Larry Smith, beloved dive pioneer, guide, and critter expert in Indonesia, passed away on March 20, 2007, in Sorong, Indonesia. Larry spent two days in a hospital in Fakfak with what everyone thought was pneumonia.  He was on his way to Bali when he passed away at the Pertamina hospital in Sorong from complications associated with pneumonia.  Our heart-felt condolences go out to his family and friends.

Larry Smith, in the water

Letters and images have been pouring in for the last two days, and we’d like to share them here.  If you would like to share your condolences or a story about Larry, please leave a comment at the end of this page.  To send in images and video, please contact us.

- memorial service in Bali on Sunday, March 25, 2007.
- memorial gathering at SeaSpace, Houston, Saturday, March 31, 2007.

LARRY SMITH FAMILY MEMORIAL FUND
The Benefit of the Larry Smith Family

A memorial fund has been established for Dewi and Breezy, Larry’s wife and daughter.  The Benefit of the Larry Smith Family honors Larry’s dedication to his family, friends, and marine world.

To donate to the fund, you can:

1. Donate via Paypal or credit card (you can donate via credit card without signing up for an account):
   
2. Send a check payable to “The Benefit of the Larry Smith Family” to:

   The Benefit of the Larry Smith Family
   6113 Fox Ridge
   Angleton, TX 77515

3. Wire money directly into the account.  For more information on how to do this, contact the Smith family at .

OBITUARY

Larry Smith, 56, of Bali, Indonesia, formerly of Longview, passed away March 21, 2007 in Sorong, Indonesia. 

Larry was born November 13, 1950, in Longview, to Evelyn and Thomas Smith.  He graduated from White Oak High School, Kilgore Junior College and attended East Texas State University in Commerce.

He previously owned Diver‚Äôs Supply in Longview and Tyler and was a former scuba instructor at Kilgore Junior College.  Throughout the past 30 years he had been employed as a Dive Master at Pirate‚Äôs Point Resort on Little Cayman Island and Negril Scuba Center in Jamaica.  He had resided in Indonesia for the past 15 years.  At the time of his death, he was employed as Cruise Director of Adventure H2o, Bali, Indonesia. 

A dive pioneer, Larry was famous for his obsession with ‚Äúmarine life,‚Äù and his experiences had been featured in several articles in dive magazines and newspapers throughout his diving career. He had shared his love for diving with such famous underwater photographers as Stan Waterman and David Doubilet.  His enthusiasm for underwater adventure will be greatly missed by fellow divers around the world.  Online tributes of his life may be viewed at www.adventureh2o.com and www.wetpixel.com.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas William Smith.

Survivors include his wife Dewi Smith of Indonesia; mother Evelyn Smith of Mountain View, Arkansas; daughter Breezy Smith of Indonesia; son and daughter-in-law Trevor and Leslie Smith of Okinawa, Japan; son and fiance’ Casey Smith and Kristin Rodgers of Angleton, Texas; son and daughter-in-law Tim and Jessica Smith of Round Rock, Texas; sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Ken Pepper of Mountain View, Arkansas; grandson Cooper Smith of Round Rock, Texas and several nieces and nephews.

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Indonesia, Papua, Raja Ampat, Jan.’06.  Larry is a bird lover.  This semi- domesticated Sulpher Crested Cockatoo knows Larry from his frequent visits, and when the Adventure Komodo anchors off shore, the parrot flies out to greet his returning friend. (photo: Jones/Shimlock)

Trevor O. Smith writes:

My Father is Larry, He was a good man, even thou he was gone all the time, he loved what he did and enjoyed expressing his enthusasim for what he did.  Very sad day for us his son’s Casey, Tim, And myself Trevor and his daughter Breezy. Also his mother Evelin Smith. I know also it is a sad day for all diver and photographers who had seen the Amazing things my father brought to there eyes and all the eyes that saw the photographs of the critters he found.

LCpl Trevor O. Smith United States Marine Corps

Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock write:

This world lost a big hunk of love when Larry Smith died.  Larry loved people and the under water world, and he loved introducing them to each other.  Whether you knew him personally or not, Larry Smith influenced the way you dive. He was our brother, our soul mate and our third musketeer.

Indonesia, Lembeh Straits, ‘96.  One of Larry’s inspired dive briefings, punctuated with home grown slang and witicisms ("larryisms"), delivered with an East Texas drawl. (photo: Jones/Shimlock)

Eight months ago a friend of ours, Bo, decided she wanted to join us on an exploratory dive trip we were planning with Larry.  But Bo was apprehensive because she didn’t yet know how to swim.  After she met Larry in Texas last summer, he gave her the confidence she needed to get in the pool and get her C card.  Last January we were all together diving in Triton Bay (a trip you’ll read about in a few months).  I’ll never forget the sight of Bo, attached to Larry like a little remora, totally rapturous with the rest of us over the wonders we discovered on those remote reefs.  It was like that on every dive—no matter where—with every person—no matter who or how skilled.  In Larry’s world there was never a bad dive and there were only good people.

Because of Larry we all know what a “critter” is and how to find one.  We eagerly dive in places—muddy slopes, mangrove swamps, mucky harbors—we would have shunned before Larry taught us that Edward Abby wasn’t just describing the desert when he wrote “there are no vacant lots in nature.” Larry was the undisputed King of Muck.

Indonesia, Papua, Timika Pantai village. Jan. 1, ‘07.  Larry Smith and Kal Muller pose with Kal’s friends for the camera on New Years Day. (photo: Jones/Shimlock)

I think Kal Muller, our honorary fourth musketeer, was the first person to call Larry the “best divemaster in the world”. That was Larry’s public side.  But you should know that Larry was also a loving husband, son, brother, and father to three adult sons, a young daughter, and a new grandson.  Those people are Larry’s family of origin, but his extended family numbers in the thousands and ranges across the globe from Singapore to London to Longview, Texas. Larry also was a father figure to the various crews he worked with over the years.  If you were fortunate enough to have been with Larry on a boat or at a resort, then you saw first hand how he treated his team. He shaped the lives of many young Indonesian men by teaching them how to interact with people from different cultures.  Because of their relationships with Larry and his clients, many Indonesians were able to broaden their horizons, learn invaluable skills and improve their lives.

Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Padar Island, ‘98.  Larry, enjoying the gentle wave action on this pristine beach during a surface interval (photo: Jones/Shimlock)

Maybe we saved the best for last.  We just returned home, having had the gift of diving with Larry and charting new sites near the southwest Papuan coast for six weeks.  We had planned this trip for over a year.  Kal Muller was with us, as were several of Larry’s favorite clients.  Every dive was better than the last, every village trip more exciting than yesterday’s, and Larry found a brand new adventure around every bend.  I still feel his hand grab my shoulder after an incredible dive on a new spot, still hear his voice, shaking with excitement. “We’re out here doing it, Maurine,” he’d say. “We’re really doing it, just like we planned.” None of us wanted to leave Triton Bay, especially Larry.  When he hugged Burt goodbye he said, “Burt, we’re so lucky, we’ve been to dive heaven right here on earth.” Larry’s spirit will be right there with us every time we slip beneath the surface of the sea, every time we take another trip to dive heaven.

Indonesia, Papua, Raja Ampat. Jan. ‘07.  Larry loved the critters.  Here he had found and was posing with a tiny Wobbegong Shark.  The shark was docile and unafraid as Larry gently supported it on the back of his hands. (photo: Jones/Shimlock)

Indonesia, Papua, Raja Ampat, Jan. ‘07.  From left to right; Burt Jones, a friend, Larry, Dr. Mark Erdmann, Director of Conservation International’s Indonesian Marine Science division, Dr. Gerry Allen, the world’s leading tropical marine ichthyologist, and Rod Mast, VP of Conservation International.  Photo taken on dive deck of Larry’s last liveaboard, Adventure Komodo. (photo: Jones/Shimlock)

Larry and Denise Tackett write:

It’s hard to believe Larry Smith is no longer with us, but it’s easy to imagine the robust redhead sitting upon a cloud looking down on us and smiling as if we were his “critters.”

Larry was one of those rare creatures who never had a bad dive and never tired of exploring the underwater world. His great gift was his ability to share his love of the sea with others and then to delight in their sense of wonder at this newfound world. 

Larry will be missed and the dive industry will be poorer for his absence but much richer for having known him.

Steve Drogin writes:

Larry Smith with Steve and Hiro Drogin, Sorong, Indonesia, December 2004 (photo: Eric Cheng)

Larry Smith was one of my favorite guys in the entire world of diving.

I have known him for many years.  He was the consumate.....NICE GUY......and a joy to be with on a boat and underwater.  He could tell stories better than anyone.  He surely was one of the most knowledgeable divers I have ever met.  Nobody knew more about the underwater world of the Indo Pacific than Larry.  His enthusiasm for diving and his desire to share his knowleadge with others was like nobody I have ever met. His presence will be sorely missed by everyone.  I extend my deepest sympathies to his family. I will think about him a lot and will keep the memories that I have of our time together. He had a huge influence on everyone he met and dived with.

Tim Rock writes:

Larry Smith never had a bad dive. He always came up amazed and excited at the sea and its inhabitants. And that enthusiasm was contagious. And he was indeed a wonderful friend and loving father and husband. He leaves us having touched people around the world. Truly one of a kind.

Chip Scarlett writes:

For those of us who had the privilege to know and dive with Larry Smith, it is simply impossible to believe he is gone. Texan to the core, despite many years spent in his adopted home of Indonesia, Larry was larger than life.  He was a true pioneer of muck diving, and his knowledge of critters, their habitats and their behavior was encyclopedic.  Sitting and listening to Larry carry on about an animal found on the last dive, was to hear a man in love with the sea and all creatures large and small within it. 

Among all the people who dived with Larry over the years, he was particularly revered by serious photographers. I remember the first time I worked with him taking pictures of pygmy seahorses. As usual, it was dark, deep, and a nasty current was whipping the fan to and fro, making it impossible for me to even find the bloody animals, much less focus on them. Larry came up, locked down my left arm with his right arm to stablize me in the current, delicately spread the fan with one hand, and put his pointer next to the most photogenic of the seahorses with the other hand. As I banged away, he subtly moved the fan, and my arm, and the seahorse to get just the right composition. When we surfaced, Larry was more excited than I was, exclaiming how shots 5, 9 and 15 were really good ... he had, of course, been counting the exposures and watching the strobes lighting the animal with each pull of the shutter. Simply amazing.

Indonesia, Hard-To-Find Rock, Nusa Tengarra, 2003. Larry demonstrating his patented arm lock on fellow diver, Susan Scarlett (photo: Chip Scarlett)

However, even Larry’s professionalism paled in comparison to the sheer joy he brought to every dive.  Larry had the twinkling eyes and incandescent enthusiasm of a true explorer who absolutely knew that your next dive with him would be the best ever. And who will ever forget hearing his “waa-hoo!” sung through his regulator at the top of his lungs, calling you to share with him another treasured critter found under a leaf or hidden in a stand of coral? What would we all not give for just one more day or one more dive with Larry?

Larry leaves behind a profound legacy as a true pioneer of Indonesian diving, as the manager behind the scenes of numerous successful dive operations, and as the premier teacher of a whole generation of superb dive guides. We will all cherish our memories of Larry as a loving and attentive father, husband and great friend.

