RIO VISTA — Larry Hemple, 66, passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013. Memorial service: 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013 at Mayfield Kiser Funeral Home Chapel. Donations: In lieu of floral tributes the family requests contributions be made to the American Heart Association. Survivors: Sons, David and Robert; grandchildren, Luke, Zack and Emma; brother, Robert; sister, Karen Sue; and stepson, Patrick.
16 Responses
My husband Jim and I first met Larry around 1986 or 1987 when he brought a customer to the company that we partially owned at the time. Larry was always doing that – networking with all kinds of people and companies to try and make good things happen for both parties. And oh by the way, maybe he could make a good sale along the way!
When you first met him, you thought, “Wow, he really exemplifies someone who belongs in sales!” He made friends with everyone around him, constantly told really interesting, varied and funny stories and had one of the greatest laughs you have ever heard. Just last week Jim and I were talking about how, when you went out to lunch with Larry, you had to remind him to eat because he would get so carried away with his stories that he would forget the nourishment part of the lunch.
One of my favorite stories that Larry told me was about a little girl that he met. I don’t remember all the details, but Larry ended up giving her one of his favorite horses because she loved horses so much. You could see the pride in his eyes when he would talk about how the little girl and that horse became inseparable. He always kept up with how she was doing in her cross country competitions with the horse and was always bragging about how many miles they must have travelled together. I don’t know her name, but I hope that now grown up little girl was able to get word of Larry’s passing.
One of my best memories of Larry was when my daughter was probably around 7 or 8 years old. At that time she had become interested in Coca Cola decorative items and was starting to collect a few things. One day she noticed a pen that Larry had in his pocket that had a Coca Cola emblem on it. He took it out and showed it to her and she was thrilled. I don’t remember where he said he got it, but you could tell how proud he was of that pen and what a prized possession it was to him. Some time later, Larry wrote a letter to my daughter and sent it to her along with the pen. In the letter he told her how special the pen was to him but that he wanted her to have it. She had to promise to take special care of it for him because it might turn out to be a valuable collector’s item some day. He warned her that he would check in with her occasionally to see if she was really taking care of the pen the way she should.
My daughter loved that pen as much as Larry did. And Larry was always checking in with me about how our daughter was doing and how the pen was doing in her possession. It turns out the pen survived a house fire and currently holds a special place on our mantle along with other Coca Cola items my daughter has collected. I do have to tell all of you, and for sure let Larry know, that the pen has now become irreplaceably valuable, because it will always be a reminder to us of the crazy sales guy with the really big heart.
We will miss you Larry.
To David & Robert:
My heartfelt and deepest condolences at the loss of your Dad.
Stay strong.
Love,
Carol Kravetz
I wanted to send my condolences to the family of Larry. He hired me in 1987 and I am still there in the pneumatics industry.He taught me a lot about life.He could make a room light up and laugh.He will certainly be missed by family and friends.
I am sad that I lost my grandpa. He was lots of fun. He came to all my birthdays. I really liked his horse named star.
My cousin Larry was my hero. From my earliest memory of Larry, he was a kind an d compassionate soul. Larry was staying with our family, me and my mom, his Aunt Jeannie, when I wok up crying with an earache; he consoled me and then blew cigarette smoke in my ear, it was a miracle, the pain went away! About 20 years ago, I was at a conference in Colorado, Larry picked me up and took up into the mountains for dinner. While waiting for out table, we went to the second floor museum to look around, Larry took my hands and put them on the items so I could feel/see them. When the attendant grimaced, Larry just smiled and told the attendant that my cousin has the right to see/feel your items, the same as everyone else does. Most recently, after the passing of my husband two years ago, Larry’s conversation with me brought me so much comfort, I will never forget my hero!
Love,
Dawn
I was a co-worker of Larry when he worked at Peninsular cylinders. I worked in Inside sales/customer service so spoke with him daily. He could always make you laugh and brighten your day with pictures of his beautiful horses. Condolences to the family, know thoughts and prayers are with you.
My deepest condolences to Larry’s family.
I had the privilege of working with Larry from 2003 to 2010. He was not only a real professional but was always there to add a little “Texas spice” to the meetings!
He most certainly loved his family!
Larry will truly be missed.
God Bless!
All our Love and Prayers are extended to Larry’s family.May the Good Lord bless him with eternal peace.
Larry was a Texan through and through we had many discussion over the 10 years we worked together.A good guy and his loss will be felt by many.
Paul and Sharal
Larry was the ultimate salesman. Larry was the kind of person that no matter how down he was, he would still brighten you day. He was a stranger to none, and a friend to all.
If you knew Larry Hemple, he changed your life.
I have been very blessed to know him.
My most sincere sympathy goes out to Larry’s family. Larry and I worked together for approximately eight years here at Peninsular and Larry was a true marketing and sales professional who had a terrific understanding of the statistics behind fluid power marketplace. Larry was a proud Texan who had a big soft heart combined with his pride of being from the state of Texas.
We will all miss our Texas friend.
Brent Paterson
Larry Hemple, my Stepfather my friend. I loved him and respected him more than words can explain. I will always remember your positive outlook on life. It was my honor to be blessed with your honest and encouraging ways. Thank you for everything you did for me and taught me. We have lost a great man and heaven one. God bless you and be with our Lord.
Respectfully always,
Patrick Gosline
My most sincere condolences to Larry’s family and friends.
I am the Mom of the little girl in Nora Story’s message. Emily had just outgrown her pony and Larry sent a message out that he had an Arabian gelding he wanted to sell to a family with kids for a dollar. I emailed and asked if he was serious. He replied that he sure was and to bring my trailer. When Emily and Sammy met it was mutual love at first sight. Larry, the tough guy, and I both had tears in our eyes.He said, “I think we found a match!” Their deal was if she ever wanted to sell Sammy, she had to sell him back to Larry for 50 cents. They shook on it.
Emily gave Larry a 5 dollar bill and he handed her some ones back. We got halfway home and she counted her money…FIVE one dollar bills! She sent Larry a thank you card with a dollar bill in it and said “A DEAL is a DEAL!”
He was amazed at how much Emily taught Sammy, who was barely broke to ride..
He came to an endurance ride and to one of the shows that she and Sammy were in. He called them his Dynamic Duo!
He was a generous and kind friend to our horse club, even though our horses were not the same as his. A gentle, kind and generous person who I was honored to know.
He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and always talked about them. I last saw him at a mutual friend’s Christmas party and asked him to please take better care of himself. He assured me that he would.
As my husband said, “He leaves some big shoes to fill!”
We will all miss you dear Larry!
I met Larry in 2001 when I joined the Crabbet Alliance of Texas. He was one of the warmest, generous and funniest people I have ever met and I am very sad that he has left for Heaven.
Many prayers to his family, who I have never met, but Larry spoke of often.
Warmly,
Carrie Stewart
I am so saddened and will miss you so much!
Respectfully,
The Roth family
Melinda, Larry, Katie and Jake
Lake City, Florida
Larry Hemple was the only man I ever loved. The song about some memories are to painful to remember is so true. We had are ups and downs, but I always loved that man. My heart aches for his touch and of course the memories will never leave me.I wouldn’t have missed being his wife for all the riches in the world. I pray God will carry us through this time, he is the power that heals.
I met Larry in about 2002 when he worked for Peninsular Cylinders. He and I had long history in the Fluid Power Industry. Separate paths but knew a lot of the same people. We got reacquainted on Facebook a few years ago. Loved his postings and his incredible barbeque pictures. A finer man never walked the earth. I sure miss his posts! I was blessed to have the small part of him in my life!
Jim