I am deeply saddened to find this obituary as Larry was a unique soul.
I met Larry in the early 2000s while working at BankAtlantic bank in South "Miamuh". I was captivated by the way he carried himself and all the similarities and interests we shared.
The real connection came when he talked about fishing. I, myself, was a fishing fanatic. Larry talked about fishing in Flamingo since the 1950s when there were two roads leading into the park. He always amazed me with how sharp he was, and with how much detail he could recall events. Over the years, we made dozens on trips to Flamingo, some on my 15 ft aluminum Jon boat, some on his friends Hell's Bay, and later some on my Hewes. Larry used to talk about trolling for barracudas in Biscayne bay. At one point his old mercury 25 died and he was looking for a motor. He purchased my 1 yr old 15 Johnson from me. It was a great motor and I hope he got lots of use out of it. Now the reason I sold the 15 was because I had purchased a new boat, an 18 ft Hewes. I bought this because I was transitioning my career from a banker to a guide. Larry was instrumental in helping me learn Flamingo. His love, appreciation, and experience within the park cut my learning curve 10 fold. Had I not met Larry, I don't know that I would have switched careers.
After a few years, I moved fron miami and unfortunately lost touch with Larry.
Although we lost touch, the memories never go away. I remember his white Plymouth cruiser with the wood pabel sides pulling up to the house before a fishing trip, Larry with a grin from ear to ear.
I remember many of the talks we had in my truck on the long drives down as well as on the boat. He talked of UMs need for an on campus stadium. He talked of Howard snelleburger, and Donna Shellalah (sp?). He talked about his times going to the Keys, his time in the service, and about his wife who had recently passed away. I remember him taking about his daughter starting a business in Alabama. We prayed over each meal and gave thanks for what we had. There are so many things I learned from Larry, and it was an honor knowing him. God Bless you Larry and may you Rest in Peace.
-Daniel Medina
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