Lawrence "Larry" Edward Braby

Larry Braby, like any good accountant, measured and recorded the quantities of his life. He was born to 2 loving parents, and had 3 dear siblings. He lived almost until age 95. He was married to Eula Lisenbee Braby for 70 years before she preceded him in death. He and Eula had 7 children, 28 grandchildren, and 52 great-grandchildren. These family members gave him 5 nicknames: Grandpa, Gramps, Vahti, Larry, Lar.

He graduated from East High at age 16. He worked for JCPenney for 38 years. He and Eula moved 9 times before settling in Emigration Canyon for 25 years. Larry traveled to 50 states and accumulated over 1 million flight miles. He carefully labeled and organized his 283 DVDs. He beat his son-in-law Pete in 52 tennis games over the course of his life.

But these numbers only tell part of the story of Lawrence Edward Braby’s full years. And it is the unquantifiable details that truly depict the interesting, tireless, curious, righteous life of Larry.

Larry faithfully served a mission for his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the East Central States. He went country tracting – leaving on Monday and travelling throughout the area to teach about Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, relying on the people he met for food and lodging. Not everyone was interested in the teachings, but most were hospitable and kind, caring for these faithful young missionaries. During his time serving in Kentucky, he met Eula Lisenbee, marrying her the day after his release from his mission.

Their marriage was one of love and service. To their children, to their church, and to their community. Among many opportunities of lifelong service, Larry and Eula volunteered at the 2002 Winter Olympics, taught at the prison, served at the St Vincent de Paul soup kitchen, and made lunches for the homeless through the Salvation Army. In addition, they ministered constantly, in small but significant ways to their family, friends, and neighbors. Larry showed up for others. He was present at their big celebrations and small personal events. He attended countless baptisms, blessings, mission farewells, homecomings, and graduations for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Larry worked hard, but he also loved to play. He loved to swim, fish, and ski. He loved to go on walks with Eula, admiring the beautiful canyon of their retirement years. One of his greatest loves was tennis. He played in the World Senior Games, and would base his health metrics on his ability to play tennis well. He loved to travel, explore the world, and meet new people in many different states and countries. He loved to tell extravagant stories of the antics of his youth – eating copious amounts of Snelgrove's ice cream or being the slowest runner at East High. He loved to tell jokes, and he loved to laugh. He especially loved to laugh at his own jokes. Even as his health declined, he loved to play games, and relished beating his daughters in Yahtzee.

His mind was sharp until the end. Larry spent a lifetime seeking education, first putting himself through a degree at the University of Utah, and eventually earning his MBA at age 75. He loved to read and learn. He loved to tell people all about what he was reading.

Larry loved the Lord. He demonstrated his love for and dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ through constant service in his callings in his wards throughout the United States. He served as a temple ordinance worker and loved to attend the house of the Lord. He supported and cheered on many children and grandchildren in their service as missionaries and in their callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Larry’s testimony of Jesus Christ and his commitment to his covenants are some of his greatest accomplishments in this life and will continue with him into the next. He will be greatly missed, but is happily reunited with his dear wife, Eula.

Larry is preceded by his mother and father, sister, Carol, and brother, David.

Larry is survived by his children, Larry Jr. (Cindy) Braby, Draper, UT, Dennis (Denise) Braby, Draper, UT, Karen (Glenn) Leewright, Draper, UT, Nancy (Peter) Sanford, Mission Viejo, CA , Mark (Lonnie) Braby, Mapleton, UT Diane (Kurt) Young, Howe, TX, and Randy (Cindi) Braby, Turner, ME., his sister, Linda Richins (Phil), Murray, UT. He is also survived by 28 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren.

A Viewing will be held December 5th at 1950 E Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT 84092 from 10am-Noon. The Graveside will follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on December 6th at 14919 S Eagle Crest Drive, Draper, Utah 84020 from 1pm-2pm.

In Lieu of flowers please donate to the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints General Mission Fund.