Los Angeles, California
TOWNSEND, Larry Born October 27, 1930, gay author and activist, died on July 29, 2008 due to complications from pneumonia. He passed quietly with family members by his side at Cedars Sinai Hospital. He was 77. He will be remembered not only for his many novels, but also for serving as president...
Read MoreI 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
raymond A beck
December 12, 2024 | Friend
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.
R.M. Schultz
July 23, 2009 | Chicago, IL
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
Bronson Page
March 04, 2009 | Los Angeles, CA
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
Charlie McDougal
January 16, 2009 | Los Angeles, CA
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...
Larry Roberts
October 06, 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
Les Wright
August 27, 2008 | San Francisco, CA
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.
Sarge Bear
August 08, 2008 | Windham, NH
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...
Tom Ferrari
August 06, 2008 | Palm Springs, CA
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.
August 04, 2008
