January 1, 1970 ~ July 24, 2010
Larry Harrington, 62 of Moorhead passed away unexpectedly Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Sanford Hospital of natural causes.
Larry Lee Harrington was born November 11, 1947 to Wardell and June Harrington in Hannaford, ND. He grew up in Sutton, ND. He graduated from Glenfield-Sutton High School in 1965, and from NDSU in 1970 with a degree in Math Education. He and his brother Clinton played in the band “The Keepers”. He married the love of his life, Kathleen Montplaisir on August 2, 1969. He served for 3 years in the Air Force as a navigator, flying KC-135 refueling missions in Thailand during the Vietnam War. In 1975 he joined the North Dakota Air National Guard and served as a Weapons Systems Operator, flying the F4 Phantom with the Happy Hooligans. He retired in 1992 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Larry started photography as a hobby, which quickly became his passion. He joined Gillespie Photography in Moorhead, and in 1983 he opened Larry Harrington Photography. He was dedicated to providing lasting memories and unforgettable experiences for everyone he worked with. He was past president of the Professional Photographers of North Dakota, and earned several awards for photographic excellence, including the top wedding album in North Dakota for several years in a row. He was honored to earn the titles of Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography.
At age 59 Larry decided to start exercising more, and 2 years later completed his first full marathon at Walt Disney World. He has also completed 2 half marathons and several 5 and 10k runs. His accomplishments and positive attitude have inspired several friends and family members to start running as well.
Larry’s faith was important to him, and he was very proud of his family and country. He was a generous man who led by example, and was always ready to help at a moment’s notice. He loved to spend time with family and friends, laughing and telling stories. He was a mentor and a friend to all ages, and had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Larry was survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathy, two sons, Grant(Sarah) of Fargo ND, Mark(Erin) of Covington WA, and four grandchildren, Brandon(18) and Kayla(16) in Fargo, Zachary(8) and Joshua(6) in Covington; his sister-in-law Marie of Michigan, niece Rebecca and nephew Jeffery, of Michigan. He was preceded in death by his father Ward(1995), his mother June(2000), and his brother Clinton(1992).
moorhead mnLogan and i are devastated as i am sure you and your family are.
Logan loved Larry, he has photographed her since she was 4 years old.
when he sent us that beautiful photo of Logan for a Christmas gift we almost fainted.
only Larry could capture Logan as she really was, he taught her how to pose, and showed her the correct angle to hold her head when being photographed.
we thank him for all the modeling and pageant photos and recital dance photos that he has taken of Logan, oh and the photo shoots for print ads and fashion shows.
I remember Logan always would hug Larry hello and goodbye. She cries at the mention of his name.
Oh and don’t forget the tootsie rolls….
We hope the pain subsides and peace and good memories take its place.
Ruth and I were shocked and saddend to hear about Larry’s sudden passing. We always enjoyed working with Larry, both at Gillespie’s and Downtown Photo. Our deepest sympathies to Kathy and the rest of Larry’s family in their sorrow at this trying time….
Moorhead MN
Kathy and Family,
Our family extends to you our sympathy on Larry’s passing. The photos he took of our kids were beautiful and exceptional. What will we do without Larry Harrington….
All our love and thoughts,
Jim and Judy Olson
Annie and Steven
Minnetonka MN
Larry was such a wonderful man. He came to my classroom and did some amazing things with my students and their pictures. He also donated a great picture of the Happy Hooligans plane he’d taken. As we all look around our homes, we are reminded of his special touches in our lives, as he has taken our pictures since we were little, our weddings, our families, graduations, etc… he is in our homes and hearts for eternity.
Jamestown ND
I just heard the other day of Larry’s passing. Larry was one of the GREAT ONES! I was and will always be envious of his wonderful eye for photography. I didn’t know him as well as I would have liked, but everytime I had a chance to visit with him he was always upbeat and wonderful to talk to. I’ll miss the twinkle in his eyes when he smiled.
Fargo ND
My thoughts and prayers are with you Kathy and you family. I will truely miss admiring Larry’s wedding photography expecially. Take time to stop and smell the flowers and reminance.
Horace ND
We are so sorry for your lose, our kids enjoyed having Larry take their pictures at Shanley, you are in our prayers.
