Chidiock Tichborne was an English poet from the 16th century that Larry was particularly fond of. We used Tichborne’s first name as part of the title of our magazine, Chidiock Amorphous, part literature, part art, part surrealism, part co-op. This was one of the projects we did together in the early 70s in Richmond VA and we put out a number of issues. We never did finish that opera we were working on. I am sure it would have been great.
We lived together, we played together and we ate together. The building of a base for a life for a group of young adults who went off to do many interesting and some great things.
Larry was there, teaching and laughing, and explaining the world as he saw it. He told me not to believe what was in the newspapers. They only print what they want you to believe, what are they hiding? Read the headline to mean the opposite of what it says he was fond of saying.
Larry was a tireless warrior in the fight against inequality, poverty, racism, and gender biases. Larry was a friend to many and a thorn in the side of others. He would be direct or the silliest man around.
We were not in contact for many years. Maybe only seeing him once a decade, but I did get a chance to spend the afternoon with him on November 1, 2019 when he showed us his Virginia Museum of Veiled History and had Thai on the Winchester mall.
We had already visited the Hideaway Cafe on the Winchester mall, had eaten there and met Victoria with whom Larry was friends. I was excited to be back in touch with Larry and looking forward to more visits to see him. Followed him on the Facebook and we commented back and forth. But covid came and Larry was slowing down. So slow that he stopped.
We didn’t make it back to see him again. There were no walks. There was no visit to Dinosaur Land. He just stopped. Didn’t wake up.
The tributes have been inspiring. Larry has been a very busy man. Befriending many and helping folks all over. And then there was his love for his “spouseperson” Carol. I met Carol once very briefly, they were happy and well suited, but cancer took her too soon.
Just days before Larry died, he went to DC with his housemate and live-streamed a visit to the Japanese Americans during WWII memorial which acknowledged the injustices of the internment camps FDR thought were so necessary. Carol was the chief of staff of a congressman at the time who pushed hard for this. Carol pushed hard for this and Larry said it was what she felt was her greatest accomplishment. Larry was there on camera, teaching and videoing. Sometimes even sideways. Talking about his love. His passions…and introduced us to his new red rollator which helped keep him upright.
He was there, flesh and blood, the Larry we had always known.
I did not realize he would be gone so soon. I have to think he knew more than me. He always did.
Now he has passed on and it is his time to rest.
Kozmicdogz Breaks Loose 