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Lawrence Klein Obituary
Born in Lansing, MI, passed away on March 9, 2015 at the age of 71. He was born to Lawrence R. Klein of Negaunee, MI and Elsie R. Klein of New York City, NY. Larry enjoyed a lifelong passion for motorcycles (particularly of the Italian variety), literature (of every variety), and civil rights advocacy. He was widely respected as a Moto Guzzi motorcycle expert, and shared his knowledge openly. In 1972, Larry opened GT Motors in Lansing, Michigan, with friend and business partner Michael Gorman. After Michael left the business in 1977, Larry ran GT Motors as a solo venture, providing motorcycle repair and parts service. In recent years, Larry shifted his focus from motorcycle repair to motorcycle literature, and he collaborated with several celebrated authors to publish new titles. In addition to his work, Larry's interests included fishing, history, and foods from around the world.
Larry is survived by his son, Paul R. Klein; sister Elea Mideke; nephews Rowan Mideke and Reed Mideke; and many dear friends.
A memorial will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 2-5 pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larry's honor to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Klein
Paul
May 13, 2025
I pop in here from time to time and enjoy reading the tributes below, particularly during times when I'm missing my dad. I can't believe it's been more than 10 years since he passed. I sure wish I could pick up the phone and call him, and seek his always sound advice (much of which I ignored when he was alive, though he'd be glad to know that it stuck anyway).
I often catch myself watching my sons the way I'd sometimes catch him watching me - with smiling eyes, a mixture of curiosity, understanding, and happiness. I wish my boys could have had the chance to meet him.
I miss you, Dad.
Tim Parker
March 27, 2023
I find myself, still, thinking, "Larry will know that!"
David Hatherton
August 26, 2022
Was of thinking a Larry lately, usually only saw him every few years and I miss those get togethers. He was a stand out in my life experience. Miss him.
Tim Parker
March 27, 2021
RIP sticker still on my Ducati!
Tim Parker
March 27, 2020
I have not forgotten.
Eric Pekrul
March 27, 2019
Hard to believe youve been gone 4 years my friend. RIP
Gunnar and Adrienne
April 22, 2015
I met Larry at Mid-Ohio in July of 2010 after the introduction of my book. After which I had the pleasure of working with Larry at many book signing events, often in the South. While in MS we stopped for lunch at this great old Cafeteria in Holly Springs where Larry educated me in the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the events surrounding them in the 1960's, of which I knew little, not having arrived in the US until 1969, Larry was an amazing person.
It's with a very heavy heart we say good bye.
Suzin Greenway
April 18, 2015
Today is the memorial gathering for Larry. There will be so many people there to talk about Larry and as Dick Greenway said, he would have liked to have been there. Larry was so unique, so careful about all that he did and said, and it still is unfathomable that he is not here any longer. Today will prove that, so pray for us all to be worthy in our gathering to honour our dear friend.
Alice Kenyon
April 14, 2015
Best man at our wedding 45 years ago. We lost touch over the years. He was a good man.
Gene Kenyon
April 14, 2015
In college during the 60's Larry and I shared a house, together with Paul and several others. He was the best man at our wedding, comrade at Rust College, and a good friend. Though we have been long apart he will be missed.
April 9, 2015
Larry provided great leadership with the MSU PEER Project in the 60's and I am thankful I knew him and we shared some wonderful experiences at Rust College, Holly Springs, Mississippi.
Eric Pekrul
April 5, 2015
Goodbye Larry. Your true friendship changed my life. I came to you in 73 with those Triumph Blues. We shared Thursday nights, Christmas parties, race weekends and eventually employment. I emerged with a new career and life. Most don't know that you were the driving influence behind that change. Although my new life took me away, whenever we talked or met it was as if it was yesterday. I miss you dearly, and I'm so sorry for Paul and all our friends.
Tim Parker
April 3, 2015
Good friend, already sadly missed.
Lindsay Brooke
April 2, 2015
Larry was The Heart of motorcycling historians and one of the most decent and literate people I've had the honor of knowing. One of a kind and irreplaceable. Godspeed, pal.
John Hoagland
April 2, 2015
Farewell old friend
You will be remembered fondly
Say hi to Dave, Lou, others we've know
Dick Greenway
April 2, 2015
Larry and my friendship started in 1978. We worked on bikes together. He worked on keeping my head straight. When I married Sharri, Larry was our Best Man with Paul providing the music. He proved that many times over and along with Paul was considered a member of our family. Larry belonged to many families from different factions of society.
My heart goes out to Paul and also to the many friends that Larry had who feel his loss.
pam
April 2, 2015
God need another good man... RIP Larry you will be missed deeply
Michael Gorman
April 2, 2015
I have lost a dear friend of long standing and a former business partner (I am the "G" of GT Motors) in Larry Klein.
He was a truly unique man, totally himself, and perhaps the most scrupulously honest human I have known.
He found his niche studying and sharing the arcane details of the motorcycles he loved and the people who designed, built, and rode them.
Outside his work, he was a man of thoughtfulness and a fighter for humanity with a history of standing up for equality dating to the sixties.
April 2, 2015
R.I.P. Larry, Gods speed. Another good man.
Mike Skopec A.M.C.A.
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Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
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