Austin TexasKathy,
We are so sorry to hear about Larry. I was always so inspired by your partnership.
Fargo ND
Our Prayers and thoughts.
Riverdale ND
Kathy and family,
We were gone for a week and just found out about Larry’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your boys and families. Larry was a very special person.
Mary and Gene
Kindred ND
Larry was a good Squadron mate and great WSO to fly with. I will miss him.
Lyle
Charlotte NC I am so saddened about Larry’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy and the kids. Our friendship goes back to the early 1070’s when Larry and Sandy became WSO’s with the Air Guard.
Although I have lived outside of Fargo for 20 years, last summer we had a gathering at DL and picked right back up with Larry and Kathy. My husband Steve really enjoyed discussing Viet Nam and photography- both common interests of Larry and him.
With sympathy,
Phyllis
Fargo ND
What a shock to hear of Larry’s passing.
We will always remember his kindness and warm personable demeanor and high level of professionalism.
Larry’s magnificent portrature of our daughters does, and will allways hang in our home.
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
May you be comforted in this time of sadness and transition by the warmth of family, friends and the everlasting Grace of our Lord.
Maple Grove MN
I wanted to express my heartfelt sympathy to Larry’s family.
We were so impressed with Larry and Kathy’s professionalism at my brother Tim’s wedding this past June. Joy and Tim were absolutely thrilled to have Larry and Kathy there to capture their special day.
It was even more special, because Larry and Kathy have been such great friends and mentors for Tim over the past 17 years.
Larry took our family photo in 1993, and the pictures are very special to us.
We are all deeply saddened by the news of Larry’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bismarck, ND
So sorry for the loss of Larry. He was such a good and close friend and colleague. Larry’s passing leaves a big hole in our lives. I wish Mary and I could be at the funeral but it just wasn’t possible. We wish God’s peace and comfort to Kathy and the family.
fargo ndOur thoughts and prayers are with you. Please feel free to let us know if we can help in any way. God Bless!
Fargo ND
I am so sorry for our/your loss. I didn’t know Larry all that well but what I knew of him he was a great person as well as a photographer. We will all miss him. I am not speaking only for myself but others as well, it is a total shock when I heard the news and currently is.
My deepest sympathy and my prayers are with Kathy and the family of Larry’s.
Vista CAWe are so sorry that it is not possible for us to come to the funeral in person, but we are with you in spirit during these difficult times.
We are so glad that we got to see Larry and Kathy, along with Mark and family, when they were in California in April of this year.
Please accept our deepest sympathy in this time of great sadness and loss.
Detroit Lakes MN
Our heartfelt sympathies to the Harrington family at this sad time. We have so many wonderful memories…going way back to 1970 in Sacramento CA as neighbors and as very new and young parents! Through the years we have had nothing but warm feelings for you and feel touched to have had you in our lives – even if intermittently. Our deepest condolences.
Hunter ND
The Harrington Family – We opened the newspaper and were shocked to learn of Larry’s passing. he was a wonderful gentleman and fine photographer. He did the portraits of my college fraternity as well as our son’s senior pictures. He was wonderful to work with and will be greatly missed.
Lisbon ND
We are so very sad to have read about Larry’s death in The Forum. Our 2 children (and spouses) had their weddings done by Larry (& Kathy), and we got to know them and consider them friends. He will truly be missed.
Susan Mairs
Pelican Rapids MN
So sorry to hear of the loss of Larry.
We will all miss Larry willingness to give and share his photography knowledge.
May the Harrington family find comfort in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 3418) He has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 258) Take care,
Words cannot fill the void left in this world by Larry’s unfortunate passing. It is obvious by all of the wonderful messages how much love and happiness he brought to so many peoples lives. My love and prayers are with you and your family as you make your way through this sad time.
Oxbow North Dakota
Dear Kathy & Family
We want you to know how sorry we are for your loss of Larry. I have known him since he joined the ND
Air Guard. He flew with my brother Bob and we had the privilege to work with him in our catering business. He also was the photog for our daughter’s wedding. I just ran into him at Menard’s before we left on our recent trip out west and we had a nice light-hearted talk. It was always good to run into him. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless!