Larry "
Tree" Lonik
Tuesday, April 15, 2003: We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of our friend
Tuesday, April 15, 2003: We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of our friend |
Yes, unfortunately it is true. Larry was mushroom hunting with friends near Louisiana, MO. He got separated from them and the ATV became tangled in some vines which caused it to flip on top of him - with no noticeable injuries. At that point he righted the ATV and rode it back to meet his hunting partners. They then went to dinner. At dinner, Larry complained of being sore and remarked that he would probably be even sorer tomorrow. His friends insisted that he go to the hospital to be x-rayed for broken bones. While at the hospital he was joking with the nurse and then "seized" and died immediately. The coroner has listed the cause of death as heart failure. |
A memorial service for Larry was held on Sunday, June 1st, 2003 at Hudson Mills Metropark in Dexter, MI in the Rivergrove pavillion. |
Being 6' 7" tall, Larry was a giant among men. But, in a magic place I call Moreldom, he was gargantuan. Larry did more to promote morels than any other ten people I'm aware of. As many of you know, Larry and I were business associates. We had a very rare relationship in that, not only were we both customers and suppliers to each other, but we were friends. He often stayed overnight when traveling from one appearance to another. He joked that Magnolia seemed to be 4 hours from anywhere. He was last here on Tuesday, April 8 en route to Heartland Lodge near Nebo. He was overjoyed that he would soon be back out in the woods and shouted (with a na-na-na-na-boo-boo attitude) as he drove down the driveway, "I'll be pickin' mushrooms tomorrow". As always, we talked morels over a bottle of wine that night. Larry's dreams and goals were greater than ever and knew no limits. He and his business had so many facets, most people couldn't even comprehend keeping it all organized. Yet Larry managed it (with help from Shelly, Jan, and others) while being on the road five months of the year. Larry did much to help our company, Morel Mania, Inc., too. Without his mentoring and friendship, I would probably still have a "day job". Larry, mere words could never express the gratitude I feel having known you. Nor could they ever describe the void I feel realizing it may be a while before we go pickin' and grinnin' together again. Until then, Thank You and Shroom On. Tom Nauman, Morel Mania, Inc |
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Morel and other mushrooms products |
A state by state listing of sightings of our favorite fungi - since 1998 |
Articles about mushroom hunting |
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