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About |
|---|---|
| Name | Lawrence Godfrey German |
| Date of Birth | October 7th, 1939 |
| Date of Death | March 6th, 2021 |
| Home Town | Albuquerque, NM, US |
| Other City | Ogden, UT, US |
| Favourite Saying | Other than that, Mrs Lincoln, how was the play? |
| In Memoriam Donation | Shriner's Hospital for Children |
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published a tribute .
Larry was the most friendly, outgoing, high-spirited, person I have had the privilege of knowing. He was a great conversationalist, and had a strong interest in the people he knew. We will miss his enthusiasm, sincerity, and active interest in others.---Dennis Roberts..
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published a tribute .
Condolences to you, Joe, Jeanne, Max, Sally, and all who knew and loved Larry. I knew him briefly, and in the arrogance of youth, probably failed to recognize his best qualities or value that which made him most special. I wish him light eternal and perpetual grace upon grace. Love to you, his family, as well.
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LGG, as my brother Joel and I called him, was unique and special human indeed. We were fortunate enough to come to know him as we tended to our own dad’s untimely health issues and were simultaneously straddled with trying to operate my dad’s Chevron station for which Larry was responsible for managing us as the tenant for Eveready Oil company for whom LGG was working for at the time(20 hrs ago?). My brother and I gained a great friend through those trials and tribulations. Many a night over those 10 months or so we brainstormed and commiserated together with a Budweiser either inside the locked doors of the Chevron or over at “The Lodge”. It seemed Larry always knew a spot and someone to facilitate a conversation with a hoppy beverage.
We were honored with becoming part of the “undisclosed recipients” club for his email jokes and stories, the Manila envelopes and holiday cards. His memory of dates and birthdays was amazing. He’d often chide me for keeping track of notable dates with my phone computer yet still getting them wrong - so he reminded me that he and Putin shared the same birthday.
He always spoke so fondly and proudly of all his children.
He not only had many friends, but many great friends.
I’m lucky to have known him and fortunate he shared his sense of humor and compassion with my brother and I.
Really enjoyed all the stories shared about him here.
When I last saw him a year ago and shared a green chili cheeseburger and a Budweiser at some dive restaurants out on east central we planned/hoped of another get together this coming summer here where I live in Oregon which happens to be close to where he lived and worked in Washington some many years ago. Will keep my end of the bargain and you’ll be there in spirit LGG.
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A true story about my dad.
Back in the 1990’s, for some reason, my Dad wanted to take me up to Seattle, Washington, to see where I was born. Of course, we can’t fly. He wanted to drive the 1500 miles from Albuquerque, through Utah, where he grew up, and up into the Northwest. Mostly, he wanted to show me where he grew up between Salt Lake City and Ogden, Utah.
We drove all day, the first day, and we had brought snacks for the trip. Dad didn’t want to stop for lunch, but instead, he had promised me a steak and a beer for dinner in Utah. He kept driving, hour after hour, pointing out random things about different landmarks. “Your uncle came to this town to buy his first motorcycle,” he’d say, or “that’s where your mother and I got our first puppy dog, named Jaques Phideaux, which we tried to spell with a French spelling.” As the towns passed, so the hours were getting later and later.
Now in Utah, they had different liquor laws. First of all, they didn’t have bars, they had “social clubs.” Back then, you could really only get a beer two ways: at a liquor store, or at a social club, and you can’t order alcohol at a social club unless you are a member, or you're with a member --and you have to go through an application process to become a member. Second, these social clubs close early...
My dad made frequent trips back home to visit family, and beer figured prominently in any dinner with my uncles, so I figured that he would have several memberships in town. As we passed Salt Lake City, it was 9pm --around the time that most Social Clubs closed. Dad wanted to keep on going, another hour, “Don’t worry, I know a good place in Ogden.”
As we entered Ogden, close to 10pm, Dad slowed his driving, crawling through the city. I kept thinking there was no way anyplace would be open after 10pm. He was pointing out even more landmarks, “This is where your uncle and I used to shoot pool, the Trocadero. We called it The Troc... That school has changed… That’s where your mother went to school… This car dealership didn’t used to be there…
Then, bang. He pulled into the mostly empty parking lot of a social club. “I think I know a guy here,” he said. As he locked the car, he kept on muttering about car dealerships and the way Ogden looked in the 1960’s.
