    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [January 9, 1996]
    [Page 21]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Ambassador M. Larry Lawrence
    January 9, 1996

        I was deeply saddened to learn of the death today of our Ambassador
    to Switzerland, M. Larry Lawrence. Larry was a good friend and a valued
    colleague who brought his abundant energy and fresh vision to every task
    he undertook. As Ambassador in Switzerland, he was a tireless and
    effective advocate of U.S. interests, especially the promotion of U.S.
    exports and commercial ties. Larry's service to his country did not
    begin with his diplomatic assignment. During World War II, at the age of
    18, he volunteered for the merchant marines. He was wounded when his
    ship was sunk by enemy torpedoes in arctic waters. Many years later,
    Larry was decorated with the Medal of Valor by the Government of the
    Russian Federation.
        Larry's civilian life showed the same courage and resolve. As an
    entrepreneur, he restored the Hotel del Coronado, one of the west
    coast's outstanding architectural landmarks. Larry's quiet philanthropy
    also touched many lives. He believed passionately in education for
    women; the scholarships he endowed for minority women at the University
    of Arizona represent a lasting contribution. Hillary joins me in
    expressing our deepest sympathy to Larry's wife, Shelia, and to his
    children. We will miss him.