Lawrence Dupler Obituary

Long time Juneau resident Lawrence Odell Dupler, died Saturday, June 18, 2022, at home in Juneau, Alaska surrounded by loved ones. He was more commonly known as "Captain Larry," of Orca Enterprises Professional Whale Watching tours. Captain Larry was born March 23, 1947, in San Antonio, Texas to Emmett and Eileen Dupler. He graduated from Everett High, in Everett WA, where he was an all-star athlete. He studied wildlife management at Colorado State University, where he was also an athlete. He spent many years operating fishing vessels in Northern Alaska, the Bering Sea, and Bristol Bay. He harvested red sea cucumbers in the Gulf of Alaska and finally, made Alaska his home in 1993 where he was instrumental in pioneering whale watching tours, working for Dolphin Tours.

In 1995, he co-developed Marine Education and Research of SouthEast Alaska (MERSEA), in 1996 he designed The Awesome Orca for Orca Enterprises' Professional Whale Watching Tours and became the Chief of Operations. In 2005, he designed the Orca Odysea (the largest boat built by Bentz Boats), which he operated until 2015. He spent a great deal of time teaching wildlife behavior and boat etiquette in Alaska and Hawaii, and was featured in productions by ESPN, Animal Manners and many others, he was often a guest speaker for travel shows across the US.

Arriving at the dock in his truck with license plate "Orca 1," standing 6'4", shoulder length hair, full mustache and beard, wearing an outback hat adorned with Orca and a humpback pins, black boots, black wranglers, black western belt with gold buckle, gold watch, proudly wearing his purple shirt (exclusive to the Orca Enterprises purple fleet), he would greet every guest. Naturally looking like the authentic Alaskan Sourdough he was, he thrilled guests who felt safe in his hands. He happily entertained boat loads of people who were hoping to see Pristine Alaskan Wilderness and whales in the wild. Known as "the whale whisperer," he loved bringing back boatloads of happy people and referred to each trip as "another wonderful day at the office!" He was very proud of what he and his dear friend and partner Carol Pitts had built. Unfortunately, health reasons forced him to retire however, during the summers of 2016 and 2017, he operated whale watching tours for Dolphin. His failing health that forced him to retire allowed him to spend time with beloved family while providing part-time maintenance at the family's RV park in AZ. Everyone who talked to Capt. Larry found themselves entertained by his whale tales, pictures and love for his beloved Alaska.

Following college, he served his country for 8 years in the United States Air Force Special Forces, with two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was a member of Juneau's Country Elegance Dance Group, Juneau Billiard Association, formerly a member of the Juneau Moose Lodge, and he enjoyed donating tours to Make A Wish for children and their families. He enjoyed volunteering with The Salvation Army in Juneau and throughout Southeast Alaska. He volunteered many hours providing transportation to Salvation Army youth events and the annual Southeast Alaska Congress. His favorite was providing the "Living Waters Boat Tour" taking supplies and services to many island communities. He volunteered annually assisting The Salvation Army in angel tree, toy and food distributions.

Preceding him in death were his parents Emmett Edward and Waunita Eileen Dupler, Wife Anne Gesme, Wife Sharon Pickhardt Roy, Wife Mary Anne Wilker.

Survived by Life Partner Caroline Pitts, AK. Siblings Linda (Steve) Metzger and Edward (Lissa) Dupler, WA. Sons David (Debbie Hinz) Dupler, OK and Bill (Joyce Marsh) Dupler, WA. Stepchildren: Vickie Ann Roy, CA, John Paul (Roy) Dupler, WA, Patricia Ann (Mike) Neverman, SC, Thomas Paul Roy (Rose), MD, Deborah Ann Lindsey (Dan) Decker, LeeAnne Hornbeck (Jeff) Lumsden, LeRoy (Laurel) Hornbeck, Chris Hornbeck, WA. Honorary stepchildren: Glenda Brown, CO, Pamela (James) Harper, AZ. Granddaughter, whom he adopted and was instrumental in raising, Sheila (Yovani) Hernandez, AK. 11 Grandchildren, 14 Honorary Grandchildren, 2 Honorary Great Grandchildren.

Memorial service is scheduled at 2:00 pm, July 23, 2022, at The Salvation Army Church, 439 Willoughby, Juneau, AK. According to his wishes, Larry's ashes will be scattered at North Pass, vessel is being provided by Doug Ward, friend and owner of Dolphin Jet Boat Tours. There will also be a memorial service in WA, July 31, 2022. Memorial service is open to anyone, ashes scattering is by invitation for the donated boat. Many friends have personal boats and are welcome and encouraged to join us at North Pass. Thank you and a big, bear hug to all the staff who were part of the Orca family over this two-decade span of time, he was proud of you and your many accomplishments.