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Larry Lair Obituary

Larry Lair

El Paso

Larry L. Lair departed this life while at home in El Paso, Texas on September 12, 2013, after a 15 month battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). He was 62 years young. Larry is survived by Nancy his devoted wife of 39 years, his daughter, Sanaan and her husband Carlos Villalobos, and his daughter Shalayna and her husband Marcos Smith, all of El Paso, Texas.

Larry was born on August 30, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa to Doris and Herschel Lair. He is survived by his mother Doris; his younger brother Lonnie and wife Jeanette, nephews Sean and Nathan Lair; and his older sister Laura and husband Chuck Nelson, niece Jennifer Ewers, all of Des Moines and nephew Ryan Ewers and wife Rhoda of Aurora, Colorado. He is also survived by his father and mother-in-law Edward and Norma Crozier and brother-in-law Ed Crozier all of Cedar Park, Texas. He is preceded in death by his father and hero Herschel and his maternal grandparents, Henry and Katie Klooster.

Larry graduated from Lincoln High School in Des Moines in 1969 and went on to college and into the construction business. It was in 1973 that he met the love of his life, Nancy Crozier. They married on June 1st of the following year and celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary this year. They were inseparable to the end.

After high school and several years of college, Larry opened and operated his concrete construction business until 1981, when he returned to school to complete his education at Drake University. He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and was recruited by 3M in St. Paul, Minnesota. On June 1st, 1983, he began work as an accountant with 3M.

His career at 3M took him to Austin, Texas where the family resided until 1991, at which time they moved to El Paso, Texas. Larry became the Operations Manager of the 3M subsidiary and its maquiladora in Juarez, Mexico. In 1999, Larry and Nancy moved to Brownwood, Texas where Larry was the Plant Manager of the 3M manufacturing facility. In 2001, Larry's job took him back to St. Paul where he eventually became the Vice President of Traffic Safety Systems Division and then went on to finish his career as the President and General Manager of 3M ESPE, the company's dental division. His career with 3M spanned 30 years but was cut short by the progression of ALS and he was forced to leave behind many good friends, colleagues and business associates who will never forget his direct and moral approach to business, his boundless energy and his innate business knowledge.

Larry loved working hard, but his greatest pride was his family. He was dedicated to his two daughters and always did what he could to pave the way to their success. He loved to travel and he and Nancy were fortunate to be able to travel the world over. He was an avid reader and enjoyed writing up to the end of his life, but his greatest hobby was his love of running. He enjoyed the solitude of running alone or accompanied by his running partner in life, Nancy.

Larry was a wonderful husband and father and an extremely talented and knowledgeable businessman. He was truly a self-made man. He was professionally respected by those he worked beside over the years and personally loved by his family and friends. Larry will be forever missed by his beloved wife and daughters, but his memory will live on in his entire family, as well as those who had the opportunity to know him as a friend and colleague.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. at Martin Funeral Home West, in El Paso, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ALS Foundation Larry Lair Tribute Fund (http://webmn.alsa.org/goto/Lair_Tribute). Family, friends and colleagues may sign the guest book and pay tribute online at www.dignitymemorial.com or the ALS Larry Lair Tribute Fund website. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com

Published by the Des Moines Register from Sep. 15 to Sep. 22, 2013.
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I was thinking about larry.. I have alot of probelems in my life alot.. He used to tell me grab the bull by the horns and dont let go. That helps me cope...

Richard Gene Griego

Friend

November 18, 2020

i still miss you . your old friend richard griego.

rich griego

February 13, 2019

We miss him too! We understand your pain.

Diana Philpott

September 15, 2017

Missing our life together and all the great times.

Nancy Lair

Spouse

September 14, 2017

July 11, 2017

July 11, 2017

Lo. Siento mucho. Yo lo conocí en 1997. En cd juarez mx.

J Carrera

October 1, 2016

Miss my brother always.

Laura Nelson

September 14, 2016

Still hard to believe and process. My memories are still fresh of the times we worked together. Gone way too soon..

John Bittner

September 13, 2016

It is still difficult for me to imagine Nancy without Larry, and to believe he was taken at such a young age. My thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and her family.

Doris Diven

September 13, 2016

It's been three years since our goodbyes - I think of my husband each day wishing he was here with me, our girls and now three little grandkids.

