Page created by: Forthofer and Heinke Families

Dr. Forthofer, affectionately known as "Doc" to many, aspired to be a veterinarian ever since he accompanied his uncle on vet calls to farms as a young boy. He always held a special place for animals in his heart, beginning with life on his family's Avon, Ohio farm, which included a variety of farm animals, pets and 4-H horse club activities.

An Ohio State University graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Larry enthusiastically started his professional career as an equine and small animal practitioner in North Ridgeville, Ohio . In 1976, he launched his own mixed-animal practice in Grafton, Lorain County Veterinary Clinic, now known as Forever Friends Pet Care Center & Hospital. Throughout his veterinary career, he was committed to providing the best care for pets and using his expertise to help his clients.

Larry was an avid outdoorsman and conservationist; he preferred being outside and regularly could be found trying to reestablish pheasants, wild turkeys, blue birds, and other wildlife on his property or planting trees and restoring habitat. 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.

Larry suffered with the ravages of PD over the last 12 years of his life, but never surrendered. Whenever he could find "good times", he would be outside with his faithful Labrador Josie working on the endless and enjoyable projects that arise from conservation.