Former District 23 Director, Larry D. Buelow, passed away on March 7, 2019, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Larry Buelow

Born on February 22, 1946, Larry had just celebrated his 73rd birthday a few weeks prior. He was well known around the Toastmasters district as an impactful speaker, caring leader, and compassionate mentor.

Along with his love of Toastmasters, Larry enjoyed running and especially working with refugee resettlement in New Mexico, which he considered his life’s passion. He was also well known for sharing a nice bottle of wine or a new beer that he’d found.

Larry was a member of Marketing Masters Toastmasters, DTM Think Tank, Taylor Ranch Toastmasters, and Tumbleweeds. In the latter two clubs, he attended with his wife Ellen Buelow, also a Toastmaster.

“I appreciated Larry’s leadership style and his openness to others’ differences,” said District Director Jenny Zappone. “He has been a stalwart member of District 23 for a long while and he leaves a hole. I will miss my friend.”

“I am so blessed that I was able to work with Larry in the trio,” said Program Quality Director Clifford Colvin. “His authenticity and drive were inspirational. He was a natural mentor to anyone around him and he helped me grow immensely in my leadership skills. His unwavering dedication to our mission made District 23 a better place. I will miss my friend and mentor.”

“Larry had an amazing ability to connect with people and to make them a part of his circle of friends,” said International Director Tracy Thomason. “Larry treated everyone like they were a part of his inner circle; he made everyone feel special. We’re all better for having known him. Thank you, Larry. We’ll miss you.”

“He impacted every life in his orbit,” said Past District Governor Jim McCabe.

“Larry had a presence,” said Past International Director Donna Labatt. “He listened carefully and thoughtfully responded. You knew he was genuinely paying attention to you.”

“Larry made Toastmasters – and life – a celebration,” said Past District Governor TK O’Geary. “Though we will no longer see, hear, or talk with him, Larry’s support, challenges, and encouragement will remain with us. I raise a glass of wine in toast to my colleague and friend; you will be missed.”

“When Larry served as my Division B Director, he freely shared his exemplary leadership skills with his colleagues, Area Director teams, clubs and others that always enhanced, enriched and lifted our positive experiences as Toastmasters,” said Past District Director Natalie Waters. “I always found Larry to be a very open knowledgeable human being. A gentle soul with a depth of compassion towards causes dear to him. He was a gentleman with great ideas and a wonderful conversationalist. I will greatly miss Larry and his sweet spirit. My condolences to Ellen, his family, his fellow club members and friends. May God be a comfort to us all.”