Larry and Me
I met Larry Steur on July 17th, 2006, at WoodSongs. Coincidentally, that was also the day I decided to stop drinking. Larry mentioned that I had complained about wanting a drink for another two years. Fortunately, Larry happened to be the most tolerant person I had ever met, and we both managed to overcome that hurdle.
Over time, Larry became someone who knew me almost as well as anyone else. Spending several hours a week walking around Lexington together for a few years will do that to you.
“It Keeps Me Young”
After our first WoodSongs show, I felt a strong urge to get to know Larry better. I remember him struggling a bit as he carried a large amplifier, so I followed behind with a lighter piece. When we finally reached our destination backstage, I couldn’t help but ask, “You’re the photographer. Why are you doing this?” Larry simply replied, ”It keeps me young,” before heading back for another object.
The following week, this elderly man claimed that he often rode a bicycle, so we decided to go for a ride. I had trouble keeping up with him as Larry had a better bike and was in much better shape than I was. Larry assured me, saying, “Don’t worry, I will train you.” His training worked, and soon enough I was able to complete an eight-mile hilly course in just 48 minutes. Nevertheless, we always made time to go for an hour-long walk. Larry believed it was important to walk for an hour every other day and cover eight miles on Saturdays.
Larry also helped me with my diet. We had the same unusual foods in our refrigerators. Yesterday, he complained that I was too thin, so as I write this, I’m indulging in some ice cream for him.
A couple of weeks after our first bicycle ride, I found a new apartment just 4/10 of a mile from Larry’s house. With Larry’s help, we moved all my belongings in his van.
Walking Around Lexington Kentucky
We started walking together, after I moved.
Larry and I had a unique bond, forged by our shared experiences of physical pain. Larry used to run marathons until he injured his foot, and I, too, faced my own challenges, relying on a knee brace to walk while enduring swelling and other injuries. We never let our discomfort stop us from moving forward, understanding that feeling great all the time was an unrealistic expectation.
In 2008, I encountered a setback when a stomach problem and subsequent back injury kept me bedridden for several months. It was Larry who motivated me to rise above my circumstances and resume walking. We braved sub-zero temperatures and sought shelter in malls during inclement weather, refusing to let anything hinder our determination.
Walking Laps Around Practice Track at University of Kentucky
Our favorite spot for the past year has been the UK practice track—a haven for those nursing injuries. To reach it, we embarked on a mile-long walk, completed four laps on the track, and then journeyed back home. Watching the UK athletes practice added an extra layer of enjoyment to our routine.
Free Software!
If there was one flaw in Larry, it was his tendency to install free software he stumbled upon online, which often wreaked havoc on his computer.
Whenever he found himself in a predicament after installing something, he would call me, sounding bewildered, hoping to evade my playful admonishment for repeating past mistakes. These phone calls always began with his familiar refrain:
I don’t know what happened. Can you please come over now and look at my computer?
Oh, how I miss those calls.
Goodbye Larry
Tragically, on March 1, 2011, while we were walking along Euclid Avenue, Larry confided in me about experiencing chest pains—an unprecedented occurrence for him. Concerned, I suggested we make our way to his house, offering to drive him to the emergency room if he continued to feel sick. Heartbreakingly, Larry passed away merely half a block later.
Remorse fills my heart to this day as I reflect on the terrible mistake I made.
I failed to call an ambulance for Larry when he first mentioned his chest pains, unknowingly neglecting the severity of the situation. The weight of this error bears heavily on my conscience, serving as a constant reminder of the preciousness of life and the significance of immediate action in times of distress. I deeply regret my inaction, forever haunted by the knowledge that I could have potentially saved my dear friend’s life.
Comments
Thanks for sharing. I know you will miss him so much, I will miss him too.
Karen
Thank you posting this about my uncle. I enjoyed reading it and see, although they were SO different in most ways, there are still such similarities in he and my Dad, Frank. The computer thing about loading free things made me crack up out loud (I’m in a training class right now so I got a dirty look from the instructor)! My Dad does this and also seems perplexed when things go wrong.
It’s good you were with him although I wish he didn’t keep walking and instead went RIGHT to the ER. Hindsight and all that……….but glad he had a good friend in you.
Jodi Briganti
Hello Jody,
Frank seems more like Larry than Dave. Cannot recall if I ever met Ted.
It was rare for Larry to complain about pain, but he never asked to stop or sit.
Nevertheless I wish we had stopped.
Mitchell
I’ve met you several times. Always with Larry. He always introduced you as though we’d never met and he’d say you were his “friend from New York” and he really glowed when speaking about you, which was so sweet, because you were always standing right there, and we’d met before. You are a good friend, and I know Larry will see to it that you find another walking partner who will not replace him–who ever could?–but as your mentee as you step into his role in our community as the one who inspires through action. Thank you for sharing your story, and this last bit of his. He will be missed.
Come to “Remembering Larry Steur” – 7:30 at John’s Run/Walk Shop. 317 S. Ashland Avenue.
beautiful…I expected to see you both out walking today…in the rain of course…talking away. Its how I knew all was well and right when I would see you both out with your brace ever present on your knee. Before I knew you both I thought if those guys are always out why can’t I exercise even a little? So my family and I started after dinner walks!
thank you Mitchell! and thank you Larry! RIP
Thank you Blake.
I am still lost. Larry and I should be walking around the Arboretum now.
I started walking with my maternal grandfather. We took two mile afternoon walks during the Summer to meet the fishing boats at Sheepshead Bay. Grandpa explained that after decades of selling meat, he only wanted to eat fresh fish off the boat.
I always feel sad when I hear of a friend or acquaintance that has passed. I suppose this is normal as it generally makes us reflect on our own mortality… and even more if we are making the most of each and every day. One of the great things I always remember about Larry is how considerate he was. It didn’t matter who you were or what you do, he was just a great person and gave you the same respect. I met Larry in 2005 when I purchased the mobile detailing company he was using to clean his “vintage” White Dodge Caravan! (Anyone remember that? LOL) I remember thinking…”Why does this guy even care about this old van?” But it became obvious visit after visit that Larry just “cared and preserved” everything! So I always gave my best effort on the “Old Girl”. I was blown away when he purchased his new Silver Caravan, it almost seemed like part of the “family” had gone away! It had been quite some time since I personally had seen Larry but always felt in contact through social media, and his family just called and shared the news with me about his passing i was sad. Larry was one of my original clients and his family wanted it cleaned one final time! I said I would fit it and to just bring it over. I wanted to thank Larry for giving me a “chuckle” one last time…as his van rolled in the parking lot it more resembled the “Old Girl” with all the stickers on it then the bright shinny van I saw some time ago! Some things never change! I hope they have STICKERS in heaven! Ha, ha! Thanks for being a great client and person! God Bless and I’ll miss you!
I remember Caravan well – used it to move small apartment.
Caravan was ruined in collision. Larry was hit at 3 way intersection of High / Maxwell / Kentucky next to Woodland Park. He was not injured.
To spend time with Larry was to know Larry because if you spent time with him he would tell you all about his life. There was no detail of his life too intimate to share (or anyone else that he knew for that matter). This is one of the things that drew you into his life and Larry into yours. Larry wore his heart, feeling & politics on his shirt sleeve & wasn’t shy to share any of them with you. A conversation with Larry could both exhilarate & exhaust. It could go from agreement to debate to argument & back to agreement again. I found myself wanting to call him these last few days just to get his opinion on all the events surrounding his passing. I wanted to reminisce about the never ending trip we took back once from Somerset, Ky, or the PDA’s he was always misplacing and losing, or listen again as told me about all the amazing things his “smart phone” could do, or once again renew our debate over the musical relevance of the Avett Brothers. Larry was a friend in the true sense of the word in an era where we “friend” people over the internet that we have never met. I always told him he was my role model for aging, an individual who remained passionate & involve with living.
Larry once told me about a friend he had, a runner, who had passed away unexpectedly. “You know, the thing about this man was that I thought he was my best friend but when I spoke to other people, they all said that was their best friend too!”. I believe Larry Steur had the same quality and it was confirmed at his memorial when so many people told me what a close friend he was to them. I will remember him for the passion he put into his life & will strive to do the same.
Bon Voyage, Larry, until we meet again.
I watched Larry meet hundreds of people during our walks, every single one of them was happy to see him!
Re: PDA
Before I taught Larry how to save data regularly.
1) He used to call me for phone numbers before backup and Android.
I had to keep an extra copy of his phone book on a remote system so I could get it from Web.
He entered about 1500 numbers manually when he got Android.
2) He would call, “I can’t find my Palm! Do you know what I am supposed to be doing today?”
Mitch I will never forget my Uncle Larry. Miss you already Uncle Larry. Last summer my boyfriend and I went to go visit Uncle Larry and met him at the Arts festival. Uncle Larry never had a bad thing to say about anyone, he was just like his mother, my grandmother a positive man. @——-> Rest in peace Uncle Larry and tell grandma, grandpa, and my daughter Melissa I love them and miss them!!!
Mitch I’m David Steur’s girlfriend, Larry’s nephew, and I remember him speaking fondly of you. I believe you even helped David with a computer issue a while back. I’m sorry you had to see Larry pass but so thankful, as I know David is, that a great friend was with him in his last moments. I truly enjoyed reading your memories and hope you continue your walks. Take care.
Thank you for your kind words. I hope I start walking soon too.
Real nice ! Many thanks !