Recently, I had the pleasure of creating a special birthday gift for Larry, who celebrated his 80th birthday in June. Larry’s life is full of rich stories, proud achievements, and cherished memories, and I wanted to capture it all in a personal caricature.
Larry spent 40 years working at Waterford Crystal, married the love of his life and together they raised four children. Though his wife is sadly no longer with us, she remains close to Larry’s heart, a constant presence in his daily thoughts.
Larry’s talents weren’t confined to the workplace. I was told he was an excellent squash player, and well known for his competitive spirit on the court. Even in retirement, he didn’t slow down. Instead, he took up golf and—some might say—became a bit of a “bandit” with his impressively low handicap.
Another important chapter in Larry’s life is his involvement in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, where he served as the President for the Waterford area.
But Larry’s talents don’t stop there. He loves to sing; I was told a great man to belt out a tune. And despite all his interests and hobbies, Larry still finds time for his weekly bridge games, which he plays every Tuesday night. He’s also a lifelong lover of cars and a dedicated attendee of daily mass at St. Joseph’s and Benildas Church in Waterford.
Capturing Larry’s Life in a Caricature
When I set out to create Larry’s caricature, I knew I wanted it to reflect not just his personality, but the life he’s lived and the things that bring him joy.
In my drawing, Larry is in the driver’s seat of his car, a nod to his love for cars. He’s holding a microphone, ready to burst into song and sticking out of his pocket are playing cards, a tribute to his Tuesday night bridge sessions.
Hanging out the open window of his car, I added some Waterford Crystal vases and glasses—symbols of his decades-long career. And from the boot of the car, you’ll see his trusty golf clubs and squash racket poking out, representing the sports that have been such a big part of his life.
In the background, I drew him driving by St. Joseph’s and Benildas Church. Finally, a signpost lists the names of his four children, and at the top of the signpost sits a small robin, a heartfelt tribute to Larry’s wife.
A Special Tribute to a Remarkable Man
This caricature was more than just a fun birthday gift—it was a celebration of a life well-lived. It’s a reflection of all the things that make Larry who he is: his love for his family, his dedication to his work and community, his passion for sports, and his talent for music.
I was told that the framed picture was an absolute hit and is now hanging up in his home. Creating this caricature was an absolute joy and knowing that it brought a smile to Larry’s face made it more special. Happy 80th, Larry! Here’s to many more years filled with family, fun, and unforgettable moments.
If you would like to order a hand drawn personalised gift for someone special in your life, contact Carmel at info@carmelgrantdesigns.ie or via the Order Page.
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