Drew Wong writes:

I first met Larry when he was just leaving the Tropical Princess in 1990. Here was a jovial Texan with infectious enthusiasm for all things scuba, just married and flying off to the US with his new bride. I later met him again when he worked at Kungkungan Resort, where he pioneered the diving in Lembeh Straits among other places. I still remember arguing with him over the use of the word “muck” to describe the diving in Lembeh. It’s just black volcanic sand, I’d reason. “Yeah, but it’s fine sand and when you kick it up, it turns to muck!” Larry would counter. Never one to miss a good joke, his staff named a dive site called Retak Larry (Larry’s crack), which Larry took with good humor.

I never dived with Larry again after that, but would meet him in Bali(for his BBQs) and wherever there were dive shows over the years. Here was a man who shared his experience and knowledge with whomever wanted to learn. I’ll miss his hearty chuckle and genuine smile. I hope those who do too will find solace in the fact that he has touched thousands and his legacy to Indonesia diving will be appreciated by future divers of dive sites he found.

Larry Smith with Bill Acker (photo: Tim Rock)

A quote from an article in Diver Magazine written by John Bantin:

Larry, our guide, is in his ‘50s and from Texas. He has a bull neck, a beefy body, and talks like a cowboy. “Time to saddle up and mosey on down to the dinghies,” he drawls.

His briefings are short on detail but drawn out in delivery. Why does it take 20 minutes to tell us it’s going to be a fun dive around a BFR (a big f****** rock), with currents from mild to wild and, yes, there will be marine life? I expect him to say we’ll all meet up later at the OK Coral! In his black wetsuit, he looks like a shiny black pebble - or perhaps another BFR!

It seems contradictory that Larry is obsessed with the smallest forms of animal life. He gets his rocks off looking at pygmy seahorses less than a quarter the size of your pinkie fingernail. He adores skeleton shrimps.

During one dive, he shows me a mushroom coral crawling with what look like long, white worms. They have snake heads and are very active. I show them in turn to Dr Rob.  Larry later insists that they are not worms but fish, and Dr. Rob confirms that they were “gross”. I’m glad I’m not alone in that sentiment.

I hear Larry’s underwater hooter. He has found something exciting. I join him, ecstatic beside a fan coral. I can see nothing. To my amazement, he pulls out a large magnifying glass, and I see through it some minute skeleton shrimp. I am armed with a camera with a super-wide-angle lens. Later I joke that some people have larger animals living in their pubic hair! He boasts that everything is smaller here - he has been away from Texas too long.

Larry Smith with vampire teeth he found during a dive (photo: Todd Mintz)

Patrick Sproull writes:

I met Larry Smith at DEMA on several occassions.  Every time no matter how busy the area was, Larry always greeted you with a smile, a jovial hello and a sincere interest that you come explore this amazing underwater world with him.  I will remember Larry as someone who represented diving and the experiences you could enjoy with laughter and fun as a child feels with a new toy.  Larry helped remind us all to cherish the incredible opportunities we are privileded to enjoy.  Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, friends, collegues, and loved ones, he is missed.

Larry, cooking smoked BBQ for friends, Thanksgiving 2003 (photo: Robert Delfs)

From Gabrielle Villarino, Adventure H2o:

IN MEMORIAM - Larry Smith, the Dive Legend

Larry, the great spotter, dive guide, critterfinder, explorer & adventurer .. Larry Smith, the great human being ! A man. who respected all living creatures - above & below water !

Everyone enjoyed Larry’s enthusiasm for his job, his love for Indonesia and his family, his endless stories from above & below water. All of us loved his wonderful outlook on life and the big hearted Man he was!

Larry was a great human being and he showed it in little ways, as the way he treated our crew, our guests and the locals. 

Larry deserves the huge respect he has always had and will further receive from the worldwide dive industry…

AdvH2o honors all of his achievements in his spirit will keep the same manners as Larry taught us, and our Team believes in....... !!

From David & Lynette Lyles:

My name is David Lyles and Larry and I were 1st cousins. His father and my mother were brother and sister. We had the fortune of visiting with Larry in September when he came to visit his mother Evelyn in the states. We will always treasure those memories. Our love, thoughts, and prayers go out to Dewi and Breezy and all the family during this time of tragic loss. He was a super guy who lived life to the fullest and he will be missed forever.

From Allen Dragge:

Larry had an extraordinary knack for ‘seeing’ what he looked at. He also had a gift for getting others to look with fresh sight. I think he may have changed the world. He certainly changed the way many of us live in it.

From Annie Crawley:

Larry the Legend lives within all of his students.

When I first heard Larry’s name it was like a whisper across the water.  That was more than fifteen years ago as we both worked on boats that had itineraries in Eastern Tengarra before the tourism explosion. There are many stories regarding Larry I know from boats a fire and crew jumping ship to diving in unchartered territories.  Yet, when I heard of his passing my heart skipped a beat as memories of Larry came racing to my mind and all I could think of was how he lives within so many of the now dive instructors, masters and guides within Indonesia.

Larry changed diving in Indonesia forever.  Period.  Yes for travelers, but more for the local people in Indonesia.

Many people will never know the influence he had on the Indonesian Nationals.  When the first resort opened in Lembeh Strait, it was Larry Smith who trained the dive guides.  It was Larry Smith that gave them their site of the amazing critters of the underwater world...making it possible for the photography explosion of critter diving.  He trained them, mentored them, fathered them.  It was Larry Smith that shared his passion, his strength, his humor, his discipline, his laughter, his vision of what the area was possible of.  Years after he left to conquer yet another destination and help influence it, I worked with these men of Lembeh.  I believe all of them are still working in the industry, and many have gone on to become legends of their own.  Larry has many Indonesian sons that he helped find their way as working men.  You never forget the dive instructor that gave you your first breaths underwater...and Larry gave this to so many.

Larry lives in my heart and the heart of every single people he trained and coached in the industry.  I am able to hold him still here with me, especially when I think of all the people he lives within who still are diving around the 17,000 islands that Larry calls home.

