Lawrence George Meyer

1940 - 2024

October 2,1940 – March 27, 2024

Larry Meyer, attorney-at-law, dedicated husband, loving father, doting grandfather, esteemed colleague who thrived in "Special Situations," and an unabashed and genuine practitioner of generosity, died peacefully in the company of those who will miss him. After eighty-three years of spreading kindness and good will, innumerable kernels of wisdom, solicited and unsolicited advice on the "net net," and sugary treats by the bagful, a higher power called for some lawyerly advice on a permanent basis.
Born Lawrence George Meyer in Grand Rapids, Michigan on October 2, 1940, Larry's early life included setting track records at Ottawa Hills High School and graduating as the valedictorian. He developed a city-wide reputation as a conscientious mail carrier, and he was fortunate that a head-long encounter with a 1946 Buick did not end his calling. Larry's undergraduate career at Michigan State University brought his mentor, Walter Adams, into his life with an introduction to economics—a topic that he would embrace in law and policy. After graduation, Larry attended the University of Michigan School of Law. There, he was the Assistant Editor of the Law Review while providing for his family by driving a Stroh's beer truck, an activity that generated an endless stream of colorful stories. The start of his legal career in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was followed by a move to Washington, DC, and a position in the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice. From there, Larry moved into a formative role as legal counsel to Senator Robert Griffin of Michigan. His experiences on Capitol Hill left an indelible impact on him, instilling strong opinions on the need for able minds and integrity in the public sphere. After Senator Griffin's office, Larry put those views to work as the first Director of the Office of Policy Planning and Evaluation at the Federal Trade Commission. Later, as an attorney in private practice, Larry thrived on the rigors of antitrust law and in other areas of legal practice, enjoying every aspect of the brinkmanship and advocacy needed to prevail. With verve and an unyielding devotion to his clients, he had a unique ability to formulate clever strategies to resolve complex situations.
Outside of the office, Larry had an affinity for detective novels with tough, good guy protagonists; BBC mysteries; amusement park rides and games; go-fast boats and bungee jumping; pets; and doughnuts. Larry could be counted on for solicited (and unsolicited) advice, spinning a steady stream of memos, e-mails, missives and, when necessary, a firm voice. Those who had seen the "firm voice" in operation took delight in watching Larry shed tears over the sentimental side of life, especially movies in which positive outcomes awaited those who had suffered misfortune.
Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Linda; his children, David, Jenifer, Elizabeth (Ryan Kirkpatrick) and Travis (Celia Cohen); his grandchildren, Emily, Bennett, Samantha, Catherine, Thomas, Lila, Caroline, Margaret, and Claire; and his sister, Judy. His sister Sally predeceased him. Larry lived a full life, exemplifying the saying: "Random acts of kindness—that is what a great man is known for." To be sure, he was a "flat fabulous" man.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. ET on Friday, May 3 at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 10333 River Road, Potomac, MD, 20854.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Habitat for Humanity, as Larry believed that every human being deserves the dignity of a home.