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Larry Norman -> Larry Norman -> just back from Larry's service in Salem.....
Post Info TOPIC: just back from Larry's service in Salem.....
Greg in Portland

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just back from Larry's service in Salem.....
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What a gathering! Perhaps 500 (?) of us poured into a church in Salem this morning to pay our respects to Larry. As we entered we were handed 'circus programs' (instead of a boring pamphlet) that read: Larry Norman Presents: A Going Away Party.

It was a gathering of friends, family and fans alike. As people caught up with one another organ music filled the air. Then, all of a sudden: SCREEEEEEETCH! It was the sound of a record player needle ripping across vinyl.

'I ain't knocking the hymns,
Just give me a song that has a beat.
I ain't knocking the hymns,
Just give me a song that moves my feet.
I don't like none of those funeral marches
I ain't dead yet!'

What followed was a wonderful montage of music, photographs, and videos of Larry throughout his life. Friends and family spoke and there were a few performances. After it was all over we ate hot dogs, popcorn and Cracker Jacks! A party. Just like Larry wanted.

Thanks to Charles and Kristin for your efforts! I'm thinking of you.



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Anonymous

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Who performed?

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Anonymous

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Thanks for letting us know!  Was Randy Stonehill there?  Did anyone sing?



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L.A. Hart

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I was at the funeral today...also I flew in from Atlanta last night...this was somthing to remember...we had a party and Larry...is at the everlasting party!!!
I can not remember the name of Larrys neighbor who played the guitar and sang...excellent..can somone refresh my memory...Thanks



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Anonymous

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randy stonehill was not there as far as i know.

kristin and silver performed a song that larry had always loved in his honor.

it was more about the montage of music/video as well as hearing people like denny fridkin (people!) and steve pettis. (dear friend)...those who were really close to larry....share their fond, funny and sweet memories about him.

of note: really neat video sent in from frank black/black francis of the pixies citing how much he'll remember larry's smile as well as saying how much of an influence larry had on him.

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Anonymous

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I was at the party as well - what an honor to see Larry's life celebrated by his friends.  It truly was a celebration.  I don't remember the guy's name who played (great slide/blues guitar).  Kristin and Silver also played (including a Norwiegan folk song!).  And Larry's 2 sisters sang a duet together.  But as the previous post said, it was focussed more on video montages of Larry's life and ministry, as well as personal stories from his friends and family.

It was great to meet Charlie, who I've heard so much about, but had never met.  And I also met Gene Mason from People!, who chatted for about 10 minutes about the early days with Larry.  How cool is that!  Larry would have enjoyed seeing everyone get together, eating hotdogs and popcorn, as well as boxes of Crackerjacks. 

Thanks Charlie and Kristin (and others) for all you did to pull it together, and to let us who didn't really know Larry personally to be part of it.  It was a great tribute to a great man who served and an even greater God.  Now, I need to go and finish of that box of Crackerjacks with my family!

Chris Dunlop
Gresham, OR

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Steve from MI

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How awesome. The transition from the funeral march. The invites and goodies. Larry would haved loved it and perhaps planned it  this way. I so wish I could have been there. Larry's music brought me to the Lord 30 years ago. His songs have always inspired me and help me thru hard times. Knowing his sense of humor, I am sure he appreciated the theme and mood of this gathering. Tears and laughter. Love to you Larry and all you friends and fans. He will guide us in another land. I hope we'll all be ready. God Bless.  

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Tom from southern Cal

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Greg, thanks for sharing this about the service for Larry.  Even though I saw him in concert I never had the chance to meet Larry , but I surely will some day!!  I've been reading all of these posts and it is so wonderful to hear from so many, many people who's lives have been changed through the Lord using Larry's music.

As Jesus said..."...he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies." 

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Anonymous

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Mark Lemhouse was the slide guitar player who played and spoke about Larry.

Chris Dunlop



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Anonymous

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Does anyone know the English gentleman's name (Pete something) that ministered over Larry's service or what the connection between them was. Was he in a band, does he pastor a church? I wasn't clear. He was pretty funny and delivered a strong solid message. Thanks!

