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Larry Townsend Obituary
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raymond A beck
December 12, 2024
I met him once at a party with Alan graupman a mutual friend. Larry was a super writer and activist for the gay community. a privilege to meet him in person
R.M. Schultz
July 23, 2009
I found a used copy of the second edition of the Leatherman's Handbook in 1982 and it changed my life, or rather, it focused my thinking. Reading Larry Townsend was like meeting the father I always wanted. He taught me how to be a man.
Bronson Page
March 4, 2009
I bought a copy of The Leatherman's Handbook a couple of years ago, from Larry's friend "HollywoodCatLady" on ebay. Larry signed my copy, inscribing it "Do as I say" in perfect Leatherman form. It is one of my most cherished possessions. I'm so sorry we never got the chance to meet. I am so grateful for all you have done for us.
Always,
Bronson
Charlie McDougal
January 16, 2009
Dear Larry, How I miss our Friday nite dinners and your call to wish me a Happy Martin Day. Good bye old friend. Charlie McDougal
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Larry Roberts
October 6, 2008
Well my old friend, now it is time for others to do the writing and you do the reading from wherever you are. I would say heaven or hell, but I don't think either exist and I don't think you did either. But to say that you affected my life deeply is to put it mildly. Ditto for Fred. I walked into your world naive and innocent and have never been the same since. But I have no regrets. 31 years to maintain a friendship these days is remarkable, but I cherish every one. All the memories will remain ingrained within my mind until it is my time to bid the world farewell. I know that you hated my long letters, e-mails, and phone calls but guess what buddy, you can't shut me up now. Ha! I will always remember and treasure July 30, 1977. It was the day I met both you and Fred and that day changed the rest of my life. And I have no regrets. Well, there is one, but that will have to remain between just you, Fred, and myself. It's private and personal and not meant to be shared here, now, or in this fashion.
As Bob Hope used to say, "thanks for the memories." Or was that YOU? Ha! Whatever, YOU will never be forgotten, or Fred. You both hold a very special place in my heart. Hopefully you both are together again and laughing at us foolish humans that think life stops with death. Not to be trite, but I believe in evolution and that you and Fred have evolved to the next level of existence and are quite happy to discover that life goes on when our physical forms no longer do. And it pleased me immensely for you to refer to me as "Larry Lee" because of my southern roots and heritage. And of course my "accent" as well. Gotta run my love, I think I have a hot date waiting. In fact, I know I do. It only took me all this time to do what you told me 31 years ago to do. Am I stubborn or what? But Larry, it was worth the wait. He is everything I have ever wanted and I'm just as stubborn with him as I was with you. But like you, he is a MASTER of my heart. And I have YOU to thank for your guidance over these many years and I am so sorry that you never got to meet the man who has brought me such joy and happiness. You do know that I WANTED YOU, but you were "taken already" and you would have had to keep a gag in mouth 24/7 for us/me to have survived. Take care my dear friend, give Fred my love, and know that you are welcome to come back and visit anytime you desire. All you have to do is "click your heels/boots together" and think of home and friends and pray for a friendly tornado. :-)
Godspeed.
Larry Lee
Les Wright
August 27, 2008
I read The Leatherman's Handbook back in the mid 1970s when I was a gay activist in Germany. His writings opened up for me the leather community ideal and practices, and drew me into he leather scene of 1970s Germany when I was just barely in my 20s, and The Leatherman's Handbook was the original inspiration behind my two Bear Books. THANK YOU, LARRY, though we never met,for being one of my earliest mentors
Sarge Bear
August 8, 2008
While I knew Mr. Townsend primarily through his books, and through correspondence, I will always be grateful for his intelligence and his wisdom. The Leatherman's Handbook will always be a canon in the leather community.
Tom Ferrari
August 6, 2008
The Leather Community has lost another GREAT MAN. So few of my family remain. I was honored to have known Larry and my life has only been greatly enriched because of THIS great man, Larry Townsend. He will be sorely missed by me and by my Family.
As the last of the FERRARI Family, I mourn the loss of so many great men, and I dream of future great men who will embrace and HONOR our founding fathers with the RESPECT they have EARNED, rather than dismissing these great men and the belittling the example they set for us all. Larry was indeed a man who conducted himself with COURAGE, INTEGRITY, HONOR, RESPECT, PRIDE, and PROTOCOL! THESE VALUES are what make GREAT men - not fame and fortune. Let Larry's life and writings be an example to us all.
Larry, you are sorely missed and can never be replaced!
Tom FERRARI
August 4, 2008
Dear Larry, it was a great honor to meet you at Thunder last year. Your presence so strong and calm and your sweet smile when i told you that Leathermen handbook was my bible when I as a leatherwoman came out in 1981 in San Francisco. Thank you so much for all your work and legacy.
michael wright
August 4, 2008
sorry for his loss .. one of the first guys i met back in 1990 when i was coming out etc back in chicago...
he was a good man and sad to have him leave....i will miss him and think of him always
Marilyn Jaye Lewis
August 4, 2008
Vaya con dios, amigo. You did some remarkable things while you were here that brightened a lot of people's lives. It was great sharing some time on Earth with you. See you again next time.
Julian Wolf
August 3, 2008
I am honored to have met Mr Townsend last year. He was an inspiriation and I was blessed to have been able to spend some time with him. He will be greatly missed.
Tim Brough
August 3, 2008
Ah, Larry. I remember that day when you let me visit that mammoth library of yours for the interview I did during my magazine days. You were such a huge influence on my own work in so may ways, that it was an honor to work with you in that manner. I'll miss you, my friend.
scott baker Sludgemaster
August 3, 2008
A fine gentleman and great representative of our culture.
Cassy Horrocks
August 2, 2008
Actions speak for themselves echoing into eternity. Your actions live on.
Jack Fritscher
August 2, 2008
Publicly, you were a force of nature whose breezy and tumultuous political and literary life could have been tracked by the Weather Channel. Privately, you were a personal presence whom Mark and I loved for thirty years. You were the most prolific author of gay literature in the 20th century. It was a pleasure collaborating with you several times. In your many books, your voice lives on.
Tracy Tingle
August 2, 2008
Well, DOU (Dear Old Uncle--the self-given moniker that my Uncle Larry went by...), you are missed dearly already. There is this strange uncle shaped hole in my world. Your impact on my life, my family's life, and, clearly, the lives of many has been vast.
I'm still going to have that margarita that I promised, and will pretend we're enjoying one together.
Cheers to you, DOU.
This is a recent photo of Larry. The picture is take from his official website (http://ltpublications.com).
August 2, 2008
A self-portrait when Larry was 20. He was an accomplished photographer.
August 2, 2008
A Photo from June 1995, care of Larry's dear friend Jack Fritscher
August 2, 2008
Terry LeGrand
August 1, 2008
You will be missed my dear friend. I thank you for all your contibutions that you have made to our community. I also am so appreciative that you attended my Birthday Party a couple weeks ago. I am sure it was the last social event you went too. We all shall miss you.
Jay Harris
August 1, 2008
You were a fine author,I appreciated all your stories,
You WILL be misse
Your Historical novels rivaled the best.
Jay Harris aka sirbossman
sirbossman6969
john baker
August 1, 2008
larry --- thanks for the legacy.
john baker
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