I can't even begin to describe the importance that Dr. Austin's teaching and friendship played in my life.  I learned more in his beginning psychology class than I did in college and medical school combined.  One of my first memories as a high school student was visiting him during lunch hour, and once he learned of my interest in becoming a physician, he began to write down every single medical school I should apply to - most of which were Ivy League schools.  Years later, his letter of recommendation helped me gain admission to one of those schools.  He visited my wife, Lisa, and me a couple of times over the years as he traveled the US, staying with friends along the way.  I could talk to him for hours about any subject:  science, religion, politics, philosophy.  It didn't matter.  I thought of him every day and regretted not picking up the phone to tell him all of this — but I think he knew.  A great teacher, a great man, and a great friend.  This is a loss that affects thousands.  RIP Mr. Austin.  Thank you for allowing me to share some time with you.

A memory that stands out for me is during the phase when children are afraid of monsters. I remember my dad tucking me in and me telling him I was afraid a monster was going to get me. He took a penny out of his pocket and he kissed it. He told me it was a love penny and what I do is put it under my pillow and it would protect me and keep me safe. It was genius. After that when I was feeling scared I would occasionally ask my dad for a love penny. I believed in its power because I believed in the power of love, my dad’s love.

I love you Dad. I will miss you.

Pastor Larry Austin will be missed. Back in 1986 Larry Married us at first  Presbyterian Church in Farmington hills Michigan.  Joel and Kelly Eaton (Davis) 🙏♥️

I'll never forget Larry, As a teacher and mentor he taught me to move the edges of my understanding and to question the narrow constraints of my own boundaries. He showed me it was possible to simultaneously think bigger and undergo rigorous self-reflection in any given moment. Under his influence I have lived a life of adventure, getting away from small town thinking and exploring the world. I lost touch over the years with this amazing man. But his influence will live on in  my descendants.

I was raised Mormon, my mother's closest friend was Catholic, and my mentor - Larry - was the local Presbyterian Minister. When I was twelve, and ordained a Deacon in the Mormon church, I was walking home from my Bishop's interview and my mentor waved me over to ask how it went. I told him it went fine – and he said he wanted to see how prepared I was, and he ushered me inside, pulled a set of scriptures – including a Book of Mormon – off of the shelf, and proceeded to ask me all the same questions my Mormon Bishop just had, including about all the things I was to have memorized, like the Articles of Faith. I sweat it a bit, but managed to answer all of his questions. I asked him where he got the Book of Mormon, and he said "You guys drop them off here all the time. Tell your mom I want to invite you all to dinner to celebrate your achievement."

At dinner with the two families, I sat there eating mashed potatoes and wondering what it was all for. Finally I couldn't stand it and just blurted out, "Larry! You're the Presbyterian Minister! Why did you invite my family to dinner to celebrate my becoming a Mormon Deacon?"

He looked at me, smiled, and gave the answer that transformed my life, then and since: "We are celebrating YOUR progression in YOUR faith. That's what matters most to me."

That has been what mattered most to me about the beliefs and practices of my friends, my family, and in pursuit of my own spiritual answers to questions that are meaningful to me. And I credit that to Larry and his influence. I will miss him dearly.

Larry was our Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Farmington during the  ‘80’s.  He baptized our youngest daughter Sara back in 1986.   
After Larry left 1st Pres. he was a strong supporter of the Samaritan Counseling Center, where I started working.  He had served in its Board of Directors and was good friends with our Executive Director Dr. Wesley Brun.  Therefore, I had the opportunity occasionally to see him or speak with him on the phone.  But lost touch after I retired myself.
Call it a “God Moment” when a number of years ago as Larry stopped in when driving by our church, that I just happened to be in the church office.  It was wonderful to catch up with him, all that he was doing and learn more about the family. 
He will truly be missed.  
 “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Rob & Sally Kirsten

He was a good Man, always liked  him,use to call him for Funeral Services, always  a good service. RIP.