Roger Smith
Keizer OR

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Robb

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Just a note to say thanks to all for gathering and commenting on these boards as a community of family and friends and fans of Larry.  And thanks for the accounts of his homegoing service yesterday.  And now we each can reach for a box of Cracker Jacks to celebrate his life and legacy--what a fun way to remember our funny, faithful, remarkable brother in Christ!  I'll be hopin' my prize is a one-way pin, but a smiley face would be nice, too.  He pointed us to heaven and made us smile :)

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Barry

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I looked around for other musicians who were later connected with Larry, but I didn't see any. I may have missed someone.

As we were being seated and waited for the service, it hit me more than a little strangely that there was a guy playing organ music on the synth. My eyes kept returning to him. All of a sudden, the loud ripping of vinyl made me jump. Then, Larry's song...Aha. It's a trick....

The whole service was very positive. Thank you Charles, Kristin and group for putting this together so quickly.

The fitting ending was just an audio of Larry singing something about saying Goodbye to all of his friends. He knew where he was going. He knew his Lord.

What a message - the whole service was.

Blessings....

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Marianne

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I heard he died of heart failure, but he was so young!  Does anyone have more details?  Thanks.

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Steve, UK

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The service sounds like it was so marvellous, I really wish I was there... although rest assured that I WAS there in spirit, I made myself available from 1800hrs GMT when I knew it was occurring.

Does anyone know if the event was offically filmed? I would love to be able to share in the event ... if Charles and Kristin ever decide to make it avaialble to all of Larry's multitudes of admirers worldwide. For every one who attended I'm sure there were a hundred who would've wanted to be (just count the numbers writing on this board!), but the distance wouldn't allow.

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Anonymous

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here is a link showing the program that was passed out as people walked into the service....

http://mayberrychurch.com/images/norman_front.jpg

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doretta

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Marianne,

About 15 years ago, Larry had suffered two fairly serious heart attacks. He has endured several by-pass surgeries, but he has been failing for a while now. It was a miracle that he was able to perform at all at his 60th birthday party, and I can't believe he made the trip to NY in August. He had an AMAZING spirit and ability to perservere. Of course, his entire life was about perservering...through emotional and physical difficulties, wasn't it?

If you do a google search, you'll find many articles about him -- the Reuters (Billboard) one gives some good details. Larry was a longtime friend of mine, and I am so happy for him! (Really sad for Margaret, Michael, Silver, Charles, Kristen, etc., but happy for him!) God Bless,

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Keith

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Filmed
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From what I heard, it was filmed and I would expect that it would be available when they get done editing and all that stuff. It was a great time of remembering and all! The Statesman paper person took some great stills. They are available to see at http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=J0&Date=20080301&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=803010805&Ref=PH&Profile=1001&Params=Itemnr=12&template=galleryalt

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Keith

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Pastor
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I thought he said they called him "Sharpie" or something like that, I didn't get a chance to ask him. He was good though. I understood he was a good friend of Larry's from the Portsmith area over in England.

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Anonymous

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RE: just back from Larry's service in Salem.....
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Anonymous wrote:


here is a link showing the program that was passed out as people walked into the service....

http://mayberrychurch.com/images/norman_front.jpg


Very cool. Thanks for showing that.



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Jonathan Collins

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I know he has had heart problems for at least 15 years.  My dad and I went to a "benefit" concert for him when I was in High School.  We drove more than 350 miles to see him!  One of the best memories of my life.  My dad, Larry and God...Doesn't get any bett than that!

Jonathan
jc4charlie@att.net



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Ruth T

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Hey, Charles, Allen, all family,

As I type this I'm on my lunch break here in LA.

All of you were such an important part of my teenage years.   Up in San Jose, I remember meeting with you guys occasionally, after church, at the Upstart Crow, at concerts.  It was a blast, and most importantly a time that I began to take my Christianity seriously.  Larry's ministry was a big part of that.

At one point my friend Bret and I could sing both sides of In Another Land complete with spaces between the songs, in perfect sync.  On albums, of course.  I could probably still do it, but don't have the turntable to check it... My point is that I have years' worth of memories of Larry and lyrics and friendships, and so nothing I could say would summarize anything.  We're still moving, farther up and farther in.  

Mainly, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families at this sad time.

With love,
Ruth T.

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Arnie Teppo

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His two sisters sang a song acapella that he wrote about the circus when he was a child. It was great!

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jj johnnie james

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Does anyone know where Larry was buried, and maybe have any pictures of the grave site.

peace
jj

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Larry Norman -> Larry Norman -> just back from Larry's service in Salem.....