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FUNERAL HOME

Richardson Funeral Home

Now at 4310 East Southern Ave

Phoenix, Arizona

Larry Colbert Obituary

Colbert, Larry
of Tempe left a hole in the hearts of many when he passed away March 21st, 2011. Extraordinary in every way, Larry loved cars, conversation, laughter, and telling stories of growing up on the water in Maryland and Virginia. A well respected motivational speaker, author and long time member of the Lions Club, Larry developed life long friendships from coast to coast and beyond as he traveled for his work. He is survived by his loving companion; Sandy de Neui, daughters; Sharette Colbert and Tracey Conrad (John), grandchildren; Dalton and Jolie Colbert, and Derrik and Nicole Conrad, a large extended family, and his guide dogs; Cecil and Banner (retired). Memorial donations in Larry's name may be made to www.guidingeyesfortheblind.org or to the Arizona Lion's Vision Center, 1016 N 32nd St. Phoenix, AZ 85008. A celebration of Larry's life will be held from 10:00am to 1:30pm, Saturday April 30th, 2011 at the National Speaker's Association Headquaters, 1500 S. Priest Rd. Tempe, AZ. For more information please go to www.larrycolbert.com or www.carrtenneymortuary.com. Arrangements are being held under the direction of Carr Teneny Mortuary in Tempe.
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Published by The Arizona Republic on Mar. 30, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Colbert

Sponsored by Jeff and Lynnette Thredgold.

49 Entries

Vicky Colangelo

March 16, 2019

It is now 2019 and I saw Larry on road trip Nation today which brought me to this site on Google what an inspiring man see thought of and will remember many years later

William Culver

February 28, 2012

To Larry's family.
Dorothy and I knew we had discovered a wonderful man when we first saw him. He came to our Lion's District Leader Dog Program in 1991. We really became friends when we were in Oklahoma City for a USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum. We had a Chevy Van and Larry and Tanner rode with us from and to the facilities. Larry was so easy to be around. He always told me he could tell me by my voice because of the accent (Maryland's Eastern Shore) and deepness. However, he always knew me. He visited at our home and we saw him several times at various Lions functions. I was so shock when I just heard yesterday (2/27,2012) that he had passed away. I immediately went on line and discover it been almost a year. His illness was an experience I just went through with my brother. Pancreatic cancer originating in the gall bladder. My brother was diagnosed in March and died in May.
My sister, a non-Lion person, but always a big help with my wife and I (both Past District Governors in 22-B), said she and never enjoyed a speaker as much as she did Larry. What a lost to all who knew him.
Our sympathy to all his family and friends. Bill and Dorothy Culver

Kathy Collins

May 3, 2011

I was one of Larry's booking agents here in Phoenix. I just received the email and am shocked as I had not spoken with Larry for a while as bookings have been so poor in the recession. I didnt know that he was ill. My heart and prayers go to his family and that wonderful Banner. Larry was the opening act at an RV Showcase and I got to lead Banner to the stage. It was my first experience with a guide dog. Larry had said he will follow you, you don't need to lead him so we started off. Suddenly just short of the stage Banner made a left turn as his nose connected with the smell of sausage cooking and we had to stop and regroup. We all had a good laugh over that. Larry loved life, never complained and was a gentle soul that I am so blessed to have known. My immediate thought now is how wonderful it must be for Larry to SEE Heaven. God Bless you Larry you brought special blessings to my life in the short time I knew you.

Tracey Conrad

May 3, 2011

My Dad was such an awesome individual. He became part of my life when I was nine years old and has been a huge influence on me ever since. He taught me so much about never giving up on what you want and always to work hard. His laugh and sense of humor will be some of the best memories for me. He always supported me in whatever I chose to do and was the most awesome grandfather to my children. His passing will leave quite a hole in my heart. But I look forward to our reunion someday.

Dad - I love you and miss you so much.

