MARSTONS MILLS, MA - Lawrence M. Mahan, 63, known to many of us as Captain Larry of the schooner Larinda, died unexpectedly Saturday, June 11, at his home on Cape Cod. He was the husband of Marlene D. (Moulaison) Mahan.

Mr. Mahan is best known for building the 65-foot 18th Century schooner replica Larinda, which he launched on Sept. 28, 1996. He built the ship in his backyard over a period of 26 years. The ship was a popular tourist attraction that he proudly sailed alongside Old Ironsides and a paricipant in many ASTA Tall Ships® events until it sank in Sept. 2003 in Nova Scotia.

Captain Larry was an accomplished artist and woodworker who took great pride not only in his own work but that of many others who worked along side him to see his dream through.

An avid reader, writer and book collector, he loved to spend hours researching in his library. He was a journalist for the Journal of Ferrocement.

Captain Larry had recently begun work on a second ship, The Spirit of Larinda, formerly the Hawaiian Cheiftain. He was a member of the the American Sailing Training Association, a frequent attendee at ASTA events and conferences, and enjoyed sharing the experience and adventure of tall ship sailing with young and old alike.

Besides his wife, survivors include a daughter, Linda Lauzon of Marstons Mills; a son, Lawrence Mahan of Sandwich; a sister, Pam Fusco of New Hampshire; seven grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation is 10 to 12 p.m. Saturday at the John-Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road, Marstons Mills, followed by a graveside service at Mosswood Cemetery, Putnam Ave., Cotuit.

Memorial donations may be made in the name of Larry M. Mahan to the ASTA Sail Training Scholarship Fund, c/o American Sail Training Association, P.O. Box 1459, Newport, R.I. 02840.