We stepped into the club, which was clearly closing up. Almost all the chairs were up on the tables, the lights were shut off in some sections, a few staff were wiping down tables and putting away glasses. There was one couple just finishing up in the corner. A man in a black suit was standing at the host desk. “Can I help you,” the host asked us.
My dad leaned and looked around. I thought he was maybe looking around the club for someone he knew. He straightened up and said, “well, we’re not members, but we’re friends of Bill Smith.”
The host stepped back and said, “Bill Smith?” He immediately grabbed some menus and walked us back to a section which had already been cleaned. He took the chairs off the table, and turned on some extra lights around the area.
“You don’t have to open up a section just for us,” I offered.
“No, it’s no trouble, and you’ll like these seats much better… Here are your menus, I’ll go tell the kitchen to stay open --and what can I bring you all to drink?” said the host. My dad announced that he had promised me a beer and a steak in Utah, and the host replied, “no problem, what kind of beer would you like?” Dad ordered two of the house special. “Right away,” said the host, “there’s no hurry, take your time” and he quickly headed off to the kitchen.
I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it, my dad came through on his promise. I knew he grew up in Ogden, but I had no idea he knew some important people in town. “Wow, dad,” I marvelled,” this is amazing. Just one question, who is Bill Smith?”
My dad let out a big yawn, leaned back and stretched, “I don’t know…” he said, working a kink out of his back, “I saw his name on the car dealership outside.”
True Story...
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published a comment .
And THAT was Larry German!! He could make things happen. Fantastic story, Joe!!
published a comment .
I can picture both of you on your trip. What a great memory and what a great way to memorialize your dad's sense of humor!!
published a comment .
Every time Larry came to Ogden he would make a trip to se me. He would drive through Plane City and the Ogden area reminissing his boyhood, stopping to visit with past neighbors and friends. There was always a story to tell at each house his family had lived at. He was a great story teller. My sister Lark was staying with me the last time he came to visit. He told stories and had us both laughing. Larry would be driving and the more intense the story the slower he drove, sometimes he would pill off the road to deliver a punch line. Larry, I will miss you, And as always Big brother Love you.
That is such a perfect story about LGG, as I oft called him, and similar to many of the interactions I was fortunate to have had with him.
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published a tribute .
Nobody held old friends together as well as Larry (LG). He will greatly missed by all of them. He was unique: prodigious memory for details of everything about his friends and “the great old days.” I’m deeply grateful for all we shared, and will truly miss him.
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published a comment .
All I’ve read about Larry is true to my experience of Larry.
What a bright light he was - and continues to be - for those of us privileged to know his friendship.
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published a tribute .
Oh my, what sad, sad news. I never had the pleasure of meeting Larry, but I surely had the pleasure of knowing him, as we communicated often over the past two-three years. I was born in NM and graduated from UNM in 1964. He was a true and dedicated Sigma Chi that our Albuquerque chapter will surely miss.
I emailed Larry to report my own brother’s death in January 2020, which he dutifully reported to the Sigs. My last email to him was on Sunday, so the news of his passing on Friday was a shock. I promised Larry a beer every time he did me a favor and my debt increased from “a pint to a pitcher to a small keg” as he boasted. However, I always promised him we would meet at La Cumbre, but now that won’t happen which saddens me so much. I shall never forget him. He lived a great life and may he rest in peace. My condolences to his family.
published a comment .
Oops. I forgot to add that I have lived in San Diego since 1964 when we left Albuquerque. Sam Turner
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published a tribute .
as a friend of Larry German I lent him a book written by my cousin Charles Tafoya. Sadly his passing made it impossible for him to return it to me. please return it to me.
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published a tribute .
I’ve known Larry ever since I was a little girl in Ogden. We always loved when Sally and Larry were in town and we would all get together at my Auntie Mabel‘s house, Sally‘s moms house. Will always remember him very fondly.
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published a tribute .
There is nothing like picking up the telephone to hear German singing, "Edelweiss"! Since hearing about his death, I have taken a few days just to reminisce about this friend of crazy twists of humor and unique style. I called him "German" and he called me "CW" (pronounced C-dub by him). We were introduced 30 years ago, both fans of the Lobo's and community involvement. We liked to dance and had a fondness to yellow VW bug convertibles (I was looking at the little model he gave me wrapped in a manila envelope). Always a gentleman, I cherish the fun times, the friendship and the good memories. To his family and friends, I share the loss. For merciful reasons he is no longer suffering. For that I thank our Lord. May God bless.