From Ampaipan Samansareesak (Bo):

Larry was one of the amazing person on earth.  He helped expand my world.  Prior to the trip with him, I had no idea how magical the underwater world is.  We were lucky to get to spent 16 days with him.  He had such a great positive energy.  He took me into his arm and made sure I was safe and had the best time of my life.  And I did!  Our trip with Larry will always be in our memories for the rest of our lives.

From Mik Bjorkenstam:

This is undoubtedly the hardest thing I have ever had to write.  It has taken me days to actually sit down and commit to this for fear of the emotions it would cause to surface.  Larry Smith was one of the most influential people in my life.  He was a mentor, a best friend, and a soul mate.

Our paths crossed - accidentally - in the spring of 1995.  I was on a high school dive trip with the Singapore American School.  The original trip was meant to go to PNG, but a last minute decision by the school board cancelled it.  The back up plan was a dive trip to the Banda Sea aboard the Cehili with Larry Smith.  Little did I know at that time, that my life was about to change and that the experience was about to open up doors that I never dreamed were possible. Our paths would continue to cross over the next 12 years.  Firstly over the summer months when I was at university and would help him out as a dive master at KBR, and then working for him aboard Sea Contacts.

Larry taught me so much ‚Äì everything you can imagine about diving ‚Äì from critter hunting to fish calling (my 19th Birthday present).  But it wasn’t only about the diving, but about Life, Love, and Friendship and People. It is largely because of the opportunities Larry gave me and the experiences that I have shared with him, that I am who I am today.  Words will never be able to express the gratitude I have.

Unfortunately I have never had the opportunity to meet Larry’s family in Texas.  One day hopefully I will be able to meet all of them and let them know how much Larry meant to me.  To Dewi and Breezy ‚Äì I know nothing I say can make the pain of your loss any easier, but my heart goes out to you and I know that one day soon we will meet again and together share wonderful memories about Larry.  Your husband/father was a great man, one of the greatest I have ever known.

I am scared to end this letter as I feel I am saying the final goodbye to you Larry and I don‚Äôt know how to say it.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have given me.  You will forever be a part of my life and I know deep down that just as our paths once accidentally crossed‚ that they will cross again.  It’s been an honour and privilege to be your sidekick.

Sampai jumpa lagi My Friend.

From Brenda & Richard Dunn:

We are so sad to have heard the news of Larry’s passing. We were on a dive boat in the Turks & Caicos, when a fellow passenger told us that the dive master we so fondly spoke of had died. We were new divers in Oct. 1988, with just over 50 dives, when we went to Pirate’s Point in Little Cayman. We were the only 2 tourists on the resort, since Hurricane Gilbert had hit just a few weeks before and everyone else had canceled. Larry was just back to the resort, after almost losing his life, attempting to save a diver that had committed suicide under water (a note was later found in his room).

Larry in Little Cayman, 1988 (photo: Brenda Dunn)

He expressed not knowing how he would feel the first time back into the water....he focused on us completely. I understand now that was just Larry. He videoed our every dive, while also giving us classes in the appropriate viewing and treatment of all the creatures. He was so gentle with us & them! Little did we realize at the time how incredibly lucky we were. I can tell you though that after almost 700 lifetime dives; he is the only resort dive instructor that we have remembered his whole name and continued to relate our wonderful experiences that we had with him! The things he taught us, his concern and love for the ocean animals, was so contagious that we never forgot him or them! Even though we never went to see him in Bali, we never lost what he gave us in fabulous memories.

Smith family photo

Larry Smith with his daughter, Breezy

Larry Smith with his daughter, Breezy

Sangean Island, Cuddle-Bat Reef (for fruit bats and cuddle fish) 12/24/03 (photo; Allen Dragge)

Larry and his son, Casey

Larry and his son, Casey

Larry Smith with Gladys Howard

32 Comment(s):

1. I became friends with Larry on our trip in January 2006 and he kept in touch ever since. On our trip Larry was always up early in the morning ,as was I, and we got to spend lots of time chatting. His stories were always fascinating because of his passion for what he spoke. His twinkle in his eye and smile will always be remembered.

   During that trip Larry took me aside and commenting on how he had seen and known many photographers in his days and that he can see I really know how to handle a camera. I was honoured to hear those encouraging words from Larry especially considering National Geographic was on the boat. My images from that trip went on to be in display in the Smithsonian this year and Larry was very proud of that accomplishment posting it in his newsletter. Thank you Larry you inspire me.

   Posted by yahsemtough  on  03/22  at  07:23 AM

2. This is really hard to believe.  I just ran into Larry in Raja Ampat in February.  Feel very fortunate I was able to see him again.  He was his usual bubbly self excited about the diving in the area.  Prior to his coming on aboard I was talking to another guest who was from Denver and because I am from Texas he was telling me about a Texan he had met in Grand Cayman many years ago who had been very helpful.  From his description I knew it had to be Larry and sure enough it was.  May God Keep you close.  Love ya.

   Posted by mreid  on  03/22  at  07:09 PM

3. Everyone who knew Larry, knew his exhilaration and enthusiasm for the underwater world was unparalleled.  He MADE every dive exciting. Larry was fond of repeating in his dive briefing:  “Don’t do anything stupid” and “Follow the big yellow fins”. 

   I imagine that the gates of diving heaven are marked by “big Yellow Fins” and Larry beaconing us onward to someday join him....