Tracey

Catherine Johnson

May 3, 2011

The Willmar Noon Lions of Willmar, Minnesota wish to express our condolences. Thank you, Larry, for being a man of vision.

Leaderdog Chairperson Catherine Johnson
Willmar Noon Lions

Jan Soto

May 3, 2011

Larry, I'll remember how you made me feel special, and I surely appreciated that. I'll remember the "you can do anything you want to do" attitude you projected. I'll remember how you helped make me a better Lion by example. I'll remember you as a classy gentleman at all times. But, Larry, most of all I'll remember how you made me laugh, and how you could know who and where I was, without fail! Thank you so much. Jan

Charlie & Flo Dean

May 3, 2011

We met Larry when we all lived in Young, AZ in the early 1980's. Had lots of good times, shared Thanksgiving dinner together, and his daughter Sharette has been part of our family since. Connected again in Portales, New Mexico years later when he came to speak at a Rotary luncheon. Enjoyed his book and have kept in touch via e-mail, through Sharette and articles about him and Banner... Larry had the most upbeat personality and managed to make the very most of his life, and to share his positive outlook. Our love and prayers go out to his family. Via con dios, friend.

Charlie and Flo

Lincoln, Laurie, & Logan Daynes

May 3, 2011

Larry enriched all of our lives with his great stories and always positive outlook. He always remembered and asked about my family. He was a true Lion at heart for his consideration of others. He will be missed.

Casey

May 3, 2011

A M F. Love you, Larry.

The Casey Family

Richard & Linda Morreale

May 3, 2011

I'm sitting here wondering what to say and all I feel is how much Linda and I loved Larry. He did things that amazed me. I'd call him and ask what he was doing and he'd tell me he was cleaning his yard or polishing his car. I stopped asking him how he did it. I just know that he did.

I met Larry through Banner. I was attending the NSA convention in 2004 and I was really missing my Labrador, Jake. I saw Larry eating on his own in the restaurant and Banner was sitting quietly under the table. I went over, introduced myself told him about Jake and how much I was missing him and he told me to go ahead and pet Banner. He thought that maybe that would help me get over my missing Jake. It did and that was the beginning of a great friendship. Larry came to England to visit Linda and I when we were living there. We had a great time together. Just to add to my sadness surrounding Larry's passing, I had to put my 13 year old Labrador, Jake to sleep on Tuesday morning. Maybe they will meet.

Larry, we'll see you again and you will always be in our hearts.

Linda and Richard

Marie Alexander

May 3, 2011

Knowing Larry enriched my life and it was a pleasure just to talk with him, hearing him at one of his speaking engagements was a real delight, and I will always remember him for his laughter and the ability to bounce back from what ever life gve him to deal with. Thanks for being my friend.

Dalton Colbert, USN

May 3, 2011

Grandpa,

You left us all too soon. I will always remember you for the man you were; the one that taught me about cars and life, the one that I could confide in and share my funny life stories, the one that would give love me like his own son. But I know that you are in a better place now, I'm sure the angels in heaven could us your humor in these times. I just wish that our last words werent over the phone. I know you tried to hide the tears in your eyes when I left, but I cannot do the same. I love you Grandpa, you have touched so many lives and have kept such a consistent upbeat attitude through it all. I will take everything that you have taught me and live out your legacy: "Let a blind man drive you home" and Carpe Diem. I know that you are with me, as I sail on the bright blue ocean that you loved so much, sharing stories with Great Grandpa Willard about my travels in the Navy thus far. You lived an amazing life and lived it to the fullest, even to the very end. I hope that when I have my own son(s), I can be half the man you were and teach them everything you have taught me. Im sorry that I wasn't there to help you along with the Coupe, but I will finish the Coupe and take that cross-country trip to Virginia Beach like we promised. Of course it will be a lot harder without you, the 'Blind Grandpa', telling me how to piece together the car hahaha. Thank you for everything you have done, and continue to do for us all Grandpa, Kelsey and I will miss you terribly. We will all be reunited one day, so save a few seats! I remember all the times that we would listen to old time radio after supper, Prarie Home Companion in the morning or late afternoon. Those were very fun times we had laughing together and enjoying each others company. I will keep your memory close to my heart, your words in my ear, and your spirit with mine. I miss and love all of my family that are mouring the loss of our Larry. He loved us all and will continue to do so for eternity.

