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Larry Doll Obituary

Published by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home North - Austin on Jul. 21, 2018.

Larry Alan Doll, 69, Associate Professor of Architecture Emeritus at UT Austin, died at home in Austin after suffering a heart attack on July 21, 2018. Larry was born in Ithaca, New York on September 1, 1948, to Peter B. and Elaine Crispell Doll. He was the first in his family to graduate from college. He received his professional undergraduate degree in architecture from Virginia Tech and his Masters degree from Cornell University. Larry taught at UT Austin for 42 years, starting in 1975. His courses focused on design, architectural theory and the history of architecture since 1975. He served as Assistant Dean of Architecture from 1983-1993, and he was Founding Director of UT's Summer Academy in Architecture in 1979, a program for high school students of diverse backgrounds to spark interest in studying architecture. Larry also held visiting positions at Virginia Tech, Cornell University, and the University of California at Berkeley. In 1985 Larry established the first European study abroad program for UT architecture students. Over 600 students have participated and consistently report – even 30 years later – the life-changing impact of their exposure to modern and historical architecture in an academic context. Each year Larry designed different itineraries through Western Europe to facilitate the study of a wide range of scales and approaches to architecture; he travelled with and taught in the program most years. As someone who had never travelled outside the US until he was in his late 30's, the success and transformative impact of the program was a special source of gratification. In 2009 UT Austin's Center for American Architecture and Design published Drawing on Uncertainty, a collection of sketches Larry completed between September 30 and December 6, 2005, while on the European Study Abroad Program. Larry's teaching, architectural practice, and life were guided by what he called four positions: Architecture is a medium of cultural exploration and production. Architecture penetrates the transparency of our senses, reminding us that we see, we hear, we feel, and we are in the world. Architecture is both critical and reflective of environmental, social, economic, political, and historical issues. Architecture uses all of the world's resources with care and must be worthy of the resources it consumes. Larry also was a Registered Architect in Texas and his architectural practice focused on single-family residences and smaller commercial buildings. He was pleased to have the house he designed for Laura and himself included in Marfa Modern: Artistic Interiors of the West Texas High Desert, by Helen Thompson with photography by Casey Dunn. Marfa was an emotional anchor and a second home since 2001. He and Laura were grateful for the welcoming attitude of the Marfa community and the strong sense of connection it afforded. Larry was a two-year survivor of lung cancer who felt deeply indebted to his oncologist, Dr. Carlos Rubin de Celis, whose mission to "treat the patient and not the disease" left Larry feeling buoyed after every discussion. His compassionate, attentive regard of both Larry and Laura always allayed their fears. Larry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Laura Ring Doll. They met as undergraduates at Virginia Tech in 1969. His brother, Michael Doll, of Chambersburg, VA, and a nephew, Peter Benjamin Doll, of San Jose, CA, also survive him. His broader family includes brother in law, Dan Ring of Atlanta, and sisters in law Dot Nesbitt and Cynthia Foster of Alaska and California respectively, as well as nieces and nephews in ever-changing locations. Larry also wished to acknowledge his love and gratitude for the deep, decades-long connection he and Laura shared for the last 20 years with the Saucedo family of Austin: Juan, Veronica, Victor, Petra and their children. One of Larry's final architectural projects was a small addition to the Marfa Public Library, designed jointly with Peter Stanley of Marfa. The project is nearing completion but needs additional funds. You may support the remaining work by making a charitable contribution at https://www.marfapubliclibrary.org/friends. Grand Companions in Ft. Davis is another of Larry's favorite non-profit organizations, having rescued his beloved Murphy, a constant source of comfort and joy throughout the last 2 years http://www.grandcompanions.org. And of course, the UT School of Architecture is the basis of Larry's career and the institution that he was determined to make one of the top architectural education programs anywhere: https://soa.utexas.edu/about/support-utsoa. A memorial mass will be held at Saint Mary Cathedral in downtown Austin on August 18 at 9:30 a.m.

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

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August 18, 2018

Neighbor

Shari Pearson

Laura, I am so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. Warm memories of life in the Brown Building.