I will miss you, Uncle Larry :( I’m so happy you had a relationship with Jesus before you left this Earth. That’s the most important thing, I love you

I was a non-traditional—older—student at Oakland Community College where I took Dr. Austin's Ethics class during the winter semester of 1999. His teaching stye was refreshing as he was more interested in having his students learn and practice ethics than having them focus on their grades. I’ve tried to emulate that style as an instructor. 
At some point Dr. Austin invited me to lunch across the street from the college at Jimi’s.  He ordered bacon and eggs. I ordered a salad, lettuce, tomato and cucumber, oil and vinegar. Those orders never changed. 
So, a Presbyterian minister and an Orthodox Jew sat down for a conversation which would last for years.  It seems to me that he asked me more questions than I did of him. We talked about practices, beliefs, and philosophies within Judaism and Presbyterianism. I forewarned him that as he was asking me about my `practices, that my answers were mine. I made it clear that I couldn’t necessarily speak for other members of the Jewish community. We both laughed.  We shared a lot of laughter. 
As time moved on we reached different stages. He discussed retirement and was doing funerals. Too many funerals.  I went from being a student to being a teacher. During our time together the teacher and the student shared ideas and often exchanged roles, learning much from each other. Dr. Austin became Larry.  We simply became Larry and Larry.  
In time, we brought our wives Linda and Rita together. The four of us enjoyed some good times.  Unfortunately, and I don’t know why, Larry and I stopped meeting, the conversation ended. My thoughts and memories of our discussions never will. Larry Austin remains my teacher, a mentor, and my friend. 
 A message to Larry. Please say hi to our friend Moshe. Send him my best.  

Linda,  Rita and I send our deepest condolences to you and your  family.

Dear Linda, Chris, Kate, and the entire family,

I am going to dearly, dearly miss Uncle Larry. He filled Alex’s and my childhood with laughter and adventure, whether giving us noogies and making us “beg for mercy” or taking us on little adventures that made us feel loved and special. His brilliance as a teacher and philosopher touched so many, but what stands out most to me is how much time, joy, and love he gave to us.

With love,
Avery & Satoko

I met Larry in 1975 in Snowflake, Arizona, where he was beginning work as a high school teacher, and I was 16 years old, having recently returned to the USA after growing up in Australia.  I  joined his  new Creative Writing Club. He first became my teacher, then my mentor, and then my friend. I could write a small book about the impact he has had on my life, but have to stick to the 2000 character limit. The relationship which began that day at Snowflake High School continued to grow over the decades with regular letters, occasional visits, and countless phone calls. He is one of THE key figures in my life. Many of the books which are still on my bedside bookshelf were recommended by Larry back in my high school days. When I (hopefully) get to Heaven and meet up with Larry again, I'm not sure what I will say, but I am pretty sure his first words will be "Jonathan Massey! What have you been reading?" My prayers are with Linda and his entire family.

Sending deepest sympathy to Linda and the Cairo family. May you find peace and comfort in your memories of Larry. After only seeing him on a few occasions, he exuded kindness and compassion for everyone.

Carolyn, Alex, and Avery - Larry was so dear to me and an inspiration. He guided me into social work which has been my life blood for nearly 30 years. He shared many of his pearls of wisdom with me that shaped and changed my life. I am so saddened by his loss. I will not be able to attend the service because I will be out-of-town, but my heart goes out to all of you. Larry is truly irreplaceable. Much love and care - Cheryl (Fregolle) Vaughn 🌹

I will miss you! I enjoyed our years of working together at St. Andrew's. Maestro Gerald H. Goslin

We are so sorry for your loss and hold your family in our hearts and prayers 🙏♥️✝️ Larry was, and always will be, a cherished friend and colleague in ministry, serving our Lord faithfully and with great compassion for all. We will miss you, Larry, and look forward to the great reunion on the other side of life. ~ Rev. Renee and Joe Machiniak

OBITUARY

Larry Richard Austin

August 13, 1945 – August 23, 2025

A.H. Peters Funeral Home

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