How do you begin to thank a man and his family who have been such a blessing for over four decades and made such an incredible impact? I met Larry, Kandi and Jeff in 1980. Michelle’s debut came the next year.

Larry was a dashing looking husband and Kandi was the perfectly match gorgeous wife. They were a stunning looking couple in 1980 and remained the same youthful looking couple throughout the decades.

My original role with the Yacks was the neighbor babysitter. However, as with everything “Larry and Kandi”, that role quickly turned into part of the family. In addition to being their babysitter, I was included on the awesome Yack vacations. I had never been on a family vacation, never skied, never been outside Colorado, and never been on an airplane. Larry had no hesitation, “I’ll teach you to ski”. Little did I imagine he would teach me to ski WHILE he skied with Michelle (in her adorable midget goggles) in a child carrier. Jeff, Michelle and I had pizza for dinner and spent the evening in the indoor/outdoor pool in Vail while Larry whisked Kandi off to a lovely dinner a few steps above pizza. As usual, Larry and Kandi were very smart and way ahead of their time in thinking (bring babysitter, spend a lot of the vacation with the kids, but have some couple time!).

Disneyland and Sea World in California with the Yacks, my next adventure, was beyond awesome. So many great memories (seriously – I could fill up several pages – blankie, Dumbo ride, Peter Pan, canoe, Boysenberry Daquiri, dolphin stroller, Sea World shows, etc.).

I went from junior high to high school and Larry went from being an employee to starting his own practice with Ira Gorman. I was so clueless then about how hard and risky this was for both of them – solid income vs “hey, hopefully we will have clients”. Larry and Ira were pioneers and created such an amazing practice (more about this soon).

For all of you who love HGTV, Larry and Kandi were the original HGTV. The European water tank ABOVE the toilet – done! Some Laura Ashley wallpaper blue/white in the “primary” bedroom then have the reverse in the “primary” bathroom – done! Jeff’s bedroom with Peanuts characters on the wall and Michelle’s bedroom with a gymnast! Wait, you want to wainscots and paint the center island in your kitchen? Of course, it will look great! In all 3 homes (and one temporary apartment), there was never a question that they were full designed, decorated, and remodeled by Larry and Kandi.

In high school while Kandi and I took turns at aerobics at South Suburban at 5:30am, Larry was, perhaps, jumping over a certain fence, around a certain neighborhood pool, to swim his laps at 5am. Larry had picked me up in many vehicles over the years. First, I believe, a yellowish Datsun rear-wheel drive truck. Kandi’s “Granada”. Then the lovely blue station wagon. Next, the Jeep Cherokee which I believe spent more time in a shop than actually running. However, what did run was their Alaskan Malamute, Cognac. I’ll just say I’d get picked up to babysit while Larry was “running” Cognac. So thankful Nextdoor did not exist then. Larry understood how much Cognac loved to run and did what he could to ensure Cognac had enough running time. Next, two minivans (Plymouth Voyagers, one with the lovely woodgrain side panels). I remember the duct tape on a side mirror. What finally dawned on me was how unflappable Larry was. Larry was like water on a duck – just resilient. Always happy and any craziness around him just rolled off like water rolling off of a duck.

At this point Larry and Kandi were volunteering a lot of hours to help raise money to support Jeff and Michelle’s sports activities. Many insane late evenings and early mornings doing BINGO in smoke filled BINGO halls to offset the high costs of the kids’ activities. Typical Larry, instead of complaining, he would provide an entertaining story.

By this point also, the Yacks were the talk of Homestead Farms. Between the infamous Spook House (wait, you are turning your garage, starting at the beginning of October, into a one-night fabulous Halloween event with hot chocolate?) and THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS HOUSE inside and out (well before Christmas Vacation, although we loved watching that movie). Seriously, Santa, sleigh & reindeer on top of the roof and 10+ fully decorated Christmas trees with DIFFERENT themes inside? Of course, they won an outside holiday decoration contest! Duh!

During college, after experiencing a crappy roommate, Larry and Kandi invited me to live with them. Again, a fabulous opportunity. They had date nights and Jeff, Michelle and I did homework! BTW, you can’t beat sleeping in flannel Santa Claus sheets in December!

Unfortunately for me, after college I was able to experience the amazing PT practice of Larry and Ira, not once, but several times. I had four car accidents in 3 years where I was in a stationary vehicle. Ugh! Thank goodness for Homestead Park Physical Therapy!

Although Larry worked hard and, sometimes kind of liked playing golf and enjoying sports, he knew how to pull off a romantic gesture. After “Beauty and the Beast” was in movie theaters, he asked me if I’d watch Jeff and Michelle while he took Kandi on a special trip to Disney World (I believe for an anniversary vacation). Before the internet, he’d bought the airline tickets but was upgrading them to First Class. His plan was as they walked to First Class, he’d stop and motion to their row and tell Kandi to “Be our guest” ala “Beauty and the Beast”. Larry had booked their stay at one of the standard Disney World Hotels. However, at the end of their trip he was moving them to a few nights at the exquisite Grand Floridian Hotel. So typical Larry – he’d appear sometimes to be clueless but then pull off a fabulous gesture.

I enjoyed 7 Disney vacations that included the Yacks with the last 3 vacations with my children. Over the years as Larry was efficiently planning teaching trips and some relaxation time, he’d call me and ask if certain dates would work for Kandi to stay with us in Colorado and then for him to join on his way back. I so appreciated how cost effective and efficient he could be. I’d always get a chuckle, especially when my kids were older, how Larry could just join a conversation, and somehow make the most truthful, yet hilarious statement. Kandi would either roll her eyes or say, “Awww, Larry!” and the rest of us would be laughing hysterically.

Larry, I am going to miss you immensely. Although there are certainly times you might have driven a few people around you nuts, at the end of your 69 years on this Earth, YOU WERE A ROCKSTAR! I look back over the last 40+ years, and subtracting a few golf outings (LOL!) and enjoying some sports, you were a very hard worker who constantly upped his job knowledge. You showed Denver how to properly shovel snow using your legs, not your back. However, above all, almost everything in your life revolved around your beautiful and amazing bride Kandi and your equally stunning and incredible children Jeff and Michelle. Thank you to the moon and back for allowing me to be part of your life and your family’s life.

I hope in Heaven you found (or created) some great golf courses, have wonderful golf shoes and the best golf clubs. I’m sure you will give God all of your great tips and stories! All of us left behind are missing you immensely. Someday we will rejoin Larry Yack, the wonderful husband, father, Physical Therapist who loved his family, golf, sports, work, Disney, Halloween, Christmas, and everyone else in his life. Thank you for being such a blessing to so many people!

PS – Really bummed Beri, Baxter, Mark and I didn’t have one more outing with you. As the song goes, “.. you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” is appropriate. You were a treasure and will be missed so much. We love you Larry and we will be here for your precious Kandi, Jeff, Vi, Michelle, John and Betty.