Nancy Lair

September 12, 2016

I still miss larry, he was a great dude. I remember he gave me his dog ramsey. I worked with him for 8 years . rip my friend . RICH GRIEGO

May 16, 2015

Boy do I remember the photo from the 80's. I sat just a few work stations away from Larry at 3M. Lot's of fun memories remain...........

John Bittner

September 20, 2014

Our prayers to Nancy and the girls as well as Larry's Mom and sister and brother. We too who are part of his extended family miss him as well. It is hard to believe it has been a year since his passing.

Diana Philpott

September 19, 2014

Nancy Lair

September 18, 2014

Nancy Lair

September 18, 2014

Nancy Lair

September 18, 2014

Nancy Lair

September 18, 2014

Nancy Lair

September 18, 2014

Nancy Lair

September 18, 2014

Thank you for everyone's thoughts and prayers for my brother as it will be a year tomorrow. We miss him as much today. I know you are in a better place. Love your sister

Laura Nelson

September 11, 2014

Approaching the first anniversary of Larry's passing, we are thinking of you and your girls. As you keep your memories alive, I pray that God will send comfort your way so you can once again have peace in your heart. Hugs

Judy Miller

September 11, 2014

God Bless Larry. Special prayers today in your memory and to assure you are in the hands of the Lord. Your influence and presence have been missed.

John Bittner

September 11, 2014

I cherish each day that we had together.

Your loving wife, Nancy

September 10, 2014

Today I heard the news and I was really shocked. I have worked with Lary, from a distance, many years and I especially enjoy the occasions I had to meet Larry and his family during several Intertraffic shows in Amsterdam. It's really terrible Larry passed so away so early. Nancy, I wish you and the girls lot;s of strenght and I am thinking of you.
Kind personal regards,
Bart Scholte, 3M Netherlands, Amsterdam

Bart Scholte

March 7, 2014

Sanaan and Shalayna, I just read about your father's passing and my heart sank. He was a great father and husband. I enjoyed the few times I was able to spend time with him. Please accept my condolences.

Esteban Soto

January 8, 2014

Sorry to hear about your loss Nancy, Sanaan, and Shalayna.

Blaine

November 11, 2013

I just found out today of Larry's passing and have been in total sadness. The world has lost a great man and leader. I had the honor to have worked with Larry at 3M Edusa in El Paso, Texas. He inspired me to become a better person and I will truly remember his wisdom and intelligence. He once told me that women were going to rule the world one day. You were so supportive in promoting females into manager roles. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Nancy, my deepest sympathy for you and your daughters. I have not seen them in years. I truly regret that I was not able to attend his memorial service. My prayers go out to you and your family. I shall truly miss him, Larry rest in peace.

Martha Medina-Loera

October 24, 2013

We remember the good times on SW 23rd Place in Des Moines when the kids were little. The boys and I were talking recently about Larry and Kojac jogging around the neighborhood. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Patty, Brian, Chris and Kevin Beckwith

September 26, 2013

My heart is heavy for the Lair family. It's evident that Larry was loved and respected by many. Please know my thoughts are with you and your family.

Sarah Schmidt

September 25, 2013

Nancy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family (the Lairs and the Croziers) are in my thought and prayers. With sympathy, Cassie Rushing (Wheat Ridge, CO)

September 23, 2013

So sorry to hear about your loss. Our condolences to your family.

Jay Nelson

September 23, 2013

Nancy,
I am so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. May God and your family be your strength during this difficult time.

Sheri Moon-Lightkep

September 23, 2013

Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. May God give you, your girls and your family strength in the coming days as you go through such a difficult time.

Debbie Persinger

September 21, 2013

Nancy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family. I know this is a very painful time for you and I hope you will find peace in all your wonderful memories...

Cyndy Rasmussen Comes

September 21, 2013

Remembering our childhood and happier times ~ Nancy my heart goes out to you and yours~ it's all about the wonderful memories. Bless you.

Sherry (Wood) Lueders

September 21, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you Nancy and condolences to you and your family, I know you will miss him greatly.

Jim McGann

September 21, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you Nancy and your family.

Mary Larsen

September 20, 2013

May God be with your family as you deal with this loss you experienced (Psalms 55:16).