   Posted by docrobina  on  03/22  at  08:58 PM

4. As I sit here in Houston, Texas at my kitchen table still trying to accept the loss of our father another world away all I can think about is how many lives he touched other than mine.  These last few days my brother and I have been sharing stories from our childhood that most of you have never heard.  I can still remember when we were kids him setting up our summer vacation to come see him in Little Cayman at Pirates Point for the 4th of July.  He sent us a hundred bucks and told us to fill up a suitcase with fireworks and come on down.  Of course that couldn’t happen now but we did manage to pull it off back then.  Not knowing that we were doing anything wrong we arrived and shot fireworks on the beach all night long.  Lord knows what he was thinking but it all worked out.  THe same thing goes with diving.  He would partner Tim and I up as dive buddies before we were even old enough to drive.  Dad was so good at what he did.  It has been so comforting seeing all of your postings on this website and I want each and everyone of you to know that you guys also brought a great joy in his life as well.  Without you he would’nt have been able to thrive in his career the way he did.  Touching lives both above and beneath the sea.  His passion for the ocean will never be forgotten.  Rather its a whale spout on the port side of the boat or a tiny pigmy seahorse clinging for dear life on a sea fan he always had that passion to share it with the next person in line.  I have so many memories of being able to see first hand how he interacted with people and showing them things they had never seen.  I was fortunate enough to spend a great deal of time with him four years ago in Bali and tag along with him on his everyday routine.  I will never forget while sharing bunks with him on dive trips trying to beat him to sleep.  His snoring would drive a person overboard.  There were so many small things he did through out his life that will never be forgotten.  Once again I want to thank all of you.  You are what made his career and success in life.  Our wish is to never let his legacy be forgotten.

   Posted by smithdive13  on  03/23  at  12:01 AM

5. The entire team at Kararu Dive Voyages wishes to express our deepest condolences for our mentor and the pioneer of some of the best diving in the region, Larry Smith. 

   His insatiable enthusiasm for sharing the treasures of the Indonesian seas with whoever had the fortune of diving with him, spread like wildfire and sprouted a whole new growth of world class operations throughout the archipelago.

   It doesn’t matter if you knew him or not, a presence of Larry will remain, forever, in all of us – whether it be when we find that special critter in the muck and feel his excited hand in ours, or while we watch the sun setting from our top deck and hear his rumbling laughter at the end of one of his stories – his legacy in Indonesia will live on in all of our hearts.

   He will be sadly missed by all.  Our prayers and wishes go out to Dewi, Breezy, his family in the States and all the people of Adventure H20.

   Sincerely,

   Lisa, Sascha and the staff of Kararu Dive Voyages

   Posted by kararu  on  03/23  at  12:41 AM

6. Never have I learned more about spotting and appreciating critters than I did on my first Bali - Komodo trip with Larry Smith. He was a great guide, teacher and “guy” and easily shared his love of critters, the sea and Indonesia with his guests. He will be sorely missed.

   Posted by uphillracer  on  03/23  at  02:15 AM

7. A cremation and memorial service for Larry will be held in Bali on Sunday 25 May at 1:00 pm.  If you are able to attend and need details or assistance, please contact me at +62 812 386-7270. Robert Delfs

   Posted by frogfish  on  03/23  at  02:32 AM

8. I will always remember Larry for the open hearted soul he had when meeting new people, and reuniting with friends.  The tales of adventure at dinner, the greetings he extended to his island friends along our journey, as well as coffee at sunrise on the bow of the AK while spotting life on the ocean will forever remain with me.  What will always bring a smile to me, was watching Larry take out his regulator at depth and purse his lips repeatedly while calling in the jack fish, and then shaking my arm underwater with enthusiasm as they swam in closer and closer.  He was a thrill to dive with, and I will miss him very much.  What a treasure he was.

   Posted by sealionluv  on  03/23  at  06:16 AM

9. I met Larry on the Pelagian for a Komodo trip in July 25, 2000.
   Larry’s energy and charisma was infectious and I was instantly a fan.  A few fond memories of Larry… All day during our first day of diving off of Satonda, Larry teased us all day about his big surprise. Furthermore, Larry said we would see ‘his surprise’ at 6:19 Pm, which was right around sunset.
   
   He had us guess what it was and of course he has us stumped. Low and behold around at 6:19, thousands if not hundreds of thousands of fruit bats close to a meter across each came flying right over the boat o their way to an adjacent island.

   Larry was a guy you can learn and have fun with both in and out of the water. Days later, we, the guests, decided to pull a little prank on Larry who was always on the search for “critters.”

   On August 3, we were diving off of Sangeang and we asked our chef, Adam, to create something special for our third dive of the day. Adam made a pseudonudibranchs which really looked like a hybrid of a nudibranchs and a piece of sushi with its pins sticking out of a white body. (I have a picture of the chef’s creation) Two guests Steven and Dena planted our new little friend. Somehow, one of us managed to remember where it was and ‘drag’ Larry over to it’s oh so natural habitat to inspect this new find. 

   Larry, as expected, cracked up over this find.

   Larry reinvigorated my interest in all things alive in the ocean and his spirit and kindness will be a reminder how I want to live.

   Posted by socalguitar  on  03/23  at  09:16 AM

10. My name is Julie Springer.  I am and always will be Larry’s neice.  Even though Uncle Larry was not around the family much we all knew that he was fulfilling his dream.  The family would like to express our appreciation to all of you that accompanied Uncle Larry on his adventures and helped him fulfill his dream.
    I have many unforgetable memories of Uncle Larry that I will treasure forever.  Uncle Larry certified me in Negril, Jamaica.  I remember how proud he was to be able to share his dream with me, if only for a short period of time.  I also remember “Poncho”.  Poncho was a McCall parrot that had a very good vocabulary.  One of our favorite memories is Poncho getting out of my grandmother’s house and pirching on the neighbor’s roof.  All was well until a bluejay began to dive at Poncho.  Poncho called for help!  “Larry help me...Larry help me...” Poncho knew that Uncle Larry would come to his rescue.
    Even though Uncle Larry is no longer in our presence he will always be in our hearts.  The experiences and education that he provided will continue to carry on and the memories will continue to be shared from coast to coast and dinner table to dinner table.

