Larry Richard Link

Larry Richard Link, age 86, of Cottonwood, Arizona, succumbed to illness due to complications from Covid-19, in the comfort of his own home and surrounded by his family on December 5, 2021. Despite his poor health in recent years, he continued to live deliberately and do many of the things that made him happy. Throughout his life, Larry proved himself to be a wonderful and dedicated father, brother, son, grandfather and friend. Above all, he was a man of deep faith, honor, respect and love for his family. He has touched and enriched all our lives in so many inspiring ways, and he taught us that it is never too late to live your best life. 

Born in Phoenix, AZ on September 27, 1935, he was the oldest son of the late Louis John Link and the late Edith Katherine Link. He was also predeceased by his younger brother, Ralph Thomas Link. Larry graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Phoenix in 1953. He played sports and was a member of the football team, as well as an Academic Knight of the Altar all four years. He pursued his education by first attending Phoenix College from 1953-55 where he received his AA degree in Business Administration and Management, and then continued his studies at Arizona State University. Larry had a true love and devotion to his country. As a proud patriot, he joined the Armed Forces as a member of the Army Selective Services from 1957 until 1963. Through his brother Ralph’s then girlfriend, Rosemary (later wife), Larry met Elizabeth Matz from California and they married on September 5, 1959. They went on to have five children and built a great life in Rowland Heights, CA. 

Larry began his career in California as a medical insurance claims underwriter working for Western and Southern Life Insurance Company. He continued to work his way up the ladder, and settled in at Alexander and Alexander, Inc., where he worked for 20 years consulting employer groups as an Assistant Vice President. But Larry was not all about work. He was busy raising a family and exploring every lake he could drop a fishing line. He was an avid outdoor sportsman, enjoying fishing, boating, hunting, basketball, and golf. Camping and RV travel became a true passion as he loved to visit campgrounds across the country. He was also a devoted sports fan, cheering on weekends at home or in the stands for the Lakers, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Kings, Rams and the Arizona Cardinals. He also enjoyed gardening, growing his own vegetables, planting and caring for fruit trees, and tending to flowers that he loved to display in the house. He was a collector of many things, a genealogical researcher of the family tree, and a storyteller extraordinaire. He enjoyed and took pride in going to sporting events, plays, and presentations put on by his grandchildren and grand nieces and nephews. He was a kind, loving, and exceptional grandfather and uncle. Most importantly, Larry was a spiritual man who supported many charitable organizations. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. On his final day, he was surrounded by his children, who he adored more than anything else in the world, and they knew this because he never failed to let them know they were loved.

He is survived by his son Gregory Link of Two Rivers, WI; daughters Maryann (Lawrence) Goodkind of Yorba Linda, CA; Loriann (Brett) Ritz of Kewaunee, WI; Edeanne (Diego) Carrillo of Eastvale, CA; and Teriann (Gary) Hughes of Hermosa Beach, CA; and his youngest brother, Ken (Barbara) Link of Cottonwood, AZ. He was the proud grandfather to 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the people at Maggie’s Hospice and Comprehensive Care Management in Cottonwood for their loving care and support during his final days. 

Rosary Services and Military Honors are planned for Saturday, January 15, at 10:30 AM at Westcott Mortuary in Cottonwood, AZ.

Funeral Services in California are pending.