Marie-Jeanne Verhassel; his daughters, Jennifer Lamb Larus and Anne Larus Mino; his grandson, Vance Archer Mino; his brothers and sisters, Brockenbrough Lamb Larus, Anne Larus Hardwick (Jim), Preston Boulware Larus (Tracey Fiedler), and Janie Larus-McShane (Dennis); nieces and nephews, Zachary Ryan Larus, Cormac Joseph McShane and Sarah Kennedy McShane.
Born in Richmond, Va., Mike spent the bulk of his life living and playing in the waters in and around Gloucester. He was an accomplished seaman with thousands of ocean-sailing miles under his belt, and spent many summers cruising the Chesapeake Bay with his family. Mike could fix anything mechanical and was a natural problem solver with his personal gifts of ingenuity, creativity, and attention to detail. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and flying his Cessna 152. One accomplishment was landing in every public airport in the state of Virginia, for which Mike was honored to be a Virginia Aviation Ambassador. His most recent endeavor was the renovation of his 38’ 1983 Ocean Alexander power boat, “Vagabonde,” on which he and his beloved Marie-Jeanne resided.
Mike wore many hats in his 72 years: husband, father, brother, friend, sailor, pilot, motorcyclist, mechanic, engineer, manager, student, teacher. A job done by Mike was sure to be a job well done. He was an exceptional storyteller with a quick wit and a love of laughter, and all who were lucky enough to call him their friend knew he would give them the shirt off his back. He sought out ways to help others and left a legacy of generosity and kindness.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ware River Yacht Club on May 20, 2023 from 1-3 p.m., 5992 Ware Point Road, Gloucester, Va. 23061. In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made in the name of Mike Larus to Cancer Support Community.