    Posted by JULIESPRINGER  on  03/23  at  09:43 AM

11. We had the good fortune to meet Larry almost upon our arrival in Indonesia nearly 5 years ago to start a new job.  We were priviledged to have shared a number of cruises with him, soaking up his knowledge & professionalism like sponges.  He showed us around Sanur, pointing out everything he thought we needed to know, not least where to find the best brownies in town!  He became our mentor and good friend and when our schedules allowed, it was over to Larry’s to share in his smoked turkey & banana pudding.

    Larry was truly unique – charismatic, funny, an excellent story-teller, the eternal optimist and always thinking of others.  His enthusiasm for life, diving & people was second to none and we learned so much from him.  He does not need to be here in body for us always to feel his presence – dive sites he found & named, dive guides he mentored & trained, stories & anecdotes of his which will be remembered, retold and heard by many people.

    Thank you, Larry, for touching our lives.  You will live on in our hearts & minds forever.  We miss you already.

    Our deepest condolences go out to everyone who knew him, especially Dewi, Breezy & his sons & family in the U.S.

    Rest in peace, my friend.

    Karl Klingeler & Linda Johnston

    Posted by lindajohnston  on  03/24  at  01:00 AM

12. I participated in one trip to Kommodo with Larry. I remember him as one of the most interesting and enthusiastic people in the dive industry. I regret I didn’t have a chance to dive with him again.

    Posted by davephdv  on  03/24  at  10:05 AM

13. I will miss my 5AM friend Larry very much.  I spent many a morning out on the deck with him talking and enjoying life.  Larry was full of wonder and appreciation of the beautiful things he got to live and see on a daily basis.  He was a unique individual whose passing touches many people.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

    Sherry

    Posted by swren  on  03/25  at  06:26 PM

14. We are so deeply saddened to learn of this.  Everyone who knew Larry probably shares similar emotions, and feels the loss of a very dear, life-long, beloved friend. 

    Lisa loves to tell the story of our first trip with Larry traveling from Bali to Komodo, and we were just getting to know him.  On one of the dive sites he advised of a good chance to find a “solar powered nudibranch” (which at this point we had never seen).  Soon after we entered the water Lisa spotted Larry in the distance waving her to him with all his might.  Once she reached him he grabbed her hand, locked his arm with hers and started swimming at full speed (pulling her along of course), to soon arrive at her first sighting of the unusual critter.  Although Larry had of course seen these things many times before, he was so thrilled to be showing it to her for her first time that he could barely contain himself.

    Every day we spent with Larry, and every dive we made together was a special experience.  As a person, he was a consistent and shining example of how to keep things in perspective, look on the bright side, and always treat everyone with the utmost respect. 

    Lisa and I offer heartfelt condolences to all of Larry’s family, and also to the Adventure H2O team who we know loved Larry so very much.

    Dave Allen & Lisa Downs

    Posted by DaveandLisa  on  03/25  at  07:03 PM

15. Thank you, Larry for taking me on such a beautiful Odyssey.  I am a woman from Nebraska who never saw the ocean till she was an adult.  So, back in the 80’s, this red headed Texan decided my first dive in the ocean would be down a tunnel with him and out into the ocean at 85 feet over Bloody Bay wall. It was so breathtaking; I was addicted to diving immediately.  Even then he tried to show me every single beautiful big and little thing down there. His enthusiasm for the waters never lessened.  Every dive site was his favorite. Every time I came to go diving with him he had something new to show me. Especially the time he grabbed my flipper as I was surfacing and pointed out the dug outs above me. The people in them had never seen a white person before and even brought their dogs out on the boats to see us.  There was one thing that brought a bigger smile to his face then diving and that was his family.  We talked hours about all his kids and his wife Dewi. I wish them all the best. Always Gay

    Posted by Gay Bussard  on  03/25  at  07:51 PM

16. Tribute to Larry Smith
    Though for many years I have heard of the boisterous Larry Smith, it was not until early 90’s where our path cross in the Banda Islands.  His enthusiasm spread like wild fire and I was engulfed in his passion for all the amazing creatures of the seas.  Larry has profoundly inspired the scope of my career as an underwater photographer.  The last time I dove with Larry was just a few years ago which he promised before the dive that he will show me the greatest light show on earth. It is not that I have not seen flash light fishes before but some how Larry enthused it to be a very special experience. He was like Peter Pan taking us to Never Never Land through a universe of flashing stars. It was magic. Larry’s seems to have to knack to make an ordinary dive a great dive and he ever so willing to share his happiness and joy.  Larry is the ambassador of the wonder of our ocean.  We have lost an extraordinary fellow being, a hero, a legend that is bigger than life.  Michael AW

    Posted by awm  on  03/25  at  11:16 PM

17. On behalf of the Coral Reef Alliance, I’d like to express our condolences to Larry’s family and friends.  This past year we had the fortune of working with Larry on reef conservation projects.  His passion for exploring and sharing the underwater world clearly paralleled his enthusiasm and commitment to protecting it.  He was a tremendous friend and partner, always going the extra mile. 
    Larry, thank you so much for everything.