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There are so many things in life that I learned from my Dad. Allow me to name just a few: How to deliver a firm handshake; how to drive with your knee while shifting gears and holding a cup of coffee; that driving with the air conditioner on is not necessary, windows down will do just fine; never leave the table with food on your plate, but if you must save it for later because nothing is better than leftovers (and nothing should go to waste); how to play golf and when you do you play, play by the rules because you learn a lot about a person on the golf course; passing gas is a human biological function (although doing so while addressing your golf ball on the tee box is not); read the paper every day (paper in-hand); respect property, yours and others; have an opinion; greet your seniors by “Mr.” or “Mrs.” and look them in the eye; you can never have enough friends, but don’t compromise your values to keep one; you can’t ever say “I love you” enough; hug your children often and if you’re unsure if you hugged long enough, hold on a little longer; and, you only give nicknames to people you like. Of course, the list does not stop there.
I am so fortunate that God blessed me with my parents. I am a reflection of them and I hope it is good.
Speaking of nicknames, he had plenty for his friends and for his children. Jeanne’s included Jeanne-Poo, Joe’s included Kokamo and mine included Mice. He called me Mice because that is how Jeanne pronounced Max when she first started talking. The name stuck.
The passing of my Dad has been much harder for me then I ever expected. My Dad and I had a period of time where communication was minimal and stretches were it was non-existent. Something else I learned from him, never give up on something that is important. He never shut me out. His proverbial door was always open to me. Now that he is gone I am so very grateful for our reconnection as it has given me a fresh reminder of his traits, quirks, speaking pattern, love for me and a semi-recent hug.
My next to last conversation with my Dad was about two weeks before he passed. He was himself: Jovial, strong-voiced, happy to hear from me and realistic about where he was physically, but not down-trodden. I last spoke to him late in the day of March 5, the night before he passed. The final words he said to me were, “I love you, Mice”! I love you, too, Dad!
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published a comment .
Nice Max and thanks for the reminders about the gas and the Mrs Lincoln expression. I use both of those regularly, but had forgotten where I acquired them. Now I know, and knowing is half the battle.
PS...I love you, Maxie!
PSS...I love you, Joe!
Dad and his PSSSSSS's... And his dot dot dots...! Haha :)
It is funny how some of the things I'll miss most are the things that would sometimes make me roll my eyes. :/
published a comment .
"Nothing should go to waste" - How many times did Joe come back to Las Cruces from Albuquerque with a cooler full of meat. We affectionately referred to the meat as "LG meat." As poor college students, we would cook it up and eat it. LG will be missed.
published a comment .
I am in shock. How can anyone put into words how special Larry was to me. Just being in his presence made me happy through and through. And those special emails he sent that made us all (especially the Class of 57) like we were 10 feet tall and laughing all the way. He sent me a picture of the two of us with the T-shirt I bought for his birthday when I was in Albuquerque. I love him so. Kay Thompson Rawson Swan.
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published a tribute .
We enjoyed Larrys friendship because it was fun. He was a nut (lovingly) and kept the time full of energy and laughter. We knew him through several areas. Soccer, Mother’s Day out,and through a mutual friend Louis Franco. Frank and Larry were Honorary Admirals of the Nebraska Navy , a town in cheek award given by Nebraska Govenor’s. One thing Frank remembers is that if Larry ask your birthdate he never forgot it. They shared memories of thinning beats and picking potatoes, Frank in Nebraska and Larry in Utah. We Love his family and will miss this dear friend
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published a tribute .
It is difficult to imagine the world without Larry in it. He was unique — adored by a host of friends and loved by family. May he Rest In Peace and may we all find comfort knowing he lived an honorable, meaningful life.
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published a comment .
I'll miss you uncle Larry! So many good times, weird times, knowledge, and my nickname I got from you. I love you, you will be missed ❤
published a comment .
Larry and his "rules" have messed up a rather good golf game...I don't invite Max anymore and my score card has improved drastically. Cheers. Live the biggest life you can.....God Speed Larry.
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The day after my Dad passed I spoke with my cousin Nikki from San-Dan-Diego, who is also affectionately known as 'Knucklebutt'! We laughed and we cried. But she said something that has resonated with me since... I don't remember her exact words, but they were something like,
--when Uncle Larry loved you, you always knew you were loved--
My Dad and I experienced some tough times, which resulted in minimal interaction for extended spans of time. But, like Knucklebutt highlighted, I always knew he loved me.
