Tribute

In Loving Memory of William “Larry” Moore

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that the family of William “Larry” Moore announces his passing on February 6, 2020 at the age of 77 years.  Larry was preceded in death by his mother and father, James and Dorothy Moore, and is survived by his loving spouse, Kim; sons Patrick, Mickey and Andy; sisters, Lynne Young and Patty Moore; in addition to extended family and eight grandchildren he loved dearly.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta in 1942, Larry lived in various cities across Canada and the United States, before moving to Minnesota and then Kansas City, where he graduated from Park Hill High School in 1960.  He then enrolled in Drury College in Springfield, MO, where he studied business administration.  Throughout his college career, Larry passionately pursued knowledge that would catapult him into a long business career; friendships and memories with his brothers of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity that would last a lifetime; and laughter, fun and adventures too long to list.

Larry’s business pursuits and talents were apparent early on, as he was distracted by the big success he found in selling encyclopedias one summer.  But upon hearing this, his father Jim came home with a red Ford convertible, offering it to Larry if he completed his education.  The arrangement proved to be successful, as Larry earned his degree in 1964, but not before he and his fraternity brothers enjoyed that open-topped car, ready to roll into many new adventures.  It is a story that would carry through Larry’s entire life.

This same passion for adventure and continual self-improvement took Larry across the country, in pursuit of his MBA at the University of Southern California.  It was during his time in Los Angeles that he also met Helen Moore.  However, outside of her family, most came to know Helen by “Kim,” an alias she used when they first met.  The two immediately fell in love and were married in 1970.  Their first son, Patrick, was born in Inglewood shortly thereafter, and Larry was known for saying his life had changed so much for the better.  Several years later, not knowing what the future held and Kim 7 months pregnant with their second child, Mickey, Larry swept Kim into his next big adventure, taking to the roads again during a move to the west coast of Canada.  Their youngest child, Andy, was born during their time in Nanaimo, BC.

While in Canada, Larry fervently pursued his entrepreneurial interests, ultimately resulting in the successful startup and operation of Universal Propane from 1978-1987 in Markham, Ontario.  After selling the business, he and Kim returned to British Columbia, residing in both White Rock and Whistler, where Larry continued his business interests as a consultant, using his passion to help others succeed in their dream of business ownership.  A quote Larry often used during this time that captures his spirit: “It sounds like you want to.  Do it, because you can.”

It is at this point of the story, one might often wonder what else Larry had time to do or expect to hear he eventually “settled down.”  But to those who knew him well, this would evoke both laughter and amazement in recalling Larry’s goal-oriented energy, fearless determination, tenacity and grit.  Characteristics that not only resulted in a successful career, but also in becoming very accomplished in every personal endeavor he set his mind to – all into his mid-70’s.  He was a scratch golfer.  He was a downhill ski racer.  He was an avid runner, once qualifying for the Boston Marathon.  He and Kim even adventured on a 3-year sailing trip in a 42-foot boat that took them from Vancouver to New Zealand.

And it didn’t stop with his own endeavors.  These traits also intersected with Larry’s interest to help others see and reach a potential they may not have seen in themselves – whether in business ownership, ski racing, or other ambitions.  He made you feel that you were important; that you mattered; that you could do it.  Larry always took interest in others’ stories and ideas, and how he could contribute to their success and dreams, which he enjoyed as much or more than his own accomplishments.  Nothing emphasizes this more than Larry’s love and pride in his three sons, to whom he passed on his kind and determined spirit, along with his passions for business, golf and skiing.

How did Larry get so much done?  He lived life to the fullest.  He was a list-maker who HAD to complete his list, regardless of whether he had enough time.  And, it was a diagnosis of ALS on April 11, 2018 that ultimately changed Larry’s to-do list in the last two years of his life, where he pivoted from personal pursuits and goals to a focus on the many relationships he developed with family and friends throughout his life.  But, always at the top of his list was his beloved “Kimmy,” who was alongside for their many adventures and lovingly cared for him during his challenging battle with ALS.  Larry and Kim celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on January 30, 2020, just seven days prior to his passing.  Aside from watching “his” Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl (also 50 years in the waiting), it was likely his most proud and final accomplishment to cross off his list.

The family is forever thankful for the comfort, love and support provided by caregivers, friends and family.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the ALS Society of British Columbia (https://www.alsbc.ca/donate/).