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Larry Holmstrom Obituary
On the evening of June 5, 2015, after a valiant 16-year battle with cancer, Larry Woolley Holmstrom -- scientist, inventor, community leader and family man -- died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Ogden, Utah on April 6, 1939 to Florence Woolley and Carl Holmstrom, Larry attended local schools, graduating from Ogden High and Weber State. After serving a mission to Sweden, he transferred to Utah State where he completed a BS in Electrical Engineering while on a music scholarship. He later earned a Master's Degree in Computer Engineering from Syracuse University.
Eyeing a pretty coed from across the Student Union Building, Larry remarked to a fraternity brother, "I am going to marry that girl. Find out who she is." Charlene McCallson Preece didn't have a chance. A few months later, they were married in the Logan Temple, and upon graduation in the spring of 1964, they set out for an adventure in New York. Larry worked for IBM as Charlene honed her skills as an interior designer. While there, they were blessed with two sons, Mike and Mark.
During the course of a distinguished career in the computer industry, Larry was awarded five patents. He was also named IBM's Outstanding Young Engineer. The company transferred Larry to Florida, where he helped design the IBM PC. In addition, he worked on the Writing-to-Read program, combining his love for education and teaching with his computer expertise. His innovative spirit was unstoppable, as he moved to Utah and assisted in the development of the Bernoulli and Zip drives for Iomega. He also shared his talents with Word Perfect, Novell, Mainstream, and Bonneville Telecommunications. Over the last several years, he gained a reputation as an expert in film and video production, documenting important events for family, church, and friends.
Larry served diligently in every community in which he lived. In New York, he served as a member of the High Council, as scoutmaster, and as IBM Endicott Country Club President. With his wife, he started the 'Super Saturday Program' which was adopted church-wide. In Florida, he was president of the Boca Raton Jets, a 800-member youth football league and served as Bishop of the LDS ward. Larry had a gift for inclusion. After a synagogue burned down, he invited the local Jewish congregation to worship in the LDS building. While the Catholic High School's gym was under construction, Larry invited their boys' basketball team to practice in the ward gym, as it had the only wood floor in town.
With both sets of parents aging, Larry and Charlene moved their family to Utah, taking a job with Bonneville International. Back in the West, Larry continued serving co-workers, church and community. He was a popular youth leader, organizing numerous outdoor adventures and youth conferences. He was a master teacher, helping scores of young people with their math and science homework and special projects. He was a true friend to all who knew him. There wasn't a computer or gadget he couldn't fix or an electrical problem he couldn't solve. Day or night he was on call for everyone.
Larry is survived by wife, Charlene; children, Michael (Kimberly), Mark (Jennifer); seven grandchildren, Lauren, Erik, Josh, Hailey, Brooke, Caitlyn and Matt; sister Ann Whitehead, and brother David; and an extended network of people who consider him family. Preceded in death by parents.
Funeral Services: Friday, June 12, 2015, 12 noon, Federal Heights Ward (1300 E. Fairfax Rd) with viewing starting at 10am prior to the service. Friends and family are also invited to viewing on Thursday evening 6:30 - 8:30pm, Larkin Sunset Lawn (2300 E, 1300 S - east of Foothill Village). Interment - Salt Lake Cemetery.
The family expresses appreciation to the many medical providers and caregivers who assisted in Larry's care. Special thanks to Dr. Pamrod Sharma, Dr. Ross Morgan, Dr. Scott Samuelson, Dr. Richard Frame, and Natasha Jorgenson, for their world-class expertise.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Holmstrom
Patricia McHugh
July 27, 2015
Dear Mark,
I'm very sorry that your father has died. Please tell your Mother Charlene and your brother Michael that I send my prayers to them. I also extend my support to your wider family.
I never met your father but I have read his accomplishments through the beautiful and thoughtful Obituary of the Salt Lake City Newspaper.
If we could only do what your father did by making others feel at home, it would be a great accomplishment. Much can be done if we feel that we are truly welcomed. Building trust is done each time we meet someone. Your father performed that sacred act.
I can see that he had great professional and personal success, but I believe that his simple humanity was his superior quality.
I know that it's a very hard time now. Your father knew how to build a strong, effective and caring community at work and a loving community at home. You are so lucky to have that. He taught you to be together, to love life and to live it with gusto. Stay close to one another if you can and draw strength from your family. Your father knew that that is what it was for.
With All of My Moral Support,
Patricia McHugh, MLS
Public Librarian
American Library Association
Eucharistic Minister
Training at
Fordham University,
Lincoln Center
Office of Campus Ministry
New York, New York
Bruce Bishop
June 23, 2015
Dear Charlene,
It seems to me that I was that fraternity brother that introduced Larry to you, but others may also claim that honor. The important thing is that you got together and had a wonderful life and family. Sally and I recall with fondness and happy memories the opportunities we had to share some time with you. Now, we can only wish that our lives had intersected a bit more over the years, before our wonderful colleague, brother and friend left us. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. Bruce & Sally Bishop
Ralph Woodward
June 12, 2015
I briefly met Larry Holmstrom just three months ago, but it was a very significant occasion for me. He was the one who greeted me (and the children's choir I conduct) prior to a rehearsal for a special performance to be held at the Federal Heights LDS Chapel the next day. I fairly marveled at the energy he put into making more than sure we had everything we needed (even to saying he would help us in the future--should the need ever arise). He seemed to delight in assisting us--and also making friends (we even discussed the fact that he and I played the same instrument (the French horn)--he having played it while attending Utah State University). This encounter was the beginning of a wonderful weekend for the choir and myself, and the performance was very inspirational for us. However, it was our warm interaction with Brother Larry Holmstrom at the outset that launched the whole thing. Of course, I knew nothing then about his very illustrious background, but it was absolutely clear that here was a man of singular kindness and goodness. I count it a great privilege to have made his acquaintance (if but briefly). It is something I will long remember and treasure.
Liz Payne
June 11, 2015
Dear Charlene, Mike, and Mark, I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and sending my love as you celebrate Larry's life and mourn his loss. Your family was an important part of my childhood, and I have some great memories of our times together. Playing the dictionary game comes to mind! As does the fact that Larry baptized me when I was eight years old. Love to all.
Don
June 11, 2015
Please accept my deepest sympathy to the family. It is such a loss when a loved one falls asleep in death. May you find comfort in God's promise that we can see our loved ones again. John 6:40 & 1Thessalonians 4:13
Raynee Bengtzen
June 10, 2015
Charlene---I am so, sooo sorry for your loss! A great man has passed! He touched so many lives and Gary and I are among those who loved and appreciated both you and Larry. Raynee Bengtzen
Amy Mills Hansen
June 9, 2015
Larry Holmstrom is a wonderful man and I love and appreciate him and Charlene. For our high school graduation trip he and Charlene took a bunch of crazy teenagers to hike the Grand Canyon to Havasu Falls. He was so kind and patient. He had a peaceful wisdom and genuine kindness. He was a great example and father to not only his two boys but to so many young people. What a wonderful man! So grateful for the impact he had on my life when I lived in the Arlington Hills ward as a teenager. With love to Charlene, Mike and Mark - Amy Mills Hansen
Doug Rees
June 9, 2015
Charlene, we have fond memories of in high regard for you and Larry. Our love and sympathy to you at his passing, Doug and Sheri Rees
J.B.
June 9, 2015
My sincere condolences to the HOLMSTROM family. What a comfort it is to know that suffering is only temporary. Ps.72:12-14
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