Larry L. Carlin

1939 - 2025

Larry L. Carlin
January 1, 1939 - September 29, 2025
Larry L. Carlin, 86, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, in Lake Oswego, OR. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and passionate advocate for social justice, Larry's life was marked by a deep commitment to compassion and community.
Born on January 1, 1939, in Los Angeles, Larry served in the U.S. Navy while earning his B.A. in Language Arts. His career began at United Press International where his talent for communication and strategic thinking led him to the defining chapter of his professional life when he joined R&B Development Company. At the forefront of a new industry, R&B pioneered the concept of fully furnished rental apartments. Over the next three decades as Senior Vice President Larry played an instrumental role in shaping the company's marketing vision as it expanded into an international presence through Oakwood Corporate Worldwide.
After retiring, Larry relocated to Sonoma County where he embraced a new chapter filled with purpose and passion. He founded the North Bay Theater Group and championed local performing arts. His love for theater and music was matched only by his dedication to social justice.
Larry served as a commissioner for the Sonoma County Human Rights Commission where he was a steadfast advocate for equality and inclusivity. He marched against genocide, campaigned for women's rights and lobbied Congress and the Supreme Court to legalize same-sex marriage. Driven by a passion to preserve Jewish history, he was an active member of Sonoma State's Alliance for the Study of the Holocaust and Genocide. At his synagogue community, Larry co-chaired and revitalized the Social Action Committee, spearheading numerous impactful initiatives such as showcasing the AIDS Memorial Quilt and fostering meaningful dialogue and connection between Jewish and Muslim communities.
His efforts were recognized with honors: the "Annual Friends of Rwanda Award" for moral leadership against prejudice and discrimination presented to Congregation Shomrei Torah; an Honorable Mention Fain Award from the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism for "Social Action Goes to the Movies": a program he created that blended his love of film with his lifelong pursuit of fairness and inclusion; and an award from Kaiser Permanente acknowledging his impactful volunteer work as a Patient Advocate from 2014 to 2021.
Above all, Larry cherished his family. He shared 65 loving years with his wife, Judy, and always claimed that his two finest 'achievements' were his daughters, Suzanne and Jennafer (Paul). Larry was endlessly proud of his grandsons, Asher and Finley, who remained among his greatest sources of pride and joy. He is also survived by his sisters, Shelley (Joe) and Robin (Jerry), and numerous nieces and nephews. His legacy lives on not only in his family but also in the countless communities he touched.
In Larry's honor contributions can be made to the Social Action Committee at Congregation Shomrei Torah, the ACLU, or Planned Parenthood.