July 26, 2018

Student

Delaney B

Larry was my first studio professor at UTSOA, during his final design studio, and he taught me to approach architecture with compassion and without fear. Laura, your kindness and the clear bond you and Larry shared was remarkable, and we loved when you came to visit. We once asked Larry how you two had maintained such a strong marriage over the years, and he responded, with a grin, "Sometimes, you have to know when you're wrong. And of course, love." It was a simple thought, but it stuck with me. I am so sorry for this loss, and please know that Larry will be carried on in the hearts and minds of his students.

July 26, 2018

Coworker

Phik Audet

Laura: I am so saddened to hear the news of Larry's passing. My thoughts are with you.

July 26, 2018

Classmate

Ruth Earley Stanley

Laura, may God comfort you and fill the many empty spaces your dear husband has left with His presence.
Ruth Earley Stanley
BHS, Blacksburg, Va.

July 25, 2018

Kim Malcolm

Dear Laura, I am so sorry to hear about Larry. Although I only met him once at April and Jeanne's wedding, he was obviously someone special, brilliant it seems. I am thinking of you. Kim

July 25, 2018

Friend

James Richards

Larry made my brief time at UTSOA a magical creative experience through his gentle collaborative, and most importantly interdisciplinary embracing approach to teaching. Larry my old friend, you left us too soon and will be missed.

Posted by James Richards

July 25, 2018

Friend

Crawford Marginot

Laura, the only good part of losing a loved, cherished friend is the walk-through of memories. What a fantastic year or two to get to walk through Larry's life and your life together with so many family and friends. I think Larry will be alive for many for a long time as a result. My love to you, Crawford

July 25, 2018

Friend

Victor Weisser

RIP Larry.

Laura- my thoughts and prayers are with you.

vic

July 24, 2018

Mark Lambert

Laura, I am sorry for your loss, and my prayers go out to you. Class of 68, Sincerely Mark Lambert

July 24, 2018

Greg White

Laura, I was so sad to hear the news of Larry's death. My thoughts are with you and your family. If there is any thing I can do to help you through this difficult time please call on me.

July 24, 2018

Greg White

July 24, 2018

Juan Miró

I have never met anyone as committed to our school as Larry was. He maintained his contagious smile and positive outlook of life until the end.
His eternal youthfulness and joie de vivre were inspiring and will be sorely missed.

July 24, 2018

Friend

Leon Barish

Laura, this news comes as quite a shock. I'm so sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of visits to your home around the holidays many years ago. I know Larry's memory will be a blessing.

July 23, 2018

Classmate

Gail Carman

I am so sorry for your loss. I was at the 50th Trumansburg High School class reunion in 2016. I was so glad to see Larry and to meet you then. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family

July 23, 2018

Classmate

Melvin Voorheis

Larry will be missed, especially by those of us who only recently reconnected with Larry at our 50th high school reunion. My prayers and well wishes are with the family.

July 23, 2018

Friend

Margaret Akers Slusser

Laura, so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

July 23, 2018

Coworker

Nancy Kwallek

Having retired from the School of Architecture in 2015--I was shocked and so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. His founding and involvement with the study abroad Architecture program is sincerely commended. His dedication in support of a holistic Architecture school with its many programs was never ending. May he rest in peace and my thoughts go with you, Laura.

July 23, 2018

Family Friend

Kirsten Dodge

Laura: I heard the terrible news from Marla and could hardly believe it. You and Larry have always been very dear to me. Judy was keeping up with you guys and keeping me posted. I know that Larry leaving the planet at this time was totally unexpected. I will keep you and Larry in my heart, with me and Richard and Owen and Judy. And one way or another we will forge on ahead on our own. Much love, Kirsten

July 23, 2018

Mary Arrington Hockett

Laura. I am so sorry to receive the recent news of Larry's passing. My thoughts and sympathy are with you at this sad time.

July 23, 2018

Friend

martha smiley

Laura, I am so sorry. I hold you gently in my thoughts. The beautiful reflections on his life and career reflected the foundations of the rich and beautiful life you shared. Peace to you as your memories sustain you.
Martha Smiley

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

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Memorial Events
for Larry Doll

Aug

18

Service

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Saint Mary Cathedral

Corner of San Jacinto and 10th Streets, Austin, TX 78701

Funeral services provided by:

Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home North - Austin

5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, TX 78731

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