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Salt Lake City, UT—Lawrence E. Stevens died in the early morning of May 14, 2021 surrounded by his family. He had fought the ravages of dementia for many years and is finally free to tell jokes with his contagious enthusiasm, a twinkle in his eye, and a touch of erudition.
Larry was born in Seattle, WA on Dec. 18, 1946 to Victor Lyman Stevens and Patricia Calder Stevens. He was raised in Salt Lake City, UT and attended Uintah Elementary, Clayton Jr. High, and East High School. He attended Washington State University initially but received his undergraduate degree from the University of Utah where he affiliated with Kappa Sigma fraternity. He earned his juris doctorate from the University of Utah School of Law. He married Jennifer Ralphs in 1969 and was later divorced. In 1992, he married Tracy Stevens and together they blended their families resulting in years and now generations of truly loving bonds.
Larry distinguished himself early in his legal career when he was elected Outstanding Young Lawyer of the year by the Utah State Bar Association. What followed was a lifetime of service and recognition not only for his achievements among his colleagues in law but also for his service to the broader community. Among other boards and committees on which he served - too numerous to mention - he was President of the Salt Lake County Bar Association, served on the Boards of the American Civil Liberties Union and the Disability Law Center, was a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, and served as Board President of the Summit Land Conservancy in Park City. He also Chaired the Utah Supreme Court's Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, was President and Master of the Bench of the Sutherland Chapter of American Inns of Court, and at the time of the onset of his illness was serving as the sole Utah Delegate to the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association. Larry was an exceptional lawyer with a brilliant mind, a mentor to many young lawyers, a natural leader, and earned the respect of his colleagues as an honest, honorable opponent while litigating cases.
Larry loved being a gentleman farmer and horseman at his beloved Peoa farm on the Weber River. He was a gifted athlete. He was a competitive diver in his youth, an aggressive yet graceful skier, and a proficient sailor. He loved golf, sailing, Zion National Park, flyfishing, hiking, cycling, watching wolves in Yellowstone National Park, and any and all gear REI had to sell. He was quite proud of his yo-yo skills – quick to point out to his kids and grandkids that in his youth he had won first place in a yo-yo competition. He had a quick wit, was a great teller of jokes, and was a kind and attentive friend.
Larry has four wonderful children – Buddy, Binzo, Lollo, and the Emster, otherwise known as Colin, Lindsay, Lauren, and Emily. He delighted in their achievements, loved being in their company, and adored their children. In turn, they had a deep abiding respect for him and laughed heartily even at his worst jokes. Together our family shared many adventures near and far - mountains, deserts, and seas, but Larry's favorite times were undoubtedly with family and friends around a campfire in Peoa.
Larry was proceeded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Bruce. He is survived by his wife Tracy, his daughters Lindsay, Lauren (Donald Deshotels III), and Emily (Will McMaster), his son, Colin, and his grandchildren, Ruby, Mabel, Bowman, Cora, Remy, Rhys, and Frannie. He is also survived by his brother Ron Stevens (Barbara), and many nieces and nephews.
Our family would like to thank Larry's dear friend Dan Allred for his enduring friendship and frequent companionship throughout Larry's decline until the very end. We love you Dan. We'd also like to thank the management and staff of Legacy Village of Sugar House for their tender care of Larry during his final months.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Jewish Family Service of Utah, who provided us with immeasurable support on our Alzheimer's journey, the ACLU of Utah, or Summit Land Conservancy.
Funeral plans pending. Please refer to legacy.com or larkinmortuary.com for updated funeral information.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=lawrence-e-stevens&pid=198740820
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Jill Wonnacott (Dunford)
Oh this is both sweet and sad ! It is wonderful to read of all Larry's accomplishments and the celebration of his life, but also so sad that Alzeimer's put an end to his life. I didn't know Larry well, but he was a great guy and always so friendly to everyone.
Jim Brinton
Larry Stevens will always be remembered as our 'cheerleader' in every sense of the word. Always upbeat and enthusiastically encouraging each of us to reach our full potential, Larry was an inspiration for East High School excellence as he cheered us on. Thank you Larry
Vic McClintic
Larry was a great friend and fraternity brother 😎 We reminisced at the previous reunion, prior to 50!! He always wondered "WHY" anyone would leave SLC. I had to break it to him that "love and $$" we're a great out of state draw! REST IN PEACE, GOOD 😌 BROTHER!!
Wilford Gardner
In junior high, Larry taught me a lesson about not judging others and I've tried to follow that ever since. He was a class act as his family knows well. Thanks for lifting others up.
Drew Cannon
It's always a shock to learn of one of our classmate's death. Larry was one of commradery, energy and a mentor to many. I was unaware of his alzheimers condition. May his family and we classmated remember his vibrant personality.
Michael Robinson
It's been a good 12 years or more since I visited with Larry on a legal matter. He was a capable, caring, class-act, and he will be missed. RIP
Louise Cannon
I had the pleasure of sitting next to Larry at our 50th reunion dinner. He was his funny, charming self as we laughed about those long walks home from Junior High. Whenever our paths crossed Larry always stopped to chat and always made you feel like an old friend. He will be missed.
Rick Sorensen
Larry is a friend. A life-long friend. We played marbles at Uintah Grade School and I learned to make "cow trails." While playing flag football at Clayton Junior High School, I was making a run about left end when an opposing player went for my flag and took everything else with it. As I stood in an uncertain situation, Larry stepped up and in a most humerous way called all the guys to huddle about until a resolve could be reached. How I appreciated Larry Stevens that day. We all know of his friendship and cheerleading experiences at East as warm, gracious, with a smile, and always upscale. I specifically appreciated connecting with Larry and so many others at the 50 year reunion. I see Larry's life as an excellent reflection of "What Ever Happended to the Class of '65" and will continue to appreciate his contributions and life-long association.
Steve Spencer
So sorry to learn about Larry's passing. From the time I first met Larry at Clayton Jr. High, he always show interest in what I was doing and was sincerely friendly. He was an athletic and fun cheerleader, but went beyond that to show he was a leader and a friend to other classmates. When we were planning the 50th class reunion I had an opportunity to chat with him a couple of times, and it was great he could come to the reunion, which was the last time I saw him. It's hard to picture him with dementia. He was alway so sharp. I feel bad he had to deal with such a devastating disease! Rest in peace...
Bernie Asahina
I was so sorry to hear of Larry's passing, he was always so upbeat and pleasant from the first time I met him when we took Driver's Training together in the summer of 1962 and ended up in the same car ( with Dave Campbell, Pat Argust, and our instructor, Mr. Josie.) I last saw him at our 50th Reunion. It ws like nothing had changed and that is how I will remember him, RIP!