Lorence Allen Harmer

Larry (Lorence) Allen Harmer, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Holladay, UT, on January 5, 2026, at the age of 54.

The anchor and foundation of all things in Larry’s life was his unwavering testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his personal relationship with his Savior. Some of Larry’s last words to his siblings were:

“I would like you all to know what a loving priesthood holder and deeply caring person can do. In most cases, we are just average people. What I have discovered is, because I believe [in Christ], I believe in hard things, I believe in unconditional love, I believe in truth, I believe in hope, I believe in forgiveness, I believe in Him, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Watching families come together in prayer with no power to do anything but pray is the most powerful thing we can do.”

Larry was always adventurous and included his family on his many trips around the world. From his hiking trips, skiing adventures, visiting the Hassell Ranch, Larry did so many things with and for his nieces and nephews, but it wasn’t until he met his Sweet Elizabeth (his Soul) that his life truly began. Together, they conquered any challenges that came their way, emerging stronger from the many trials they faced. They did this because of their unwavering faith in their Savior, Jesus Christ. Together, they brought five beautiful children into this world and developed a sacred bond with each one of them. Larry became a cherished father, confidant, and friend to each one of his remarkable children. Together as a family, they loved to adventure together. Harmer to Heaven was their motto. Larry’s love for the gospel was the central key to how he led his life. His greatest joy and highest priority was his family.

Larry was a humble servant born on December 7, 1971, in Saratoga, CA, to Roy Howard and Cora-Beth (Hassell) Harmer. His family moved to Atherton, CA, in 1972 and then to Holladay, UT, in 1978. Dedicated to a life of service, Larry served a mission in Merida, Mexico, in 1990, followed by a two-year full-time mission in Taipei, Taiwan, beginning in 1991. After he married, he lived with his wife in Minnesota, moved to Hong Kong, then Shanghai, China, and finally settled in Holladay, Utah.

Larry loved to learn and had a mind filled with immeasurable data. He was quick-witted and absorbed everything he listened to and studied, and every day was a new day of learning. He was a natural leader and always inclusive. He was an organic performer throughout his youth. He graduated from Olympus High School in 1990, where he served as Student Body President, captain of the football team, and the lead in the school musical. He continued his education and athletic career at BYU, where he played football and earned his MOB\MBA, Master of Organizational Behavior, with minors in Biology and Chinese. As a gifted entrepreneur, Larry helped lead several companies throughout his career and was known for his vision and drive. Larry was very gifted with language, was fluent in multiple languages, and was comfortable in any city and with all cultures.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth (Nixon) Harmer, and their five children, David, Max, Caroline, Catherine Cora (C.C.), and Olivia, and his siblings, Mary, Howard, Cynthia, Shauna, Sarah, Jon-Paul, and Sheryl. He was preceded in death by his younger brother Stephen, his father, Roy Howard, and his mother Cora-Beth. Larry will be deeply missed and remembered for his warm spirit, his infectious sense of humor, his kindness, humility, and his unique ability to make everyone around him feel valued.

The funeral service will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2025, at 12:00 PM at 1830 E 6400 S, in Salt Lake City, Holladay, Utah. Interment will follow.