    Sherry Flumerfelt and the staff and Board of the Coral Reef Alliance

    Posted by Sherry Flumerfelt  on  03/26  at  06:54 PM

18. We, who knew this great man, are both blessed and proud to have known him.  His contributions to Undersea Discovery were enormous.  All the passengers on board Cehili were infected with his warmth, generosity and enthusiasm.  Our deepest condolences to Dewi and Breezy and all his family in America as well as his huge adopted family of friends.
    Stephen & Shelagh Pepper

    Posted by Stephen Pepper  on  03/26  at  10:47 PM

19. 34787<83:fp353>nu=3249>5:6>:48>WSNRCG=3233:58334347nu0mrj.jpg

    Larry was one of the most adventure loving persons I believe I have ever met. His passion for life, above & below the surface resonated through his strong voice, iron clad bear hugs, & his under-his-breath chuckle. I never had the pleasure of diving with Larry, but I know he will be with us all, especially when we enter the world beneath the surface that he so loved.  My husband, Tim Smith, along with the rest of the family appreciate all the stories, condolences, & pictures submitted.  These great memories that are shared here have provided us healing and given us the occasional & much appreciated laugh. I will miss his gusto for everything--be it luggage, rubberbands, BBQ, or Mantis Shrimp EVERYTHING was an adventure with Larry…
    Jessica Smith

    Posted by jesspsmith  on  03/27  at  08:37 AM

20. In addition to being the most outstanding and knowledgeable dive guide I have ever met, Larry was a fantastic person. 

    After many years of diving, it wasn’t as much fun for me because every dive started to look the same.  Then in 1995, a friend convinced me to go to Lembeh for a long weekend.  The cool new critters they were finding there every day were wonderful but it was “cousin Larry” that made everything so magical.  The passion that he showed on every dive, in fact all day long, bowled me over and rekindled what it was like on my very first dive.  From just that one trip, he was my inspiration to become a dive master and my role model to this day.  I haven’t had a bad dive since then.  I bumped into Larry several times since then, unfortunately never underwater, and he was always as pleasant, friendly and enthusiastic as the moment he welcomed us as customers of KBR.

    My condolences to his family and friends from all over the world. 
    Larry was the rarest of people - a humble legend.

    ~ Michael Smith

    Posted by zippsy  on  03/27  at  06:43 PM

21. This shocking news came to me via Dive News Wire only last night.  I had the privilege of meeting Larry when he brought a group of divers from the Longview/Tyler, Texas area to Pirate’s Point in Little Cayman when my then husband, Dana Vied, and I were managing the resort in 1985.  While Dana and I experienced a little mishap and had to make an emergency trip to Grand Cayman, Larry and his group carried on with the rest of the staff to enjoy their diving vacation.  Upon our return to Little Cayman, we were welcomed back by Larry and his group with a huge Welcome Back sign and the party began.  I lost track of Larry but did see him at one of the DEMA shows years later when he was working in Indonesia.  It is amazing how many people he has had such an impact on and how many will miss him.  He was truely a success in the dive industry and in life.  My condolences to his family, Sarah Moody

    Posted by SarahMoody  on  03/28  at  08:42 AM

22. I grew up with Larry’s cousins in Texas, so Larry was “sort of” like my cousin too.  I met him for the first time when I was about 7, I guess.  Anyway, he was always great to be around - he was always smiling.  I remember I got my first real rock album after he played the Who’s Magic Bus for me.  Funny the things you remember.  I always thought it was pretty amazing that he ended up in such an exotic place living such an awesome life.  I haven’t seen him in several year - the last time was at a family funeral back in Texas.  I met Dewi and Breezy for the first and only time then.  They seemed like such a happy bunch.  I’m so sorry that Larry is gone, he was such a sweet guy.  It’s wonderful to read all the comments from his friends and extended family around the world.  My deepest condolences to his mother “Aunt” Evelyn, his sister Joyce Ann, Larry’s sons, and especially Dewi and Breezy.  Fondly, Lynn Lyles Cuervo

    Posted by etexgal  on  03/28  at  01:32 PM

23. Larry and I shared many adventures aboard “Pelagian” from Bali through Eastern Indonesia to Micronesia and Papua New Guinea. I, like all in the diving community who came in contact with Larry, knew him as a diver extraordinaire. He was one of the great pioneers in diving and ocern exploration. Once we were talking and we concluded that I started diving about two years before he did but he had about a gazillion more dives than I and a world more experience. Unlike most divers, he was in a league of his own. 
    But, diving was what Larry did and not who Larry was. Larry was one of the world’s great souls. He would have been missed and mourned regardless of his profession. Larry touched lives through diving but diving was incidental to the man. Larry was a human being to emulate. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body. His laughter and personality were infectious. Many people loved Larry who never shared the sea with him. Wayan the taxi driver in Bali and Ennie who owned the little shop in Sanur will miss Larry just as all of us who dived with him.
    Just as Larry inspired many to be better divers and stewards of the environment he also inspired many to be better people and stewards of our fellow man. He will be missed by many but the world is a better place for his time here.
    Let us celebrate his life.

    Tom Ridenour (Friend of Larry and former Capt. of Pelagian)

    Posted by tridenour  on  03/29  at  11:43 AM

24. “The best laid plans of mice and men gang aft aglay.” I was sooo looking forward to finally diving with Larry Smith.  I just know I would have loved him, from all I have read about his kind heart and enthusiasm for marine life, diving and divers.  My first attempt to dive with Larry was on the Tropical Princess out of Biak Island, in 1991, along with Ron and Nancy Sefton.  But alas, the Tropical Princess lost its financial backers, ran aground, exhausted its provisions and was canceled.  Instead, we dove in the Solomon Islands on the Bilikiki.  Then, again, I laid plans to dive with Larry on the Pelagian.  Val and Ron Taylor, as well as Douglas David Seifert were on that trip. You have read the notes from Tom Ridenour who was captain of the Pelagian when we did a circumnavigation of the Bismarck Sea in 2002.  Larry had flown to Texas for a funeral and never rejoined the Pelagian.  And now I am packing for my trip on the Adventure Komodo....but not with the usual zeal, knowing that Larry will not be there.  What a person, to have inspired a WORLD of divers, who have never even MET the man!  No parallel exists in my knowledge....only he could warm the cockles of your heart from 12,500 miles away.  Without ever hearing his “Who-hoooo” I feel I have heard it.  When Gabrielle notified me, as probably with you, a certain spark was extinguished in my soul.  Larry will surely be remembered by all who knew him and wanted to know him.  I am deeply saddened by his loss and send my prayers to those who worked closely with him..Made, Ali, Steve, Gabrielle, Widya and the staff and crew of Adventure Komodo.

