Lawrence Thomas Boutin

August 4, 1954 – March 8, 2025

Lawrence Thomas Boutin lived a life as vibrant and varied as the gifts God bestowed upon him. Born on August 4, 1954, Larry’s journey began in the nurturing halls of St. Mel Catholic School, continued through Crespi High School, and saw him graduate from El Camino Real before earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Business from USC. Yet, these milestones were only the foundation of a life marked by boundless talent, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.

Few could match Larry’s spirit. Kind and generous, honest to a fault, he was quick-witted with a humor that could light up any room. A true friend—empathetic, reliable, and caring—he touched countless lives with his quiet strength and private grace. His talents were as diverse as they were impressive: a competitive swimmer who even competed in Hawaii, a runner we nicknamed “mountain goat” for conquering steep hills, a brown belt in karate, an expert skier, and a passionate backpacker. Music was his heartbeat—Larry wrote songs, played piano, and sang, performing across Los Angeles and releasing an album that even played on iconic radio stations. He founded a publishing company, a record company, and as a drum tech and road manager, he traveled the U.S. and Japan with a rock band, living a life few could imagine.

An entrepreneur at heart, Larry’s ventures were as bold as his spirit. He piloted planes as a flight instructor with instrument and multi-engine ratings, wrote computer code in the early digital age, dealt craps as a gambling expert, and launched the first company to produce t-shirts for chess tournaments—where he also competed. As a real estate broker, he guided many into their first homes, and later mastered the Futures markets. An avid reader and “information junkie,” Larry’s curiosity knew no bounds.

Above all, Larry’s love shone brightest in his devotion to family. After his father’s passing, he moved in to care for his mother and disabled sister. When his mother passed, Larry became her rock—offering near-constant support with a caregiver’s heart.

In his final decade, St. Mel Church became his sanctuary and his life’s center, a place where his faith deepened and his community grew.

On March 7, 2025, after a morning at church, Larry lay down for a nap and slipped peacefully into eternity, a slight smile gracing his face—a fitting farewell for a man who lived so fully. He left us devastated, yet forever grateful for the gift of his presence. Larry Thomas Boutin was a rare soul—a mountain goat, a melody maker, a servant of God, and a brother to all. We miss him terribly, but his light will shine on in our hearts and in the halls of St. Mel.

Larry is survived by his brother John and his two sisters, Jaime and Jana.