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Larry Melby Obituary

Melby, Larry
born May 2nd, 1944 passed away in a tragic accident on October 16th, 2012 while saving his dog from the railroad tracks near his home in La Conchita, California. Larry was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, attended Brophy College Preparatory School, and received his degree in Business Administration at Arizona State University. He spent 28 years in commercial real estate as a consultant and broker, both on the corporate side with Motorola and individually with Tom Fannin Realty. In 1990, looking for change, Larry moved to California and founded a day labor business. His business began initially as a franchise, and then went on to become an independent practice owned and operated by Larry himself. He brought ethical and compassionate working conditions to day labor business throughout southern California.
While in California, Larry become very active in small business issues. He served on the White House Conference for Small Businesses in 1995 and was active in the National Small Business Association. In 2002, Larry chose to sell his company and retire to move to the woods in Boulder Creek, California.

The call of the ocean was too great for Larry, and he moved from Boulder Creek back down to the Carpenteria area of California, where he had spent most of his time since moving. He then set out to become a certified Reality Based Coach. This led him to work with people like himself, people who genuinely cared for others, to rescue those in need of their help. Larry consistently demonstrated his compassion for people, animals, and all things throughout his life. It was so fitting that he gave his life while saving his beloved dog, a joy who he had rescued from the desert once before.
He is survived by his Mother, Flossie Melby, his brother, Michael Melby, his daughter Kim Melby Whelan, her husband Chris and his three grandchildren, Justine, Bart and Anna. We lovingly remember the soul of Larry Melby, as well as those of his sister Leanne, brother Mark, and father Earl.


Memorial services are being planned for both Phoenix and the Santa Barbara area. Gifts in lieu of flowers should go to Hearts Therapeutic Riding of Santa Barbara.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Oct. 28, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Melby

Not sure what to say?





Jerry Lenhart

October 22, 2024

Miss both you and Mark.

Suleiman Abdulkadir

November 26, 2012

Rest well Larry, miss u and my sympathy to d family.

Janie Love Miller

November 25, 2012

I, too, remember Larry - along with a very young Kim - from ASU. My deepest sympathies go to Larry's family.

George Metro

November 14, 2012

I remember Larry very well from the Newman Center days at ASU. He will be in our thoughts....Kati and George Metro

Joe Beringer

November 13, 2012

Dear Mrs. Melby and Michael,
Prayers for you. I remember Larry from college days. We shared a love of guitar at ASU.

Sandy Bonds McDaniel

November 11, 2012

Mrs. Melby, Mike,
I don't remember a time when I didn't know Larry. He was a presence I think I took for granted. Always pretending cynicism but never fooling anyone who really knew him. Larry was kind and generous. We will all miss him.

November 6, 2012

God bless this wonderful man for his love of life and animals....

November 1, 2012

Dearest Flossie and Michael,
We are so very sorry to hear this news. How lucky I was to be part of your lives Once Upon A Time and Larry was always so sweet to me. Much love and light, Mary Murphy (Boss)

Dick Green

October 31, 2012

Mrs Melby,
My condolences. I remember Larry from our high school days...one of my best friends. My prayers are with you.

The Pavlet Girls Jo,Pat, & Debbie

October 31, 2012

Carefree Days growing up with Larry and Leanne on "Good Old - Monte Vista" in Phx. They both are SMILES from our past.
Our Sympathy to Flossie and family.

Nell Faulkner

October 30, 2012

I remember Cousin Larry as a sweet man who always had a perma-grin. Prayers, love and hugs to his family.

October 30, 2012

Larry had a great love for his dogs,obviously.We visited him last year,basically starting another chapter in his book of life.We will miss him.
Sophia ,Donna & Bob Biasatti.

October 29, 2012

I've known Larry since we were in the 8th grade. We were the best of friends and raised hell together as I'm sure Flossie remembers. Through Larry I met my wife, his cousin. His spirit will be sorely missed.
John Horvers

Jean Weidemann

October 29, 2012

I remember Larry as a wise and gentle soul. My sincere condolences go out to his family, Jean Weidemann

Lucy Buchness

October 29, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.

Lou Durso

October 29, 2012

Mrs. Melby and Mike and Kim!
I met Larry a long time ago when Mark and I were kids and Larry would take us to Drive-in movies. he always treated Marks friends well and left a big impression on all of us. I am deeply sorry for loss and you have my deepest condolences. His loss will leave a deep impression on all that knew him and that's a wonderful legacy to leave behind.
Lou Durso

Larry in Portland, ME with his 5lb lobster June 2006

Mark S. Deion

October 29, 2012

Larry and I served as delegates to the White House Conference, as members of NSBA, worked on SEC conferences, and traveled around the country together, most recently in New England. He was a very dear friend who will be greatly missed. My prayers and thoughts for him and his family.

October 29, 2012

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Lou Durso

October 28, 2012

Dear Mrs. Melby and Mike:
My deepest sympathy for your loss, Larry was a great guy and treated us ( Marks friends ) wonderfully, a friend of Marks was a friend of his. I'm sure his loss will have a deep impact on many and that's a wonderful legacy to have..
Lou Durso

Mary Melby Horvers

October 28, 2012

Larry has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. He ruled the sandbox when my family briefly lived in Globe and he wowed me with his horsemanship when I was a young teen. Many years later he visited me in San Francisco and introduced me to his dog-a wonderful Doberman that Larry had trained so well he seemed to understand conversations. Larry had a gift with animals and vulnerable people. I will treasure my memories of him.

Jerry Lenhart

October 28, 2012

He had passion for doing good.

Margarita Aranda Fisher

October 28, 2012

May God bless you all in this time of sorrow. I knew Larry but I certainly did not comprehend what a truly great individual he was. May the many wonderful memories of him help sustain you at this time. You and he are all in my prayers.

Leslie & Gary Smedley

October 28, 2012

Dear Aunt Flossie, Mike, Kim and family! My first memory of Larry was as a young teenager racing around his back yard riding bareback on his horse. Long hair flying in the wind! Such a tragic loss for you all!

Jennifer Charland

October 28, 2012

I first met Larry through my my late husband and brother-in-law, John & Dick Charland, when I was just a teenager. He friended me on Facebook about a year ago, and during that short time I grew to greatly admire him. I will miss our discussions about Ardie and tomatoes. He touched my life from afar, and I will miss him. My sincere condolences to his family, and hugs to Ardie.

Michael Moynahan

October 28, 2012

Florence and Family,
Larry will be remembered and greatly missed at our 50th High School Reunion. God bless him for all the good and compassion that flowed through him. May he rest in peace.
Mike Moynahan, S.J.

Ric & Joy Webber

October 28, 2012

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Suleiman Abdulkadir

October 28, 2012

Rest well Larry, your memory will forever linger in my heart. My condolence prayer to your family and friends,xoxo

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