Larry Alan Myers, 70, left mortality on November 23, 2018, of causes incident to living a robust life of adventure, service, laughter, and too many well-done chocolate chip cookies. Larry—or "Goof" to those who knew him best—will be missed by his ever-growing family and countless friends around the world.
Larry hit the stage on November 4, 1948, in Salt Lake City. As a young adult, he became a founding member of the LFAA (Lower Filmore Athletic Association), better known to neighbors as "those hoodlum boys." Despite this inauspicious beginning, Larry later served as a missionary in Brazil for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Larry earned a master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Utah, and his work took him to Georgia, Washington DC, the boonies of Arizona, South Africa, California, and ultimately back to Salt Lake City. If you've sat in construction on I-15, Larry has touched your life.
Larry had many loves. At times, his home felt like an exotic bird sanctuary. His photo-history puts National Geographic to shame. The German nutcracker industry will mourn his loss. He leaves behind a forest worth of action novels, along with well-worn pages of his Book of Mormon. He was an Eagle Scout and shaped the lives of countless young men in the scouting program.
But Larry's first love is Toni Nelson Myers, who in 1973, strategically sat in front of Larry in their LDS Institute of Religion class. Not long after, they were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together they traveled the world and created a loving eternal family.
If Larry were part of a boat, he would be the keel. Always even tempered and optimistic, he would respond to setbacks with his trademark statement: "minor things." Then again, he might be the sails: the years never dampened his youthful enthusiasm and good humor. But his family will remember him as the rudder—always directing them away from rocky shores and into calm waters.
Larry leaves behind a legacy of faith. He valiantly served in the church, on various community boards, and as a volunteer at Hawthorne Elementary. He especially loved working with youth. After retiring, Larry was overjoyed to serve a second LDS mission in Australia with Toni. Only heaven knows how many lives he touched through his service and testimony.
Larry is survived by his wife Toni, rascal brothers Sherman, Leland, and David, children Brett (Jennifer), Justin (Leslie), Jamie Hunsaker (Matt), and an abundance of grandchildren. He has now rejoined his angel parents Maurice and Ruth Myers.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Foothill 6th Ward Chapel (2215 Roosevelt Ave., SLC, UT). Visitations will also be held at the Foothill 6th Ward Friday, November 30, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and Saturday prior to services beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment at Larkin Sunset Lawn.
In lieu of flowers, the Myers family suggests you donate to a humanitarian fund of your choice.
