In loving memory of Larry Sommers August 17th, 1953 - to April 2, 2009
It is with a very heavy heart to say goodbye to one of the best people I've ever known, Larry Sommers. I'm still having a hard time accepting that this has happened. Larry passed away Thursday night after complications from a heart attack that he had while in Chicago for a Printmaking conference. This is shocking and devastating. It comes as a surprise to us all who knew Larry as the free spirit, selfless, optimistically cynical, easy to laugh, solid as rock, uniting force, thoughtful and inspiring person that we all loved. He was so full of life and always up for an adventure. I feel so lucky to have had Larry in my life and will always cherish the memories we made and the influence he's had on me.
Larry has been apart of my life for close to 13 years. He has been my teacher, my confidante, my friend, and family. Every time I see a white mini van, Joan of Arc monument, a Canadian flag, a SEIU sticker, hear French techno or Avril Lavigne, go to the Moon Temple, see the big Cherry tree in my backyard that he always said I should cut down because "cherry tress shouldn't get that big!" or even writing in this Blog, which he always argued "is not the same as a website!" I will smile and remember Larry and his sense of humor. Larry, Larry Larry. I'll miss you forever! This is a time to celebrate his life though, I know Larry wouldn't want us to all be moping around with long faces. He'd want us to act! To join the Union and fight the good fight! It will be hard to face the day without someone like Larry on your team though. He made everything lighter and easier to bare. His presence was comforting. He was the glue that held things together! His memory will never be lost though, and I take comfort in knowing that he knew how much he was loved, and how much his friendship was cherished to so many people.