Postcards (which I received everyday as a child); Newspaper clippings; Photocopied pictures; Magazines; Emails; Updates about others; and various items from when I was a little girl, are all examples of what I would find in my mailbox multiple times each week. And, of course they were typically delivered in a manilla envelope. I will miss those manilla envelopes...
My husband Chris and especially our daughters, Bryce and Bristol, also benefitted from similar mailings.
I'd love to share a million stories, but I'm honestly having a difficult time finding the words. So, instead I am going to share some key words, phrases, names, etc., which hold meaning when I think about my Dad.
Trains; Tail-gating; Lobo Football Games; Poker; Limos and Lawn Mowers; Golfing and his extra special stance before he'd tee off; Doe-saw-doe's; Arvilla; "Let me show you a trick I learned in the Army..."; Dates; "Where'd you go to high school?"; Zeke; Deanne-Doll; Mice; Slug Bugs; Utah; Nebraska; Hooters; Hitch-Hiking; Disneyland; Chevron; Puckey-Huddle; Shrine Circuses; Parades; Road Trips; Steering with just one knee; Drinking cold milk straight from the carton; Barney Miller; MASH; Truck Stops; Christmas Eve celebrations; "Playing with the Big Boys"; Sadie's; Sonic; Memorabilia; The VA; ...
The list could go on.
He taught me determination, passion, humor, a strong work-ethic, and definitely how to have fun! Even though our relationship was not always easy, I loved him. Recently he told me, "Doll, I don't just love you. I also Like you!" I am grateful that I grew to like him very much also.
Like so many others, I will definitely miss my Dad...
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published a comment .
So beautifully stated, Jeanne. He always loved you dearly and “liked”you, also. You can be proud of being the daughter of a unique and special man.
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published a tribute .
So sorry.... Larry will be missed for sure. Always one to remember birthdays. A good friend since the 50's in Ogden and always kept in touch.
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If I recall the story correctly, some time after Jack had passed, Dad, Jeff, and Greg visited Don's out in Alabama. They were driving around, arguing over where to get burgers when they passed a Jack's Burger joint. Well, they had to stop there. They entered and Jeff ordered "Jacks Specials" for everyone, plus four of the employee hats. The help behind the counter replied that "the hats are not for sale."
Jeff was incredulous, "Not for sale?" He pulled out his wallet and announced, "everything is for sale... ...it's just a matter of how much it's going to cost." Needless to say, the brothers ate well, and left the venue, each with a Jacks hat --as pictured above.
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published a comment .
So, these three musketeers met annually in Alto, which became the necessary three for the annual Summit Meeting. Les Morrow (doc), Larry, and Berlin (Mac) Page. Larry was the leader, because he had the most hair! Oh, the problems we could solve!!
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published a tribute .
I just learned yesterday of Larry’s passing. I loved Larry’s humor and wanted to share the last piece of mail I received from Larry in January.
(Larry and friends) dropped by Baton Rouge where I met them at the airport with coffee and donuts.
Although this time there was nothing written, I would usually wait to open his mail for when I had time to decipher his writing.
I stayed with Larry for a few weeks after college while job searching. It took awhile to get my day and nights back in order but I will always appreciate his hospitality and the good times we had touring NM raising $ for a Shriners project.
I will miss Larry and his humor!
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published a comment .
Larry always knew how to have fun in life and this day was no exception!! I think Chris was the Big Winner!!
published a comment .
From doc Morrow.. we shall miss Larry! I was as much a day-guy as he was night. I recall an occasion when he was in Clovis and had his kids with him. As luck would have it I was called to my Vet clinic on an emergency. So Larry & his kids accompanied. A heifer with a calving problem. I can still see the expressions on his kid’s faces, and on Larry’s face watching them!! I met Larry in Optimism, then anchored our friendship in Masonry. In the last few years, he and Mac Page and I have met in Alto. Summit meetings solving world problems!! We miss Larry dearly!
published a comment .
I’ve known Larry since junior high school. I have always put him at the very top of a personality trait called ENTHUSIASM! No matter what he was doing, he was always the most exciting character at the event!
published a comment .
Loyal friend and always anxious to please other people. Larry will be missed.
Doc, I remember that very clearly and have told the story on several occasions! I was terrified, but could not look away even for a second! I think I was about 7.
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published a comment .
We can't believe it! He was still sending me emails and sharing querky jokes and comics very recently and we had no idea from anything he said or shared that he would'nt continue to boost our days for years to come. We will truly miss this far away friend from our school days. Go with God, friend. Paul and Carolyn Thompson
published a comment .