JG

September 20, 2013

To the entire Lair Family, I am so sorry for your loss...I knew Larry, Laura and Lonnie from Grade school on up. God Bless and comfort you at this time.
Sandra Sirfus Davis

September 17, 2013

I had the great pleasure of working with Larry at 3M in both Austin and Brownwood. He was always the ultimate professional, yet very caring for all the employees. I treasure his friendship. He will be missed.

Suzanne Prosise

September 17, 2013

I am sorry to hear of Larry's Passing. My prayers are with his entire family and close friends. I helped interview Larry when he applied at 3M and mentored him in his early years as an cost accountant. I new then he was headed for great accomplishments and he never let any of us down.
Doug Caldwell
Former Director
3M

Doug Caldwell

September 17, 2013

Nancy and Family, I was so sorry to learn of your great loss. Many years have gone by but I remember Larry fondly as being a neighborhood friend and classmate. It sounds like he had a wonderful life and touched many people with his honesty. My thoughts are with each of you.

Jeane Rushing Liska
Delafield, WI

September 17, 2013

Dear Nancy and family
I was so sorry to read of your loss. Wishing you all strength and peace as you deal with the loss of someone you loved so dearly.

Terri Righi-Ryner

September 17, 2013

My prayers are with Larry's family. I woked with him in his Brownwood time and found him to be very intelligent,honest,straight forward,and extremely knowledgeable of the operations. Great guy, he will indeed be missed.
Keith King

September 17, 2013

I'm sorry for your lost and may God be with you and your family at this time.

Steven Carter (class of 67)

September 17, 2013

As young college guys navigating through the early '70s, Larry seemed to have more insight than most. He spoke truth and confronted hypocrisy when he saw it. I have often thought of how he challenged me and have been grateful. He will be missed. Godspeed, my friend.

Steve Rogers, Lincoln High class of '69

September 17, 2013

I was very fortunate to have worked with Larry. He was a good mentor and supporter to me as well as an invaluable leader at 3M. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time

Andreas Witte

September 17, 2013

Nancy, I am so sorry for you and your daughters loss. I will have you in my thoughts and prayers.

Kyle Morton

September 17, 2013

To the family of Larry,

I had the pleasure of knowing Larry as a colleague and a client. Larry's example of a kind, honorable and absolutely good man is second to none. Thank you,family of Larry, for sharing this great man with his 3M family.

May the memories of Larry comfort you during this time.

September 16, 2013

Hi Nancy,
I am so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. It must be such a difficult time for you. I have'nt seen you two for years and years but remember the fun times we spent together in high school, at Echo Valley Country Club etc.! My sister Terri sent me the obituary so I wanted to let you know how sorry I am for you and that I am thinking about you during this difficult time. Try to take comfort and support from your family and friends to help you get through it.
Fondly
DeAnne

DeAnnep Righi-Chambers

September 16, 2013

I feel very fortunate to have been able to work with and learn from Larry at 3M. My respect and admiration for him grew exponentially as I got to know him and see the many things he did ‘behind the scenes.' He has had a lasting influence on me and my own personal development. In addition to being the most efficient leader I have ever worked with, he was the benchmark leader for staying true to his core values and principles. I had the chance to meet one of his daughters in the hallway one day, and his love for family was evident in that short introduction and interaction. His last few meetings in the office were very memorable to me, as we were able to get a greater glimpse into the goodness of Larry's heart. All the best to your family during this difficult time.

Dan McMaster

September 16, 2013

Larry was a great man who touched my life, I will never forgive what I learned from him. My condolences to Nancy and his family.

Norma Carballo

September 16, 2013

Lonnie and family,
Cheryl and I will have all of you in our prayers during this time as you reflect on the joys and gifts that Larry's life brought to the world.
Take care.
Jim Ervin

September 16, 2013

Dear Nancy & Daughters,
Larry was a great guy from what
I remember. You always got up
in the wee hours and went running when the girls were young. I admired your energy
and love. I am so sorry for
your loss.
Peggy Simpson, SAS Co-Worker

September 16, 2013

Our prayer are with you during this time.

Nicole Taylor

September 16, 2013

Having grown up a neighbor to Larry,I have not seen him in over 43 years. Reading these tributes to him, and all he accomplished in life is not surprising. He was a respected childhood friend, and led by example. My heart is saddened, and my prayers go out to his wife and children, along with his extened family.