Take care Grandpa, your spirit will forever live in the hearts of those you have touched.

Dalton

Sandy de Neui

May 3, 2011

Larry was my everything. I am so pleased to see this page back up on the web. Thank you Jan. To know Larry was to know love and laughter. His last speaking engagement was in Canada only two weeks before he entered the hospital. Dale Johansen told me that Larry wowed them! Way to go Larry.

Ron Norton

May 3, 2011

"We Serve" is the Lions motto and Larry epitomized that. He was a warm and friendly person who gave of himself and made many friends along the way. Larry will be missed by many of us in Minnesota along with the all the other people who's lives he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with Larry and his family.

Bonnie Mattick

May 3, 2011

Larry left me with some humor to look back on and much LIGHT IN MY LIFE! One time I went to a Blind Association�convention that was held here in town (he was giving the Keynote) and Larry asked me to help him with the Back of the Room sales. Sandy was not available that evening, so I went and picked up Larry and took him to the Hotel where the convention was being held. After his speech, he announced that anyone who was interested in his stories could get his entire CD, and/or a book, at the back of the room where his "Vice President of Marketing and Sales" would be there to help them! I nearly fell off my chair laughing and I proceeded to sell his books to the blind folks!! I simply told them that Larry would be happy to autograph a book that they could take home and share with their family, while they were listening to the CD with the same content!! Larry said he had NEVER sold so many books to blind folks as he did that night. It was a fabulous night, and one I will NEVER forget. Larry had so many important lessons for me, and always was generous with his compliments. Being his VP of Sales and Marketing was the most honored position I've ever held!!
Bonnie Mattick
http://www.UnforgettableOutcomes.com

Beth Terry

May 3, 2011

Larry's sense of humor is what stays with me. And Steve, I hear his voice too. I can hear him giving me a nudge or a little piece of advice. I sat next to him at and NSA meeting the first time I attended in Arizona. He was so warm and funny, and his total acceptance of his blindness and his authenticity was what stuck with me. On several occasions Larry gave presentations to the Candidate program just because I asked. He was a huge hit, and his advice still resonates. His evenness and sense of fairness made him a huge asset on our Board. I just can't believe I won't run into him at a meeting in the next month or so. There's no reality on his being gone. We'll miss you buddy.

Brian & Lori Sheehan

May 3, 2011

Larry was a genuine friend. In his true motivational manner he was ALWAYS upbeat and positive. He was the guest speaker at our convention our DG year and he was always laughing as he took heat and gave it right back and had a great message that was always inpirational in all the years we knew him. I will always remember how he would come up to Minnesota wearing no socks!! Larry's family and friends will be in our thoughts and prayers. Larry will truely be missed but we are fortunate that he has left us with great memories we will have for eternity.

Dudley Parsons

May 3, 2011

Larry was a field representative for Leader Dogs for the Blind, and in that role, visited Lions clubs conventions in Minnesota so many time that many of us felt that he was part of the Lions family in Multiple District 5M. He alwas gave a positive messge about his experience as a blind person, and was a gifted user of several different Leader Dogs. He will be missed in Minnesota, where he complained about our cold weather but also loved to come. He was a great presenter.

Jan Olsen

May 3, 2011

Larry and I were instant friends from the moment we met. I suppose many can say that about him. His kindnes, strength and sense of humor just seemed endless. I will always cherish his friendship and be grateful for the time I knew him.

