“Beaver” Larry Valentine Fila, Senior, an American Mountain Man and Patuxent, retired after 39 years from Lever Brothers of Baltimore and past owner of The Maryland Barber School, died at home on Saturday, April 27, 2013 after complications with pneumonia and a battle with cancer. Beaver was an avid hunter, historian, teacher, wooden boat builder, farmer, volunteer and reenactor. He belonged to 2 groups of individuals that are dedicated to the preservation of the ways of our nation’s greatest, most daring explorers, the American Mountain Men and the Patuxents. These men are dedicated to teach, share and learn the skills of the AMM and have the desire to be upon the trail, on lake or river, in mountains, etc. as brothers, sharing their wisdom to keep alive the freest men our great nation ever had.
Beaver Larry, born on February 12, 1940 in Williamsport, Pa. loved hunting in the Water Company near Williamsport, trekking and canoeing all over the country with his family. He volunteered for Boy Scouts Troop 234 of Belcamp, the Chesapeake Wooden Boat Builders of North East, and was always there when a family member, friend or neighbor was in need. A gentle soul that enjoyed his life to the fullest.
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Larry is survived by his wife Janine and children still on the farm: Dene’, Rachael, James and Abigail, son in law Chris & granddaughter Isabelle. Also survived by his sister Terry Fila, Uncle Louie Fila, cousins, faithful dog Agatha, his other children Larry, Jr., Michele and Sandra and several grandchildren. Larry and Janine spent the past 27 years helping others. He unselfishly raised more than one family member and loved them all equally. A strong believer in education and religion, he made sure that all of his children attended college. We are so proud of him for that. After retiring, he owned Beavers Everlasting Farm and helped operate Flowers by Dene’, where the family enjoyed growing cut flowers and heirloom vegetables; selling them at local farmer’s markets and donating them to SARC of Harford County, friends and nursing homes.
A Mass will be held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Those wishing to dress in primitive attire, please do so. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent towards his memorial garden to The Fila’s at P.O. Box 40, Churchville, MD 21028 or to the Chesapeake Wooden Boat Building School in North East, Maryland.
