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BORN
1935
DIED
2017
Larry Motz Obituary
He left home at age 17, to join the USAF and completed high school with a GED. His Air Force career stationed him at the Summer White House in Denver, Colo., as an Honor Guard for President Eisenhower. Larry was on active duty during the President's heart attack and subsequent recovery in 1955, and accompanied him on the trip back to Washington, D.C. When Guard duty ended, he chose Alaska as his next tour. He sang with the Eielsonaires and managed the Eielson Air Force Base football team, the Outlaws. He suffered a severe broken leg and after a year in recovery, he left the Air Force and enrolled at Adams State College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts.
During college, he met the love of his life, Lynnette Louise Studebaker, whom he married on Feb. 16, 1963. His love of music and Alaska continued as he taught music in Hoonah, Alaska; Rangely, Colo.; Trinidad, Colo.; Glennallen, Alaska; and Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. Larry transitioned from teaching and joined the personnel department of Alaska State Operated Schools, which led to the position of Superintendent HR for British Petroleum, from which he retired. He enjoyed his time at BP tremendously, having the opportunity to help employees, many of whom became very close and some he counted as fast friends until his passing.
He was a wonderful father to Lawrence Scott Motz (Cindy) and Stacia Lynnette Motz (Brian Bunn), and an incredible grandfather, "Peepa," to Joy, Alexander and Maximilian Motz. Overwhelming numbers of condolence notes describe Larry as a good man, a great friend, a father figure and role model, the best boss ever, kind, considerate and loved by all who knew him. He enjoyed crosswords, football - specially the Denver Broncos - traveling and brightening any room with stories of humor and mirth.
He leaves behind a multitude of friends; Lynnette, wife of 54 years; son, daughter and their spouses; grandchildren; brother, Paul E. Motz (Marianne); sister-in-law, Mary Motz; father-in-law, D. Douglas Studebaker; brother-in-law, Douglas E. Studebaker (Elsie); sisters-in-law, Linda Motz, Laura Letey (Ron) and Leslie Johnson (Frank); and a myriad of wonderful nieces and nephews; and "weekend daughters," Chari, Kristin and Kelley.
Larry was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Thomas Scott, Arthur and Marvin; and sister, Mona.
A private cremation service was held on Sept. 21, 2017, and a Celebration of Life will be held in June 2018. His charity of choice was Friends of Pets.
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal."
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Memories and Condolences
for Larry Motz
Sponsored by Lynnette Motz.
John Perry
October 11, 2017
Larry was a part of our lives for over 40 years. We might have lived continents apart, but he was always 'there'. Our wonderful memories of a great gentleman, and one of life's great entertainers shine brightly. He is unforgettable. Much love to Lynnette, Scott, Stacia and their families, you are in our thoughts and prayers. John and Ann Perry, Somerset, UK
October 5, 2017
Larry and I were great young friends in Alamosa. My uncle Reed Gylling was married to Alice Motz, his aunt, so we considered us as family. He would always greet me saying, . . "ah cum ah tee va, feather eeken op a two dash a nada rudabaker, nuts and raisins". . . I hear you Larry, after all these 65 years gone by. We had great laughs.
Roger Gylling
Wanda Lewis
October 5, 2017
Larry was such a kind man, authentic and honest mentor, insightful boss and incredible human being. He absolutely adored his family! He extended the joy of his friendship freely to so many. What a very special man! Larry will be missed greatly.
Joanne Blackburn
October 2, 2017
Larry was a wonderful and loyal neighbor. We appreciated his friendship, kindness and neighborliness. Our hearts go out to you at this time especially. God is love. Peace and love from Jo and Mitch Blackburn.
Brad & Nancy Bradley
October 2, 2017
My first contact with Larry was he was my boss at State Operated Schools. As with so many others, he became a very special friend; he and Nettie got us started with Black Labs.
We relocated to Outside in '98, I have made a couple trips North,but always said I'll stop in and see them next trip, time allowing. Well, I am too late, but, being 5 years older than Larry, I'm know I'll be seeing him some time in the future, and I'll enjoy that big smile once again.
Richard & Sylvia Jones
October 2, 2017
Richard and Sylvia are so saddened to hear of Larry's death. Our time in Alaska was made so much richer by our contacts with Larry, both socially and in a work context. He was a fund of both common sense and humour, and we know will be hugely missed. We are thinking of you all.
