Saturday's Internet Edition, May 10, 2008.
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| Lars Loftus was described as a big man with an even bigger heart. |
It suit him well on his job with Republic Waste Services, picking up cans of garbage and recyclables to put in the truck.
Friends and family members called him a bear.
But his physical size and strength couldn’t match that of his heart - a heart that cared deeply for his fellow man - especially children.
Loftus was killed early morning on Jan. 30 as he stepped from the garbage truck on NC 801 near Hillcrest Drive in Advance.
Chandra Warren of Mocksville was planning on marrying Loftus. They had been together for two years, and had known each other for 18 more.
“He was just remarkable, a wonderful person,” she said. “He was a good father and a good friend.”
Loftus took to her three sons, age 9, 10 and 11.
“He unconditionally devoted his life to me and the boys. He worked hard and looked forward to being home with us. He always treated the boys just as they were his.”
Loftus taught the boys - Michael, Joseph and Robert Warren - how to hunt and fish, how to chop wood - how to be men.
His love for people went beyond family. When a neighbor had health problems and little money, Loftus got permission from Republic to take cans for recycling to the family. They sold the cans to make ends meet.
He went extra steps to help the elderly, getting their recycling containers from their homes - and taking them back after emptying.
Loftus had worked for Republic for about a year. He had worked in the recyclables program until about a month ago, when he started garbage routes. He made the change, Warren said, because it was a third shift job, and he could spend more time with the boys. “He did it so the boys wouldn’t have to be in daycare.” Warren works as activities director at The Laurels of Salisbury.
Kim Landreth of Oak Valley met Loftus as her “recycling man.” She was impressed with his work ethic and friendly attitude. When she saw the obituary about donations going ... subscribe to the Davie County Enterprise Record, P.O. Box 99, Mocksville, N.C. 27028.