Dr. Lawrence E. Forthofer, DVM, 66, of Wellington passed away Thursday, April 23, 2015 at his home after a long illness. Born on November 13, 1948 in Lorain to the late Julian F. and Norma M. (nee Linden) Forthofer, Larry grew up in Avon and graduated from St. Edward High School. Larry's undergraduate studies were at the University of Dayton, followed by earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from The Ohio State University in 1973. Dr. Forthofer, affectionately known as "Doc" to many, had aspired to be a veterinarian ever since he accompanied his uncle on farm calls as a young boy. He always held a special place for animals in his heart, beginning with life on a family farm, which included a variety of farm animals, pets and 4-H horse club activities. Larry started his professional career as an equine and small animal practitioner in North Ridgeville. In 1976, he launched his own mixed-animal practice in Grafton, Lorain County Veterinary Clinic, now known as Forever Friends Pet Care Center & Hospital. He was committed to providing the best care for pets and using his expertise to help his clients. Doc was a lifelong member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association. Larry was an avid outdoorsman and conservationist; he preferred being outside and regularly could be found trying to reestablish pheasants on his property or planting trees. An expert horseman, Larry could mount any horse bareback, often to the delight of his clients. He had a passion for farming and had the highest producing soybean crop in Lorain County one year. Most importantly, Larry was a lover of all living things. Survivors include his beloved wife, Dr. Marsha L. Heinke, DVM; siblings, Linda M. (Michael Uzelac) Forthofer, of Avon, Daniel J. (Ann) Forthofer, of Avon, Joseph P. (Debbie) Forthofer, of Whitefish, Montana, Charles T. (Preston Phillips) Forthofer, of Bridgehampton, New York and Lisa M. (Kenneth) Matuszak, of Avon; loving dog, Josie; constant supporter and loving caregiver for the last 3 years, Kelly "Sidekick" Joppeck; mother-in-law, Patricia R. Heinke; brother-in-laws, Ward E. (Liz) Heinke and Dr. L. Bruce (Ilene) Heinke; nephews and nieces, Jackie, Brian, Jason, Joseph, Justin, Kelsey, Tyler, Dane, Colin, Chase, Julia, Arielle and Charles and many other loving family members. All are welcome to a Celebration of Life , Saturday, May 16th at Forever Friends, 12:00 noon - 3:00pm. Doc's family suggests non-tax free donations to the Forever Friends Good Samaritan Fund which helps stray pets in need, 36469 State Route 303, Grafton, Ohio 44044; The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, www.michaeljfox.org; or to The Western Reserve Land Conservancy, http://www.wrlandconservancy.org/. Expressions of sympathy may be given at: www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.