Yes, Unfortunately it is true that Larry Smith is no longer with us. Larry and I have been friends for 5-6 years when we met on a trip to Komodo.
It was a sad day on tuesday when I learned of his passing away from his son, Casey. He appears to have suffered a heart attach, but without the usual symptoms, and it was thought that he may have had pneumonia. He has been flighted back to Bali and is survived by his wife, Dewi, and Breezy his 9 year old daughter, and three grown American sons, and one grandson.
Larry had an enthusiasm for diving that was unparalleled and he was able to make each dive special. I read that "Larry should have been born a fish, but he was born a boy in East Texas". That statement is totally correct, as Larry loved the underwater environment and introducing people to that wonderful world. The entire diving world has suffered such a loss.
I was reluctant to post a message the passing of my friend Larry, as it was really difficult to reduce into a few words how much he will be missed by his family and very extensive family of worldwide friends. Larry had a few things that were his trademarks:
1. Don't do anything stupid!
2. Just follow the big yellow fins!
I figure that the gates of diving heaven are marked by "big yellow fins"...... with Larry beaconing to join us with him in diving heaven...
Robin
Edited by secretsea18, 22 March 2007 - 09:05 PM.