STEVE TYRA

May 3, 2011

I was missing Larry today. it was so strange. I got very emotional. it must be allergy season because my eyes were very moist and "leaking"�. and in the distance I heard his laugh. it was not my imagination. Larry was laughing at me just like he always did when I did something goofy or "stoopid"�. it felt so good I began to laugh too. it was just like old times. me and Larry laughing at something nobody else would think was funny. the only thing missing was Banner looking at us with that puzzled look. he always seemed to enjoy it when we acted silly . I think it was because it made him feel superior. as if he needed anything to make him feel superior.

STEVE TYRA

May 3, 2011

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of our GOOD friend Larry. We have known him for many many years through our cars. Rest in Peace our Friend. Big Al & Carol

May 3, 2011

The world has lost a beautiful person. He always "brightened" our days when he came into TF&T with Sandi. Those who were fortunate to know him, were shown a man who could do anything and found joy in every minute of his life. RIP Larry and Thank You for your inspiration. Jerrie & Dawn

Ross Thorfinnson

April 26, 2011

Larry, I will miss our frequent phone conversations and our live and in person visits very much. I am glad I had the opportunity to visit in February and help with the car. It was great to see the huge grin on your face once the car was down off the blocks and out in the driveway. I will miss you very, very much my friend. I'm sure you don't need to wear socks now, that should make you very happy.

Good bye my friend. Carpe Diem!

April 11, 2011

Lar.... How I treasure our
laughs, travels and refreshments
together. Looking forward to again
on the other side. BJ

Dale Lynn Franks

April 7, 2011

My dear Brother, I am still so numb. I have always looked up to you, now you are looking down on me. I know you are home now with your dogs and family who have gone before you. Thank you so much for coming to me and hugging me so tight with your soul. I will talk to you and ask for guidence now & then, and yes I will still drive you nuts. Since I am the youngest I guess it will be a while (I hope) till I ride on your shoulders again. Thank you for bringing Sandy into my life. I hope as the years go on I get to know her almost as well as you do, lol. Please visit often when you are not helping God and I will visit you while when I close my eyes and go within. I will be there for Sharette and the kids and if Tracey ever needs me I will be there for her too. Donna and I will take care of each other also. I love you so much Larry, You are the best brother and I will be your 'lil sis now and always. Uncle Donnie & Uncle Millard will tell how often you'll hear from me, lol. Searching for a better Tomorrow, Meaning No Harm.... My love remains Forever.... Dale Lynn

sharon matke

March 31, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Sandy de Neui

March 31, 2011

Larry was my sweetheart, my companion, my confidant and my very best friend. I feel fortunate to have been able to share my life with him. Larry was a charismatic individual. His vibrant, sunny attitude was contagious,
and absolutely sincere. People loved him and he loved them back. The restoration of his 1940 Ford Coupe was high on his list of passionate pursuits. Most Tuesday and Thursday evenings Jim or Pedro or Gordon or perhaps all three of them would join Larry in his garage to work on bringing the "hot rod" back to its glory days. Yet another Jim, from Tucson, was helping with the wiring, and would roll into town for a long weekend whenever he could. Larry was a car guy. He could describe in detail almost any car that was manufactured in the 50's or 60's. His eyesight may have failed him, but his mind's eye was clear and precise. Larry had received a new guide dog, Cecil, in late November. They were just getting the hang of the neighborhood with a ritual of morning walks. Cecil and Larry went all of the way to Canada in February. Larry was an extraordinarily gifted motivational speaker. The Canada trip was a speaking gig. Larry's presentation was a smashing success. On Ventura Drive, Larry and his parties were legend. With Larry's beautiful home as the setting, there was always fun and food and great company. Larry was a stellar human being. He will be deeply deeply missed.