Danny Miller

September 16, 2013

Nancy, I am so sorry.

Tamara Shaffer

September 16, 2013

I will always consider it a privilage to have worked at a plant where Larry was plant manager. He was great to work with and will be missed by all. My prayers are with his family at this time. Remember the good times as he would want you to.

Danny Perry

September 16, 2013

Nancy & Family, I worked with Larry for the last three years of his 3M career and count it as an absolute blessing to have had the opportunity to spend this time with such a great man. Larry was not only a fantastic leader for the company, but also a great mentor who put everyone else before himself - the classic Servant Leader. I miss him as both a work colleague and a role model.
My prayers go to you during this time that you may find peace and comfort.

Simon Hearne

September 16, 2013

Nancy, Sanaan and Shalayna, I am so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. My deepest sympathy to each of you. May your love and memories of him bring you comfort and peace. God bless you.

Vicki Kress

September 16, 2013

Nancy, I'm sending my hugs and prayers to you and the girls. Larry was a great guy and he will be missed. He is at peace now and soon you will find peace as well.
Blessings to all,
Sylvia Summers

September 16, 2013

Nancy, God bless you and your family and gives you the whole strenght you need in this deeply sad moment, and fill your heart of peace and his great love. My sincere condolences, you will be in my prays

Yanise Angeles, 3M ESPE, Dominican Republic

Yanise Angeles

September 16, 2013

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I count it a privelege to have worked in an organization where Larry was at the helm. Larry challenged those around him to grow and be exceptional. I'll always be thankful for the experience. He'll really be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Joe Barone

September 16, 2013

Nancy, I am so very sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences are sent to you, Shalayna and Sanaan. May you find comfort at this time knowing that Larry was a good man and loved his family. Blessings

Judy and Vernon Miller

September 16, 2013

Nancy I am really sorry for the loss of a great man, a great boss and a great husband and father. He will be always in our hearts.

Manuel Guaderrama

September 16, 2013

My deepest condolences to you, the girls and the family. You will be in my daily prayers during this time of grief.

Bernadette Davis

September 16, 2013

May God's peace surround you and the family, Larry will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences.

Mary Melendrez Brownwood, Texas 3M Sourcing Buyer/Team Leader

September 16, 2013

Nancy,
I'm so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Gina Tallarico

September 16, 2013

Nancy, girls and family...My deepest sympathy to all of you. Larry was a great man and will be missed. May God comfort you at this time. My prayers are with you all.
Sue Mohrlant

September 16, 2013

I count as one of my life's blessings to have met, worked with, and come to know Larry. I am confident that he will bring those same qualities that we will miss here in this life to the next life!

Bill Miller

September 16, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May our Heavenly Father provide strength and comfort to the family during this time of grief. For he is near to those broken at heart. Ps 34:17,18

Ruth

September 16, 2013

Nancy, Barbara and I are so sorry to hear your loss. We all met each other when we first moved to Texas. We had such great times with you and Larry and the kids played well together. It made the transition to Texas easier. I still saw Larry from time to time. When I was working at 3M Brownwood Larry was VP for Traffic Safety Systems and I would see he when he came to Brownwood. We would talk about the families and of course Larry's Camaro and my Corvette - who was faster. I will miss Larry - and we miss you all. Our prayers are with you Nancy, Sanaan and Shalayna.

Steve and Barbara Erickson, Cedar Park, TX.

Steve Erickson

September 16, 2013

I felt very lucky to have had the opportunity to work closely with Larry. He was a good teacher and mentor. Behind his tough exterior was a person who really cared. He taught me that the good guys don't always finish last. I am better for having known him. His last communication to me was very short and to the point, as were all his communications; Do Good Mark.
Our hearts go out to his family in this tough time.

Mark Farmer

September 15, 2013

Nancy , deepest condolence to you and your family from the entire Asia Pacific Health Care team . Larry is a very special person who has touced my life despite our brief interaction.You and your family will be in our prayers.Take care

Parameswaran Nair

September 15, 2013

Larry was a strong and respected business leader with an incredible capacity for work, but his heart was always with Nancy and his daughters. I am so sorry that his life was cut short by ALS. He handled his illness with strength and grace. Peace and love to Nancy and family from Jim and Mimi.

