Larry Mehlhaff Obituary

Larry Mehlhaff Dedicated Conservationist Larry was born June 9, 1957 and died of brain cancer June 21, 2006. He graduated from high school in Freeman, SD and from the University of Northern Colorado. He was an organizer for the Colorado Open Space Council and began employment with the Sierra Club in 1984. In 1990, he married Marion Klaus. He is survived by his wife, his mother, Elaine Mehlhaff, his sister Judy (Roger) Bertsch, his nephews Christopher and Cory Bertsch, and his double cousins Bruce (Sherry) Dewald, Barbara Dewald, and Brian (Londa) Dewald. He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Mehlhaff. Larry was a man with a cause and skills to turn those causes into reality. Larry organized the campaign to get Harmon Killebrew into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He helped organized the passage of the Wyoming Wilderness Act, assisted wilderness and wild river campaigns in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska, and organized a 10 state campaign for the wild lands of the Louisiana Purchase Territory. In 2006, Larry won the Sierra Club's highest award, the John Muir Award. "Larry has spent his life speaking for the prairies, mountains and wildlife with passion and good cheer. More importantly, he inspired others to join that work. There are rivers and lands that are protected for generations to come because Larry was there for them," said Executive Director Carl Pope. A new award, the Larry Mehlhaff Staff Excellence Award, has been initiated by the Sierra Club. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary July 15 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Larry would appreciate a donation to the Sierra Club (Larry Mehlhaff Memorial Conservation Fund, TSCF, 85 Second St., Suite 750, San Francisco, CA 94105) or the National Brain Tumor Foundation (22 Battery Street, Suite 612, San Francisco, CA 94111-5520).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Jun. 27, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Mehlhaff

11 Entries

Larry in a suit but with the contagious smile!

July 9, 2006

Brooks Yeager

July 5, 2006

Larry was a terrific person to work with and a good friend to know. He was "Uncle Larry" to my two daughters, who will always remember him fondly. His sense of humor was always on, and his generosity and kindness were legendary. Cindy and I enjoyed times with him in the Yellowstone Country but also when he would visit us in D.C. He will be missed more than I can say.

Marty Fluharty

June 29, 2006

Larry always had compassion and unending patience for every volunteer, and he worked hard to help them succeed. He is a role model for many in ethics, environmental passion and commitment.

Rob Smith

June 28, 2006

Larry made me laugh, but he made me do better, too, by example and sometimes gentle guidance. I'll miss not having him there for advice, the latest humorous story and the insider view what was really going on. For 30 years we've walked down the wilderness trail together. I'll remember those good times and the sound of his laugh -- and that will help keep me going just like he would have wanted.

Tim Wagner

June 28, 2006

It was an absolute honor and pleasure to work with Larry these last two years since he moved from Wyoming to Salt Lake City. He was truly a giant in the environmental field and an even bigger person in this thing we call humanity. We will certainly miss his perpetual smile and wildly generous sense of humor. Go well, Larry.

Carl Zichella

June 27, 2006

Marion:

I will sorely miss my friend. He gave me lots of happiness, laughter and professional support and comeraderie.

You have my love and support in your time of sorrow.

Carl Zichella

Robin Tsosie

June 27, 2006

I was fortunate to work with Larry. He was a wonderful, warm-hearted, kind individual who had great passion for his work. May the Great Spirits watch over his loved ones during this time.

John Spahr

June 27, 2006

Larry was an inspiration to me in my volunteer work with the Sierra Club. Without his support and commitment to the Wyoming Chapter of the Sierra Club, we would not be the growing organization we are today. Larry was a true friend and we will all miss him so much.

John DeCock

June 27, 2006

The world is a much better place for Larry's having been here. I feel so lucky to have known him, worked with him and to have known the pleasure of his company. My sympathy and love to Marion and all of Larry's family.

Kathleen Casey

June 27, 2006

Marion - my greatest sympathies. I work in the Seattle office and worked closely with Larry on the Lewis and Clark campaign. He always astounded me by his ability to remain grounded amidst all the Club chaos, how he kept his eye on the big picture, his kindness to all, and his never-ending humor. We will all miss Larry every day.

Bill Arthur

June 27, 2006

Larry was one of the finest people I ever had the pleasure to know. His smile and sense of humor were infectious - and broadly shared with all. He was a colleague, friend, comrade in arms, and conspirator in fun. Whether fighting for more wilderness or rooting for the Twins, Larry was one to enjoy work or life with. Larry made the Sierra Club a more effective organization through his great work. And, he made it a more enjoyable place to work with his great sense of humor and humanity. He touched all he knew deeply - he was a very special person. Larry will be missed and remembered!

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