Chuck Simmons
Larry was my occasional painting buddy and I learned a lot about watercolors from his beautiful work. At one point in 1980, he and I were both art directors at competing ad agencies in Grand Rapids, and he was the president of Grand Valley Artists club in Grand Rapids when I became the publicity officer. That is how we met and hit it off as friends, immediately. We both lost our jobs at the agencies on the same day and we went drinking. We nearly opened our own agency, but I went to work at the advertising department at Wolohan Lumber, and helped him get referred to AM/PM ADVERTISING in Midland. We stayed in touch for many years. I took him on two backpacking trips I will never forget. He joined me once on Beaver Island for a watercolor trip. For a while, my art was in his Muskegon art gallery. I last talked with him in 2010, and we planned a get together that never happened. Then, I lost contact with him. I assumed he may have passed, but heard nothing from Brian or other family. I just discovered this today, on March 17, 2020. Larry was a great friend, and now I can finally know what happened and mourn him properly. I will treasure the book and arrow he gave me, and remember him with love and friendship. I'll miss you buddy! Until I see you in the hereafter, keep on painting, my friend! I am doing the same. I will never forget you.