    Judy Foester

    Posted by Judy Foester  on  03/31  at  04:14 PM

25. I started diving with Larry, Cpt A.E. Blood, the Wilgus family, Aubry Mackelroy and the rest of the county ‘recovery unit’...that was way back when only wussies wore floaties(BCs). I’ll always remember Larry and his parrot that would not allow a woman into the dive shop! Lots of mud hole, caves and carribean memories! THANKS! Larry!

    Posted by johnrbts  on  04/07  at  05:09 PM

26. Larry is a great guy, and this is a great loss to the diving community. 

    I met Larry last year during Conservation International meeting in Bali and again at DEMAShow, Orlando.  He is the pioneer of diving in Biak, and many people in Biak still remembers him. 

    He was planning to come dive with us around Biak and the Cenderawasih region this year.

    I will sadly miss the chance to dive and explore some of the places he had been to, and show him some of the new dive sites I have discovered in the Cenderawasih bay.

    Posted by swanido_roland  on  04/12  at  07:44 PM

27. They just cancelled our trip for the area to start on April 27th.  Where are you?  Do you have a dive operation?  Can we dive with you instead?  There were five of us scheduled to board the live-aboard on April 27th.  I e-mailed the others and await their response.  The site does not provide me with your e-mail address.

    Posted by Judy Foester  on  04/14  at  08:50 AM

28. Hi Judy,

    We are not operating in Raja Empat. We have a land based adventure diving operation in Biak, which is about more than 500 kilometers east of Raja Empat.  You may want to check with Grand Komodo, Seven Seas, or Shakti, if they have spaces left for Raja Empat.
    Here is my email, , if you need any help.

    Posted by swanido_roland  on  04/15  at  02:02 AM

29. Dear judy,
    Larry was a very good friend for many years and I have followed his career and stayed in touch with him since his early days on the Tropical Princess, through the Cehili, KBR, Sea Contacts and until a short time before he left us. I had not previously shared my feelinsg on this site, but I have followed the wonderful warmth and generosity that Larry generated and received from all who knew him. I just leaned of the cancelation of your trip today and feel that Larry would be more than dissapointed that you should be travelling halfway across the world to dive with him and they yank the carpet from under your feet. I can help you put a program together that may not be Larry - no one can replace him - but will at least have you diving in the places that he loved so much. I also pledge that any monies that come through the transcation will be donated to Dewi and Breezy’s fund. Please don’t hesitate to send me an e-mail if I can assist.

    Posted by Dominick Macan  on  04/17  at  05:19 AM

30. A message from Nus Lobbu, via Annie Crawley:

    “..........too much memory that i couldn’t even tell about Larry. I was very sad...very sad. I can’t describe it really. Big loss.

    “He’s good teacher. Good friend. Good father. Good man. Everything about him was good.

    “He made Lembeh Strait famous
    He made people like us famous

    “So i think any appreciation to Larry is just not enough......

    “He’ll remain in our heart.....”

    Posted by Eric Cheng  on  05/15  at  12:29 PM

31. Message from John Porter:

    “’Just sad to leave My girls for such a long period of time.  But I love my job more than anyone and just about to pop from excitement and anticipation to get back out there.’ Larry’s words from his 16 Nov ’04 email giving us suggestions on where to stay in Singapore and asking if we had contacted, Semuel, ‘the dive guide I trained at KBR’. We followed his suggestions and enjoyed both.

    “And too soon, he has been called to leave, “My girls”, again. We do not know how long this separation will last, but we hope and pray that “My girls”, his Family, his Friends and Larry will have the strength to persevere and prosper during this separation.

    “Many have mentioned being recipients of Larry’s infectious joy for life and things aquatic. Larry has, in my opinion, left a genetic legacy of his joy of and for life. I met Larry’s son Casey at DEMA in Houston. In 2004, Casey’s life had been tossed into a turmoil. Larry got Casey to come visit . They spent time in Bali and on Adventure Komodo. When I met Casey at DEMA that fall, Casey was again, his Father’s son, with that same joy of and for life. Casey shared stories and pictures of activities and friends while on Adventure Komodo. If you get a chance, ask Casey to tell you about his adventure with a swordfish. He was even more excited about the time he had spent with Dewi and his new little sister, Breezy. Looking at Larry’s picture of Breezy, I can better appreciate Casey’s enthusiasm.

    “Larry is no longer able to hold Breezy or Dewi s elbow, or wrap his arm around them to share the “special” joys in life. I hope that those who have been blessed by Larry’s touch will be able to “lock arms” to try, in our own way, to share this legacy with Breezy and Dewi.  Larry, may I again, some time, some where, ‘follow your bubbles’.”

    John Porter

    Posted by Eric Cheng  on  05/15  at  03:03 PM

32. 32. Message from David S. Feinberg

    I just learned of Larry’s passing.
    I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
    I have known Larry for many years, even before the time when we both worked in the Caymans at the same time although for different dive resorts.
    I will always remember Larry as a wonderful human being, a super dive person, and a fellow Texan.
    His heart was always in the right place, a positive minded, helpful, cheerful friend.
    Fond memories of him and his “bird” dressed in pirate costume at parties in the Caymans.
    The last time that I saw Larry was at Dema about 5 years ago. We emailed a few times.
    Maybe we’ll catch up again and share a few stories
    if there is a diver heaven.

    David S. Feinberg, Chief Executive Officer
    Crown & Champa Resorts
    Republic of Maldives
    Email:

    Posted by dsfeinberg  on  05/28  at  12:39 AM

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