Jim Stake

September 15, 2013

Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about Larry. He was such a nice guy and you were a sweet couple. I have many great memories of times spent with Larry and you. God Bless you all at this sad time.

Jeannie Boesch Nogel

September 15, 2013

I am Mrs. Emma Irene Hernandez, mother of Adriana C. Hernandez, on behalf of Adriana which knew Larry for many years, she used to teach him spanish classes in a maquiladora in Juarez. She sends her condolescences

September 15, 2013

I worked with Larry at 3M Brownwood, TX. I'll never forget him. I pray his family has peace and strength as they face the days ahead without him.

Kathy Edwards-Crowder

September 15, 2013

Nancy,

Thinking of you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

Love,

Your Cousin Linda

Linda Mason

September 15, 2013

Nancy, I wish you and you family peace knowing Larry touched so many people's lives. He was a great leader and we will miss him. Karen

Karen Carroll

September 15, 2013

What an amazing man he was. In my 32 years at 3M I have not met a leader who was more universally respected and admired. His "family" at 3M misses him greatly. Nancy and family, all our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brad Sauer

September 15, 2013

Nancy & Family - We are so sorry for your loss. It was always so heartwarming to see the sparkle in Larry's eyes when he would talk about his three girls. Such a wonderful man - and such a pleasure to have been able to work with him. Our love & prayers, Dale & Carol Rhoe

September 15, 2013

I had the pleasure of working quite closely with Larry both when he worked as an Accountant in Austin and also during the early start-up years with the maquiladora operation in Juarez, Mexico. Larry was the consummate business man and professional. He will be sorely missed! In this trying time, I pray the Lord will provide comfort to you Nancy and to Sanaan and Shalayna. He was an amazing individual.

John Bittner

September 15, 2013

With sincere sympathy for your loss and the hope that time will help to ease your sorrow.

Kristine Rasmussen

September 15, 2013

Larry was a great boss and colleague. Even more, he was an exceptional leader. He will be missed by all of us in the 3M Health Care Group.

Jim Ingebrand

September 15, 2013

Thank you my beautiful brother for your support and love throughout life. You are the best Husband, Father, Son, and Brother anyone could ask for. I will miss you everyday but know you are at peace. We shall meet again. Love to Nancy, Sanaan and Shalayna.

LAURA NELSON

September 14, 2013

Nancy, Sanaan & Shalayna,
I pray the memories you four created will help you find some peace in the journey ahead.

Becky Gilchrist (Carol Rhoe's daughter)

September 14, 2013

Nancy, so sorry for your loss of your wonderful husband and friend. As you know, he was very special to me. I continue my prayers for you the girls and family...Mary Irestone (Keith and girls too!)

September 14, 2013

We pray God will give you peace and strength through the coming days. We will miss him greatly too. We have many good childhood memories to fall back on. Marcia, Sandy, Mom and I are greatly saddened but know that he is in the Lord's care now.

Diana Philpott

September 14, 2013

I will miss my beautiful Brother everyday. He was very supportive in anything I did in life. Our favorite times together were about his great stories he told about his travels or our childhood. Thank you Nancy for always taking such good care of my Brother and being a wonderful companion. I brag about Larry to everyone as iI have told him. My heart and love goes out to Nancy, Sanaan and Shalayna. Thank you for always being there for him.

Laura Nelson

September 14, 2013

Nancy,
So sorry for your loss. Larry was very special to me.

Mike Tittle

September 14, 2013

I worked with Larry at 3M in Brownwood, TX. He was the greatest boss I ever had. He was tough, demanding, but very fair. He loved Nancy and his two daughters. I can't believe he is gone, but his spirit will remain with those he came in contact with while he lived. May he now rest in peace.
Love and prayers to his family,
Doris Diven

September 14, 2013

Rest in Peace, my friend.
EJ Rutherford and daughters Margot and Megan

EJ Rutherford

September 13, 2013

Larry was a very successful in everything he did but the thing I respected him most for was what a great father and husband he was. I have told his sister (my mom) many times how much I admired what a great father and husband he was. An amazing man and a life well lived. Respect and love to Nancy, Sanaan, and Shalayna. Love, Jenny.

Jenny Ewers

September 13, 2013

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