Lawrence Richings Obituary

I will never forget Larry he was a guy who helped people. He was a kind man who had a great attitude today life. Great example of a human being

Thanks Lorraine for calling and letting us know what happened to Larry and we are all sooo sorry at The Freight Escape.We all loved him and he will be missed very much and yep you were right you had a great brother.But I truely believe he is in a better place now.He's there making a place for family and friends.I will pray for the family. I meant what I said if you ever need to talk just give me a call..Pam

I just loved seeing Larry and I am so sad that he is gone.
Larry helped me to feel comfortable in the world. I didn't feel like an outsider if Larry was in the room. Ever. I felt accepted and a part of.
I will always be grateful to Larry and his spirit will remain in my prayers, till we see each other again at that big dance in the sky!
My sorrow is extended to the family.

What can I say about Captian Larry?

That's right, you may have called him LarBear or Uncle Larry or even (plain old) Larry,

but to me he'll always be The Captain! Why? Because-- That's Why! Seriously, though.

He was a true friend. When I was coming out of that halfway house, The Oasis, I was clueless about where I was going to live and how I was going get all the damn domestic things like bathroom floor mats, pots and pans and yes even an entertainment center.

No kidding! Captain Larry knew. I took his apartment (lock, stock and barrel). He clearly looked out for me. And I'm am very grateful. The hot looking landlady and her roommate came with the package too. No extra charge for the authentic Irish Accents. But that was my main man Larry: thinking of other people always.

Many mornings I'd open the gangway door from my apartment only to find a box with a note signed Larry. An alarm clock or other promo gift from one of the vendors he made deliveries for in his big blue van made it's way to my doorstep. Mostly very practical household items. I'd called to thank him for the unexpected gift and he'd answer in his usual rhyming am radio oldies lyrics way followed by "no problem". Always cheerful. Never a harsh word or whiny complaint. Not that his life was devoid of troubles, setbacks and disappointments. He just never met the trials of life with avoidance or a negative attitude, but rather with an optimism that is rarely seen amongst those who take the blessings of a second chance at life for granted. It's so very true. He knew that the challanges of life were part of that blessing and would always rise to meet them cheerfully.

He never needed to preach The Big Book: he lived it. Saint Francis said "Preach the Gospel always; use words only when necessary." That quote so very sums up The Captain in my mind.

Whenever somebody needed help moving Larry was there.

Whenever a newcomer who needed a warm hand to welcome them to the fellowship;

Larry was there.

Somebody needed a ride somewhere; Larry was there too!

No doubt. He live it.

He will not be soon forgotten and will forever be with those of us who knew him best, because the Captain was The Best.

Thank you Captain Larry.

Dear Larry - I only knew you briefly, but you were such a kind and gentle soul. You gave me encouragement when I needed it, plus a very valuable lesson on how to take care of myself better. You have so many family and friends who love you and we all find comfort to know you are with our Loving God now. You were a gift to all of us. Love, Marla

I met Larry about 3 years ago and
we became friends. One of the few people I have ever met that never had a bad word to say about anyone. My heart is a lot sadder
for your leaving but also very glad that I knew you. I will miss you.

Uncle Larry if anyone was someone who really cared about some suffering it was you.You are know in the hands of the lord.

Larry: You were such a generous soul who welcomed me and so many others to Chicago. Thank you for all the times you came through in tough times. I will miss you very much.

Larry had a huge heart and was one of the kindest people I know. I am fortunate and very grateful to have known him. He helped me and encouraged me in many ways, I will miss him greatly. Godspeed Larry.

Larry touched many people over many years, including me. Ill miss him and will remember him well.

Larry...you helped me in so many ways for so many years and you probably were not aware of it. That was you, Larry! Help others! No matter what. I called your number just to hear your voice, but now it is gone. I will miss you... the rides home, food frenzies, conversations trying to figure it all out. Seeing someone sitting in you seats.......
To YOUR family and friends:
"In the quiet moments when the hurt is hard to bare, may love become your shelter and the beauty of precious memories be your comfort"

Larry,
12 step work comes in all shapes and sizes . I know someone up there who may put in a good word for the rest of us. Okay Lar? Please let St Peter know we will also be arriving at the pearly gates. If I remember correctly Lar
when Jeff first introduced me to you I noticed how happy, joyous and free you seemed.
Your smiles are remembered + missed.
Angel

Larry - I will always remember your easy smile and the great hospitality you offered, especially for the fights! You kept it simple and as a result helped me and a lot of other folks. RIP my man.

Lar "bear" not a day goes by that I do not think about you. I guess God really needed you. I will never foget you my friend. Life will not be the same.

Larry was my dear friend for many years- he always had a smile and a kind word. He was never too busy to help anyone in need.
He made a wonderful impact on the lives of all that had the good fortune to know him.

Joannie G.