Larry Edward Strong

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Larry Edward Strong. He had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought his help. Larry was a forward-looking man whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone he met. He could be quiet and reserved, but his style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Larry was a master at using imagery when he explained his ideas and concepts. He seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around him. His sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made him a wonderful friend for all who knew him.

From the time he was born on July 30, 1943, Larry showed a deep concern for others. He was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Larry came into this world at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His parents were Lawrence and Flossie Strong. Larry was raised in Michigan.

Because fellowship was so important to him, Larry promoted harmony with his sibling. He had one sister, Donna. Larry was something of the family diplomat. He helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

As a young boy, Larry interacted well with other children. He was helpful. He was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Larry had a number of interests in his youth. He was an active child. In his spare time he liked comic books and his collection of beer cans.

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Larry was considered by many to be a high achiever. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Math.

Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Larry was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer his group of friends. He was generally friendly to all who knew him, yet to some he seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Larry, they recognized that he could be full of surprises. Larry enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. He would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of his ability to read people, he had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. While growing up, and later on in life, some of his best friends were Freddy Prince, Donna Hudson and Dave Fairbrother.

Larry was romantic, even poetic at times. He was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show his emotions without going overboard about it. On September 23, 1980 Larry exchanged wedding vows with Susan Elizabeth Hansen at Hitching Post Chapel of Las Vegas, Nevada.

All who knew him would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Larry was able to bond with his children. While he could be a firm disciplinarian, he could also fill the role of being a collaborator with his kids. Larry was always a mentor who helped his family reach its full potential. Larry was blessed with three step-children, two step-daughters, Donna and Nancy, one step-son, David. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Kyle, Emily, Olivia, Katy and Kaiden.

Larry projected a subtle but positive influence in his workplace. He was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and he worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While his colleagues did not view him as a high-spirited type, Larry was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for his ideas. Larry could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. He possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. He was an innovator who worked well independently, and he enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. His primary occupation was an electrician. He was employed for 18 years at Nevada Test Site.

Larry was an Army veteran. He was in the Vietnam War.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Larry was comfortable showing his creative spirit. He enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Larry took on a new project, he saw it through to its completion. His favorite pursuits were playing Bingo and working with his tools. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Larry was one who put forth his best effort in every aspect of his life, and that carried over to his participation in sports as well. His sense of diligence inspired others and in turn drew best efforts from his teammates. Recreational sports included playing pool. Larry was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list was football.

Because Larry was a person who enjoyed helping, teaching and working with others, he was a perfect fit for many types of organizations. His ability to encourage others, energize the group and his ability to solve all sorts of problems made him a desirable member of a wide variety of organizations. Throughout his later years, Larry was an active member of the Masonic Lodge.

Larry was a man with clear convictions and high principles, and his faith was important to him. He was an inspiration to many people who recognized his sense of commitment and esteem for others. He was a member of the Parnell Church for 10 years.

Larry possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced his travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included going home to Michigan.

Larry was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Larry's favorites was Sassy, an Akita and German Shepherd dog. They were best friends for 14 years.

As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Larry accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in 2007, and Larry was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. In retirement, he found new pleasure in watching NCIS tapes.

Larry passed away on July 28, 2010 at Valley Hospital, Las Vegas, Nevada. Larry fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife, Susan, his step-daughters, Donna and Nancy, his step-son, David, sister, Donna, his nephew, Darrin and his 5 grandchildren. Services were held at Palm Mortuary - Northwest. Larry was laid to rest in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Though he could be a private person at times, Larry was always able and willing to give of himself. He was so in tune with others that he often seemed able to read their minds. Larry carried with him an almost mystical sense of life. He was a person who was highly original in his thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of his life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Larry Edward Strong shared himself freely and family and friends will remember Larry for the strength of his convictions.