Larry and I had a great friendship that began in 1972, when he joined our Optimist Club, and ended when he closed his eyes for the final time. Like most folks he befriended, I always felt a bit more special when we visited. I'll miss him.
Notice the pumpkins in the background have the numbers 1 and 3, which he carved for Bryce's 13th birthday. She is 16 now and each year he carved a pumpkin or pumpkins and delivered them to her for her birthday.
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published a tribute .
This makes me sooo sad — he kept in touch with me on a regular basis. He NEVER forgot that I showed him around Wahlquist Jr High when he came to school a little after the school year had started — he was certainly a Forever Friend. I did not know he had cancer — he never told me that. I will truly miss him
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Yes Larry was a forever friend He always closed his letters with BFF. Loved that..
Nice photo of Larry and his kids that he was so proud of with my birthday card.
published a comment .
Larry and I grew up together in Montello, Nevada. We also attended Weber State at the same time,,We stayed in touch all these years . I will miss him as he was a special friend.
published a comment .
The news of Larry's passing was certainly unexpected. Loved his sharing of genealogy and always the piece that made me laugh out loud. Appreciated his remembering so many of the good times of school and life beyond. See ya later, Larry.
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published a tribute .
Friend of Germs for 55 plus years - Had many adventures over the years- his yearly visits back to Ogden were always done with a card game one night and dinner before he went back to Albuquerque - He was always upbeat The best thing about him was he was a loyal friend - He was one of a kind and will be missed - Picture is at our last card game in 2019 - 2020 was missed due to the COVID - We were looking forward to this fall for his visit - Once again He will be missed
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published a tribute .
So sorry to hear this. Larry was such a dear friend and so dedicated to our class of 57, We will surely miss his fun spirit and personality.
Great memories. Wahlquist and Weber Hi Rest in Peace Larry.
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published a tribute .
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Joe you and your family are in my prayers.
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published a tribute .
Sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. He was one of a kind. Once you became friends with him it was for life. He never failed to send me a birthday wish.
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published a tribute .
Brother Larry was truly one of a kind. He became friends with my grandfather in 1972 through the optimists and then became friends with me in 2007 through Sigma Chi. He had friends from 18 to 80. We’ll miss you, Brother German. IHSV.
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published a tribute .
I attended Weber Junior College the same he did. He was extremely outgoing and you could always count on being entertained. We’ll all miss him
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published a tribute .
What a fun guy. Enthusiastic about everything and everyone. We always enjoyed Larry's attendance a EVERY Weber High Class of '57 .reunion. He will be sorely missed..
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published a tribute .
We remember his enthusiasm and generosity. Fond memories of High School and Reunions.
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published a tribute .
Larry visited the Mummey Casa often to have OTR with my dad Dean. They were best of friends and enjoyed their time in the Shrine Azaym at Wednesday night feeds. Larry loved to talk politics with my parents and was an advocate for education in Albuquerque. He had some good editorials that were published in the paper and we certainly enjoyed is passion. We enjoyed how he would dote on his children and grandchildren Larry always provided a good story and always had a good joke or two to share. He will be missed as a regular night time visitor at the Mummey Casa! Larry's family is in our thoughts and prayers.
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published a tribute .
i knew Larry through Paul Garson whom I work with. Every time Larry came into the store he stopped to have a word with me. He was such a sweet guy and had such a quirky sense of humor (which is shown well in the memorial page!). I will miss his visits. My condolences to his family and friends.
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published a tribute .
Kent loved German! Although they didn’t see each other often after they both graduated form Weber State, they kept in touch with one another until Kent passed. His short letters always made us laugh. He sent Kent reminders of their days in College, like a poster of a flying dog, which I still have in my office.(Kent’s nickname was Dog). He was a singularly original Man. It was a pleasure to meet him.
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published a tribute .
On behalf of the New Mexico alumni chapter we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends. Larry was one of my closest friends and mentors in the fraternity. All of us will miss him terribly. At some point in the future we will honor him and celebrate his life. Paul Garson, Albuquerque
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published a tribute .
Bob says German, as he called him, was always a good friend to look to for details of past History and events throughout the years. We will miss our Anniversary and Birthday wishesHe had a remarkable memory for everything. Our love to his beautiful family.
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published a tribute .
Sending so much love to my extended family, Jeanne’s, joe, max, sally, for this horrid loss. He was a very unique and funny guy and will be missed terribly. Rest In Peace ❤️❤️
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