Larry H. Ogren of Panama City Beach, FL, renowned sea turtle biologist, passed away peacefully at his home on January 20, 2016. He was 85. His wife, Peggy, pre-deceased him in 2014. He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Ogren (David Henderson), his sister, Laurie Feltes, of Aurora, IL, and her eight children and their families.
Born in Aurora, IL, Larry spent his childhood in Chicago. He served on diesel submarines in the US Navy before moving to Florida where he attended the University of Florida on the GI bill and graduated with a BS in Biology. As a sophomore at UF, Dr. Archie Carr asked him go to Tortuguero, a remote jungle village in Costa Rica to set up a research station to study sea turtles. Larry jumped on the opportunity and it became a turning point in his life.
Larry's professional career began with Louisiana Fish and Wildlife surveying coastal marshes and wetlands. After a short stint in Panama City, Florida, with the US Department of Interior, he spent 4 years working for NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in Sandy Hook, NJ, before returning to Panama City's then new NOAA/NMFS lab in 1970. Larry's many contributions to the understanding and protection of sea turtles were recognized with an Archie Carr Lifetime Achievement Award presented on the 50th Anniversary of the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC).
Larry volunteered for many years for Bay County's Resource Management Association (RMA). He served on the boards of Friends of St. Andrews State Park, Sea Turtle Conservancy, and Florida Defenders of Wildlife.
Larry's pursuit of knowledge and adventure never dimmed. He remained an avid reader and naturalist until the end of his life. He was a devoted brother, uncle, husband, father, and friend, who was happiest when connecting with others. Memorial services will be announced at a later date. Friends may honor Larry with a contribution to Friends of St. Andrews State Park and the Sea Turtle Conservancy.