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Larry was born in Kansas City, Missouri to the late Hortense and Joseph Haith in 1949. He was a beloved member of the Kansas City Jewish community. He was an entrepreneur, who started Haith & Company Real Estate Services in 1973, a passionate leader in charitable organizations and a observant Jew.
Despite Larry’s battle with Muscular Dystrophy for over 21 years, his work ethic and dedication to taking care of himself and others was never impacted. A triathlete in his younger days, Larry exercised like a would be Olympian, ate as often as he could to maintain strength, and through it all, he never stopped smiling. He never once let his diagnosis interfere with his zest for life and his ever-present fighting spirt blessed us with his presence for far longer than most would have expected. He was an inspiration to his family and community.
He was always the life of the party and the last to leave the dance floor. His love for life and aura of positivity was evident to all that met him. He lived life to the fullest each and every day enjoying time with his family, exercising, studying Judaism, working and traveling to Florida during the winters. In the age of COVID, the family was able to enjoy weekly outdoor dinners which is time that will never be forgotten. The family will remember his humor, his OCD, constant wish for another motorcycle and his beaming laugh.
Larry’s time with his family taught everyone to live life in the moment and to celebrate all the little things. In his passing, he would remind us all to focus on that. Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Randi who was always by his side, as well as his children Amy and (Peter) Shapiro, Erin and (Ben) Nathan, Zac Haith, Jason and (Rebecca) Conley, Benjamin Conley and his grandchildren, Sophie and Emma Shapiro, Eli and Maya Nathan, and Andrew and Brooks Conley. Larry is also survived by his brother Myron (Linda) Haith, their children and spouse and his sister Rosalie Haith.
Donations can be made in Larry’s memory to JFS Covid Relief or Myotonic.org an agency specifically seeking a cure for Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy.
https://www.louismemorialchapel.com/obituaries/Lawrence-Haith-2/#!/Obituary
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Joseph Rishmany
Larry was a great guy and friend
William Tipton
Wow. This is a punch in the gut. Larry was one of my close friends. I have so many good memories of mischief after school and parties where Larry was an integral part. I will always remeber his bright smile and clever sense of humor and his warm and engaging friendship. . Lost for further words. Rest in peace my dear ole friend.
Doug Noblet
There were over 330 attending Larry's memorial via Zoom. That's very telling of how much this man was loved and admired. He will be solely missed by the many who were fortunate enough to know this gentle man.
Bud Young
I don't think that I ever had a class with Larry in high school, yet we knew each other from the track field. Larry would run out of season during our football practices. But somehow we always would acknowledge each other in the hallways. Maybe it was an athlete thing, or maybe he somehow knew that I needed a "hi". It was like respect for one another. I think that we always had a kinsmanship in being "onery". His one way and mine another. I wasn't really in any crowds, but Larry had a group of friends that I would see him hang out with at the dances. He and Ronnie Silverman seemed liked they were always in competition on the dance floor. With Ronnie winning.
Later, at the reunions Larry and I would say hi and talk a little, more than we did in school. Perhaps, it was Larry's medical problems that I sympathized, but Larry generally would be the first to say hi with a grin like he was glad to see me.. He had his lovely wife by his side.
The last time I saw Larry at the Brooksider. I got to vist with him about Cameron MO commercial real estate needs. Mostly me talking, but Larry understanding and acknowledging me. Now, I say "Bye" ..... and rest in peace buddy.
Donald Winett
Larry was special for sure. A great laugh, a great friend. Being in Oklahoma since 1972 I only saw Larry at the reunions through the years. But even with his medical situation he was so full of life. So glad I made it to the last reunion and got to spend time with Larry. He will be missed.
James Osborne
I remember Larry bein' a charter member of those I have come to call the 'Playground Heroes' at Hartman there were so many of us that would travel those years all the way to SW. Of all the things that we go through in life memories of guys like Larry bring smiles, he brought his smile and competiveness in everything he did.
As is too often true we lose contact with most classmates, but I ran into Larry on a construction/remodel at a property his company managed, full of life as always he recognized me right away. Larry was that way.
John Daily
Larry left a long legacy of good deeds and good times. We were able to have a few dinners together in Florida over the past few years, as well as some lunches in KC when I was in town. He was always the same guy I knew in the sixties. He got better with age. His funeral on Zoom, as Doug Noblet has already pointed out, had over 300 attendees.
Ed Schifman
I have had my own demons to deal with as I learned from a Covid hospital bed that one of my heroes, Larry had passed. Larry never had anythIing but a full love of life, a mensches, mensch. Never complained. Laughing, smiling, giving the disease that raved his body the good ol FU! And he succeeded.
I was always humbled by Larry because he worked hard, he was honest to a fault, he helped people more than people helped him, If that isn't the description of the guy you knew, then you missed out, but I know better. You probably knew him better than I, but I will never forget my dear friend of so many many years. We talked, but not often enough. These things become clear too late.
So go hug someone and let us all remember this remarkable man that I loved and listened to. Time is short...don't let it go without the hug and make sure they know you care.
I am out of hospital, but Covid is a long recovery. this is not about me, but if you go to dinner with friends, do it ouside (it's cold) and have the audacity to ask your friends if they have had a fever or any unusual symptoms over the past month. If they give you the impression that they are not sure or don't know, put off the dinner and skip the meal. There will be another time. Just advice, unsolicited, from someone that has just almost not made it back from the hell of Covid.
Take care of yourselves, Southwest Class of 1967. Larry, I miss you dearly and always will!
Rick McDermott
Larry, had such a great inspirational attitude.We really only connected @ our class events; but everytime w/out fail he turned the conversation to our trombone playing days at Bingham. He played a valve style instrument which was quite unusual.Play on my friend....you will be missed!