Larry Hunter McGarvin

If you knew him you loved him and he loved you. Larry Hunter McGarvin passed away on June 9, 2024. He turned 89 on May 29. He is survived by four children Jeff (Kathy) of Durango, Lucinda of Phoenix, Melissa O’Melia (Bill) of Littleton, and Jillian Balow (John) of Cheyenne, his companion and late-in-life love, Marie Giniger, ten grandchildren, six great grandchildren, his brother (Lyle), and his sister (Jeanette). In heaven, he joins his wife of 62 years (Sue), his daughter (Lisa), his grandson (Drennen), his parents, and two siblings (Dale and Joanne). 

Larry grew up on a farm in Worland and was the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from Colorado State University and completed dental school at the University of Nebraska. He practiced dentistry for over 50 years in Lusk, Laramie, Wright, Gillette, and Cheyenne. He also traveled to Haiti on a volunteer medical mission in 2010, mentored in the dental hygiene program at LCCC, and served on boards for Delta Dental of Wyoming, UW Sports Hall of Fame, and the Wyoming State Board of Education. Larry’s patients knew him as the gentle and friendly dentist. Larry’s zeal for life was contagious. He was a listener and a friend to all. He had an unbelievable memory and he was a gifted storyteller. Conversations with Larry always included stories about his own experiences and lessons, and those he collected from others. He loved the Big Horn Mountains and “The Cabin” was a place to gather, play, laugh, and enjoy a “toddy” outside on the deck. Larry was die-hard Wyoming Cowboys fan and traveled with family and friends to watch games in Laramie and across the nation. He was proud of his family and his friends. He raised five adventurous children and had plans to visit kids and grandkids this summer. His collection of friends spanned his gin rummy buddies, golfing buddies, colleagues that became fast friends, church friends, Cowboy fans, and anyone else he met who had a penchant for sharing a story. Larry was a voracious reader and a history buff, especially the World Wars and the Old West. His grandkids were amazed by his knowledge and they loved listening to his stories. It’s hard to capture this man in words – his spirit, legacy, and stories will be shared for many years to come. 

Plans for a celebration of life will be announced later and will coincide with a Cowboy football game in Laramie. Donations in Larry’s name can be made to Tunnels to Towers (t2t.org) or Drennen’s Dreams (drennensdreams.org).