Larry Kent Naylor
March 19, 1937 - April 11, 2022

Larry Kent Naylor was born in Eureka, CA in 1937. He was the first child born to Belva & Dean Naylor. He grew up in beautiful redwood country and excelled in basketball in High School. He attended Humboldt State University. After his studies Larry joined the United States Air Force and served his country honorably for 3 years. He was stationed in Puerto Rico where his love of travel and food first peaked. Larry was a great cook and shared his love of food with lucky family and friends over the years. He was destined to meet the love of his life Ragnhild "Roni" when they both moved to Arizona on the same day in July 1969. Roni from Sweden & Larry from California. They worked together at American Express where they met for the first time and their lifelong love was kindled. Together they raised 5 children. Charlotte, Larry Jr., Lisa, Rick & Marc.

During his 33 years at American Express, Larry was the Budget Coordinator for the Western Region and later in the Technology side of the company. He often traveled for work and went to NY, Florida, Canada and London implementing Technology Systems.

Larry's hobbies included coaching and supporting his kid's sports interests. Everything from softball, ice skating, baseball, soccer and tennis. He was a skilled craftsman and talents included stained glass, painting & Larry always had some project or remodel going on. He was a lifelong learner and avid reader. After retirement he served as Treasurer of the Board for Nourish Phoenix, formerly known as ICM, a non-profit food and clothing bank located in Phoenix. Here he used his knowledge to benefit those in need. Roni and Larry were blessed to travel all over the world. With family in Sweden, they made multiple trips to Scandinavia, Europe & Mexico. Traveling via planes, trains, boats and automobiles they explored big cities, small villages and visited friends and family all over the world. They cruised the Mediterranean, swam in the cenotes of Akumal & hiked the Grand Canyon. They river rafted in Montana, explored Alaska, CO. & often made trips to visit their kids. When they weren't the ones traveling, they hosted friends & family in their home. Larry, always the best host & travel guide, would plan out tours to take their visitors on all over Arizona.

Larry came to know the Lord later in life and there was a peace in him visible to all when this happened. After contracting West Nile Virus in September 2021, he ended up on a ventilator and was never able to come back home. As his health deteriorated his faith only grew. He never once complained over the difficult situation he was in. He was always cheerful and thankful to the many nurses, physicians and healthcare team that cared for him over the past many months. He called Roni his guardian angel and she visited him nearly every day while he was sick. Family was always first for Larry. Together he and Roni's family grew over the years. He is survived by his loving wife Roni, brother James Naylor (Marbi), children Charlotte (Ken), Larry Jr, Lisa (Jim), Rick (Shirley), Marc (Jaime), 12 grandchildren, & 9 great grandchildren. In addition, he leaves a large extended family, brother in law's Bengt (Inger), Ronald (Ingrid, preceded in death), nephews, a niece and so many friends. Larry left an indelible mark on this world and in our hearts. We will never forget him and will honor him by putting others first as he did.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Nourish Phoenix by visiting https://nourishphx.org/donate-online/.

Live-stream Link - https://vimeo.com/759265625

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