Larry Foote

Jul 11, 1937 -

Apr 18, 2022

Larry was born June 11, 1937 in Los Angeles, California. At age 84, after battling Alzheimer's for several years, he peacefully drew his last breath on April 18, 2022 at his residence in Anchorage, Alaska. He passed while holding hands with Barbara, his wife and the love of his life for the past 64 years. He spent his final hours being loved and comforted by his daughters, Deb and Connie, grandson, Denton and niece, Marie.

Growing up in Laclede, Idaho, Larry was an avid 4-H member and won many ribbons, including several Grand Champion awards. In his youth he farmed, hunted, did woodworking and just enjoyed life. He graduated from Priest River High School in 1955 and while there he played basketball, volleyball and boxed.

On February 8, 1958 he married Barbara Ruth Cranor in Couer d' Alene, Idaho. He was a block mason by trade, which led him and the rest of the family to Alaska in the spring of 1965. Soon after arriving in Alaska, they purchased their home on Huffman Road, residing there until he passed.

In his block laying years, after the 1964 Alaskan earthquake, he helped with the construction and rebuilding of many structures. This work took him all over Alaska, to places including Juneau, Whittier, Homer, Valdez and Tyonek. Probably the most meaningful building he worked on was Robert Service High School. All three daughters and several of his grandchildren attended and graduated from that school. After spending many years laying block, he transitioned to the job of yard foreman at Concrete Products, and then Alaska Brick Company. After being a member for nearly 50 years, in 1988 he retired from the Laborer's Union #341.

Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed many sports and games. Many fun times were had playing cards, board games, chess and cribbage. He was an avid bowler and was a founding member of several local bowling leagues. If it was nice outside, you could find him throwing horseshoes for hours on end. He dearly loved the game of golf, getting out on the greens any chance he could. He truly embraced the Alaskan lifestyle by racing snowmobiles, camping, hunting and fishing. He enjoyed these activities because they were always done with family and friends. Each of his grandchildren were influenced by his passions and followed in his footsteps by learning to bowl, golf, play ball and play card games. He learned to be a fan of hockey because two of his grandchildren loved the sport. If it was important to them, he was going to be their biggest fan.

He played softball for several teams over the years but the highlight for him was being a softball coach to his daughters as they grew up. He introduced the fast pitch style of pitching which resulted in their teams winning many state championships over the years, and qualifying for out of state regional tournaments. He played softball with his daughters when they became adults and then later spent many years watching his granddaughter play the game he loved. Lifelong friends were made from his involvement in sports and other activities.

In his retirement he was able to pursue all the things that made him happy. He loved to putter in his shop making bird houses and working with diamond willow to make walking sticks, canes and other items. He made several custom cribbage boards for friends and family. He and Barb enjoyed the time they spent traveling around Alaska and throughout the lower 48 states.

Larry, among other things was a man of honor, kindness, strength, devotion, loyalty and family. No matter who you were or where you were from he opened his heart and arms and welcomed you in and made you a part of his family. He was never without a kind word or a joke to ensure laughter throughout. He was truly the best of men and was a beautiful soul on this earth. We know he will be watching over each and every one of us. Most important, Larry was a devoted loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather who put his family above all else. He made sure they wanted for nothing and always felt loved. He taught his grandsons how to be good men and ensured his daughters, granddaughters, and great granddaughters understood what it meant to be loved. More than anything, he was a very kind and gentle soul.

He was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence Foote, Elsie and stepfather Frank Moore, grandparents, Slim and Ruby Foote, brothers, Elden and Swede (Theron) along with several nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, daughters and spouses, Deborah (Willy) Reeder, Connie (Travis) Frisk of Anchorage and Laura (Jerome) Goforth of Tennessee. He is also survived by grandchildren and great granddaughters, Jodi Johnson, Brett Foreman, Denton Foreman, Kevin Powell, Karson Frisk, Kamryn Frisk, step-grandson Hunter Goforth,Great Granddaughters, Lydia Johnson and Madalyn Johnson. Larry also leaves behind brother, Jimmy (Diane) Foote, sisters, Sandra Moore and Susan (Lawrence) Lee. He was a "favorite uncle" to many nieces and nephews.

Larry wished to be cremated and have his ashes spread alongside his Mother and other family members, in the Wasilla Alaska Cemetery. The family will hold a celebration of life for Larry later this summer when more of his family and friends can attend.

Condolences can be sent to the family at 3401 E. Huffman Road, Anchorage, AK