Richard and Sylvia from England
Harold Anderson
October 2, 2017
I only knew Mr. Motz as a teacher. When we moved to Glennallen in 1966 (freshman year) there was no music teacher which was disappointing because of my years playing in a band in Bethel, AK. It was wonderful when Mr. Motz moved to Glennallen - I think at the encouragement of Sid Wright. With his arrival a band became a higher priority and he was very supportive. Sorry for loss.
Jennifer Partch-Briske
October 2, 2017
Scott, Stacia & Family,
we are so sorry for the loss of your father. I remember you both from school, and my husband and I are pretty sure we bought our first black lab from your family....
Prayers and healing to you all.
Jennifer Partch-Briske
October 1, 2017
Larry and Lynnette were such dear friends when we first moved to Alaska, as a young couple with no experience with ice or snow, having lived in Texas our entire lives. The perennial yard flowers were shared, which lasted many years. Many fond memories of a very dear man. Tasa (Champ) Braeutigam.
Mary Beth Ackerman
October 1, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. I have so many fond memories from childhood watching Superbowls and floating rivers. My heart goes out to your whole family during this hard time.
Jack Maddux
October 1, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Larry was a wonderful individual, and liked by everyone that he ever worked with. He was very personable and professional with everyone he met. He will be missed by all - Rest In Peace my friend!
Mel & Joanne Ackerman
October 1, 2017
I was one of the many newbies to Alaska and the North Slope that Larry took under his wing way back in 1979, and then again in those dark days when I was laid off in 1987. God bless and keep you Larry, you will be greatly missed by myself and Joanne and all who knew you. Our deepest sympathy to Lynnette and family.
September 30, 2017
My sincere sympathy to you for the loss of your loved one. May you have comfort from God. Matthew 5:4.
September 29, 2017
A message of hope and comfort for the family
September 29, 2017
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)
September 28, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived and may the word of god bring you comfort
September 28, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please find comfort in the scipiitures where it says that god will bind the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn and sustain your family during this challenging time. Please read Isaiah 61:1,2
C B
September 28, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you take comfort in knowing that you can always lean on our heavenly father. (Phillipians 4:6,7)
Tom and Pat Graves
September 28, 2017
Tom and Pat Graves are so sorry to read about Larry's passing, the news comes as a shock be -cause it seems so unexpected. We should have kept up our contact with our old friends better than we have. Larry will be greatly missed as he was a warm and loyal friend.
September 28, 2017
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always. Hosea 13:14*
September 27, 2017
We are so sorry and sad to learn of Larry's passing. Memories of our school days..working with him on class reunions..his friendly smile..laugh.and awesome personality...Prayers to the family. God Bless You. Tears.
September 27, 2017
Our loved ones are so precious to us. They are even more precious to God. John 3:16.
Sheryl Schmatjen
September 27, 2017
Larry will be greatly missed by both friends and family. I will miss his humor and genuine caring way. I hope all your great memories will comfort you, the Motz family, in the days to come. Love to you all.
Mary Davenport
September 27, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Motz family, especially Stacia. I worked with Larry in Alaska and remember he was almost always smiling, genuine and authentic, and adored his family. He touched many people with his kindness.
Ian Blackburn
September 26, 2017
I will always remember and admire Larry Motz.
As long as I had the privilege to know him, on this earth, he was an inspiration, an encouragement, a voice of experience, a wealth of knowledge, and a family man most men would aspire to be like.
He always made me feel like one of the family, and I will miss him dearly.
It truly was an honor to know him.
September 26, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Larry Motz. I had the pleasure of meeting Larry several times through his son Lawrence, the best brother-in-law! Larry was a kind, compassionate and mirthful man. I remember him entertaining and making my young daughters laugh with the Polar Bear Around the Ice Hole riddle, and his kindness in visiting my mother during her illness. God bless, and we are thinking and praying for the Motz family.
Love and hugs,
Vivien Avella, and Rob, Lila and Claire Guillory
Joshua Goff
September 26, 2017
I was honored to play "flight of the bumblebee" on my tuba to Mr. Motz - I was told by his son Lawrence that he enjoyed it immensely and I'm happy I added a little bit of joy (and probably humor) to his life.
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