Teri Jackson

March 30, 2011

Dear Family of Larry.May you find comfort with the loss of your loved one through conversations with family and friends, perhaps by looking at collected photographs and with happy memories. Most importantly, may you find comfort through prayer to our heavenly father, Jehova as he is the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation." (2 Corithians 1:3,4)

Deb (Gary) Schalge

March 30, 2011

As a long time member of ASRA, I remember so many meetings where Larry was a joy to be around. Every month, at some time during the member meeting, we would hear something funny coming out of him. He truly inspired me and became a friend. As life happens, I lost touch with Larry and am shocked to hear of his passing. I will miss his smile, his positive outlook on life, his dogs, and especially his warmth and humor. What a marvelous human being he was. God rest his soul and God bless his family, beloved dogs, and his many friends who are so hurting over his loss. My memories of Larry will never fade, he was a true beacon of light in the world.

From the Staff of Carr-Tenney Mortuary

March 30, 2011

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Linda Gaston

March 29, 2011

To my cousin, Larry: I loved you dearly, cherished our time together, and was always proud of you and your accomplishments. Man, you were a class act! You taught us to "seize the day" and demonstrated that positive attitude in full measure. Every day on earth is special, a gift from God. You lived, loved, were loved, and left a legacy. Larry, you will live on through your daughters and your grandchildren. Lewis & I planted a yellow rose bush in your memory. It reminds me of you and 300 Lafayette Street. Tell Mom & Pop Warder I said "hello". You touched many lives, and your presence is missed, Larry. Thanks to God, your spirit remains. Rest in peace, until we meet again.
Love, Linda

Tracey Conrad

March 29, 2011

Larry became part of my life when I was 9 years old. My Mom, Nancie, and I moved into his home and they married shortly there after. As the years progressed, he became my Dad. He raised me through the tough teenage years and tried to be the best father possible. As I progressed into adulthood, we became even closer. I had moved to the east coast with my family and Dad would visit 2-3 times a year during his speaker travels. We built such an incredible bond over the last 20 years. His ability and capacity to love always amazed me. My children are mourning the loss of their GrandPop. They love him so very much and will miss building memories with him. I know Dad has gone onto a better place but I still have such a hole in my heart with his loss. I was really hoping we would have many more years together. But that was not to be.

Dad - I will miss your laugh, smile, humor and just the positive way you approached life. I will see you someday again. I love you so much.

Larry with his Aunt Sugie at 50th anniversary party, July 2004

Gladys Green

March 28, 2011

Larry moved into my parents home in Washington, DC with his mother and sister when he was three years old. His father had passed away and was buried on his 3rd birthday (when John Kennedy was buried on the 3rd birthday of his son, it brought it all back to me). I was 15 and the youngest of six children; all my siblings were grown, so Larry became my little brother. I took him everywhere with me, to the DC zoo, riding on my bicycle, on the beach at our summer home in Colonial Beach, VA. When I married, he spent much time with Pete and me at my home in Colonial Beach.

In later years when he moved to Arizona, we did not see each other as often as we would have liked, but we talked on the phone when we could. During those years, I became a second mother to Larry and he would call and reminisce about old times and talk to me about family. In 2004 he flew to Virginia to be the speaker at the 50th anniversary party that our children held for me and my husband Pete. He was the life of the party that night and had a wonderful time with his relatives and old friends.

His entire family on the east coast has been in shock since his passing. I will miss Larry so much. I am glad he is now able to see again and will recognize me with my white hair. Much love Larry.
Aunt Sugie

Jerry Miller

March 28, 2011

Lion Larry and his dogs were always welcome guests to Lions of Minnesota. His sense of humor was unmatched.

Lion Steve "Fuzzy" Halseth

March 28, 2011

R.I.P. Desert Dweller...
~ Lion Fuzzy, PDG 5M-7

Bob and Sally Thoma

March 28, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of trial!
To say that Larry was a wonderful person would be saying too little.
To us he was someone who was a friend and also someone who could inspire you with his outlook on life and his motivation as a speaker.
He came to Minnesota many time and we enjoyed his company and good sense of humor when he was with us!
I know that he will be missed by you and also by everyone in our Multipe of MD5M.
PDG Bob Thoma and Sally
Minnesota.

