Editor’s note: We asked fellow KTVB friends to share their memories of Larry Gebert who passed away peacefully Friday, April 1st. Donations in Larry’s honor can be given to IdahoCF.org.
MARK JOHNSON – “I’ve known Larry since 1996 when I came back to Boise. In that 26 year span, we worked together hundreds of times on events that spanned everything from the rodeo to the Boise River Festival, from parades, telethons, Boise State pregame shows to countless non-profit galas and so much more.
He was much more than a work colleague. He was a friend who I would often sit down with when I had a spare 20 minutes at the station to ask him how he was doing. What followed would always make me smile as he spun yarns about his day, his month and his life experiences. It’s often said there will never be another (add name here)….but those who knew him know that there will NEVER be another Larry Gebert.”
MAGGIE O’MARA – “He welcomed me right away when I joined the morning team as a young, rookie anchor. He invited me over to join his family for the holidays when I was single and had no family here of my own. I have the best memories of Larry's famous turkey & stuffing at Thanksgiving, and his famous Prime Rib at Christmas. His wife Julie and his three sons, Austin, Mike and David, welcomed me with open arms. They always made me feel like family. Their house was filled with love. They were his heart.
You need to know, Larry loved this community, and all of you, our viewers, more than anything. He dedicated his life to raising money for nonprofits and highlighting community events. That was what brought him the most joy. This community was his soul.”
DOUG PETCASH – “Larry had such a love for our community. He emceed and/or auctioneered countless events helping to raise millions of dollars for nonprofits. He once told me he did about 80 or so events each year.
The first time I helped organize a fundraiser for the Meridian Food Bank, Larry volunteered to emcee it before I even asked, and I was about to ask, because he was the best. That’s just the kind of guy he was. One of my favorite things I did with Larry every year was the 7Cares Idaho Shares Fred Meyer Toy Shopping Spree to benefit the Salvation Army of Twin Falls. It felt good to team up to help the kids, and it was always a nice drive there and back with plenty of good conversation, and probably one or two of Larry’s long stories that he was well known for.”