Obituary by Norm Murray
Go in peace and, in the words of Jonathan Swift, "May you live all the days of your life!" - So ended the funeral service for Larry (Lawrence) Clifford Timberlake, Jr.
11.2.1943 – 27.9.2025
After a gradual decline in his health, Larry died at his home in Blockhouse Bay, still programming the TV to catch that day’s news from as many sources as possible.
Right to the end, he was determined to keep up with current events, as well as the lives and activities of his family and friends.
Larry was born In Louisville, Kentucky, the only child of Lawrence and Nellie Timberlake. He immersed himself in literary, theatrical and musical activities at Waggener High School, and won awards for journalism, acting and music.
After working as a Radio DJ and traffic manager at a TV station, he trained as a piano and organ technician and set up his own business in Austin, Texas.
In 1977 he came to NZ and for 25 years worked in the Audiovisual Department at Auckland University, embracing new technology as it appeared.
That’s where he met Susan, the illustrator for the Medical School, in the office next to his.
When they married in 1990, Larry became stepdad to Emma and later, Poppa to Ruby-Rose and Charlie.
Having arranged the music and officiated at his mother’s funeral in Louisville, Larry became a celebrant and an active member of the Auckland Branch of CANZ.
With Susan as graphic designer, he edited Panui for many years, working from their family business, Timberlake Studio. They made a huge contribution to the Association, for which we are very grateful.
Larry had a keen wit, a wonderful sense of the ridiculous and a delight in the simple things of life.
And to be absolutely sure that his funeral service was not what Larry might have wanted, but exactly what he wanted, except for the eulogy, he had written a complete script - including stage directions. (Thanks!)
Larry did, indeed, live all the days of his life.