March 28, 2011

Larry will be sorely missed by all Lions, especially those of us in 5M5 where he made us think about our Lionism dedication to the blind, while keeping us smiling with his always upbeat humor. Godspeed Larry.
PDG Jack McKernan 5M5

Kim Lewarne

March 28, 2011

I had the priviledge to hear Lion Larry speak at our 5M13 Mid-Winter in Swan River, Manitoba last month. He was such an inspiration. What a shock to hear of his passing. Our hearts go out to family and friends of Lion Larry as you mourn the passing of such a remarkable and inspirational man - a true Lion. With deepest sympathy, Lion Kim Lewarne, Brandon, MB

March 27, 2011

We were so sorry to hear that Larry had passed away. He was such an inspiration at our Mid-Winter Convention here in Swan River Manitoba this past February. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. Lions Bev & Lloyd McCabe

Co-Chairs 2011 Convention 5M13

March 27, 2011

Lion Larry attended the 5M13 Mid-Winter Convention in Swan River this past winter. His presentation was a motivation to all of us. He spoke of out of sight insights. Little did we know his suffering. A remarkable person and Lion. A man we Lions here in Manitoba will long remember despite having only recently met him. It was a lasting impression.

March 27, 2011

Our wishes and thoughts are with you
at this sad time.

The Albert Lea Lions Club

March 27, 2011

I feel so bad, Sharette that you lost your father. Please enlist my help if you need anything. I lost Dad two years ago and I feel your pain.
Love,
Your Big Sis

Brittany Smith

March 27, 2011

Loss
I thought of you with
Love today but that is
nothing new. I thought of you
yesterday and days before
that too. I think of you
in silence, I often spoke
your name. Now all i have
is memories and you picture
in a frame. Your memory is
my keepsake which I will
never part. God has you in
his keeping. I have you in
my heart.

DG Cheryl & Bill McKitrick

March 26, 2011

Lion Larry was a great inspiration to all who knew him. We were so honoured to have him visit our province of Manitoba in February at our Midwinter Convention. He and " Cecil" left a special image in all our hearts. It was a shock to hear of his serious illness and death so soon after we had been together. Lion Larry will truly be missed by everyone whose path he crossed.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

March 26, 2011

Going to miss hearing from you. The few times we were together was a blast.Will never for get our rod run to Estes Park
Love your brother Tom

Nicole Conrad

March 25, 2011

A Dedication to my Grandpop

He was kind and sweet
And he would never doubt,
But he would always give you something
To laugh about

Grandpop changed the lives
Of people he met,
He’s the type of man
You’ll soon not forget

He was blind
But that’s OK,
Because he could see us all
Anyway

He promised me
He would visit this summer,
But no one suspected
He’d be lost in his slumber

Grandpop was a great man
Of generosity,
He left love ones behind
Including me

His life was an adventure
I hope it was fun,
But now he has past on
And his earthly time is done

Dudley Parsons

March 25, 2011

Larry visited Minnesota so often as part of his work as Leader Dog Field Representative that he was part of our Lions family in this area. He was an inspiration to all, and kept us well informed about what his Leader Dogs did for him in improving his life. He will be missed greatly in this state.

Donna Harlow

March 24, 2011

Larry, my brother, my friend. I miss you so much. You are the greatest brother ever. You were taken from us too soon. You have brightened so many lives and the joy you filled our hearts with is overwhelming. Your are my mentor. Your spirit is with me but I will miss your presence in my life every day until we meet again in a better place. "Your sister Donna"

Kristen Robbins

March 23, 2011

To The Family Of Larry Charles Colbert-

On behalf of the staff of Carr Tenney Mortuary, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolence to you. Thank you for entrusting your loved one into our care.

Kristen Y. Robbins
Funeral Director

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