Slot racing has lost one of the premier innovators in design and construction. Larry Shephard passed away on September 30, 2011, in Arroyo Grande, CA, of natural causes. He was 74.
Larry was THE central figure authority in slot racing on the Central California Coast. A long-time resident of Arroyo Grande, California, Larry's work can be found world-wide. His proxy cars are located in many places in Europe. Larry was also well-known for his work in rewinding Pittman five-pole armatures. For locals, Larry is remembered for his outstanding performing slot cars back in those years. No matter who drove Larry's cars back in the '60s, they dominated every race. His enduro cars would outlast every one else back in the day. Larry's articles on scratchbuilding, bodies, and motors can be found all over the internet.
Larry was a gunsmith who worked out of his garage for many years. Linda, his wife, is a retired schoolteacher. They had no children. I asked Larry one time if he had children. He told me he was only kid in the family. One is enough!
Larry Shephard, 1936-2011
#1
Posted 04 October 2011 - 10:31 AM
?/?/1950-3/8/22
Requiescat in Pace
#3
Posted 04 October 2011 - 10:36 AM
Larry was a true enthusiast, one who made our hobby great.
Rest in peace.
Philippe de Lespinay
#4
Posted 04 October 2011 - 10:41 AM
Larry was one of the hobby's consummate craftsmen and designers. Just a nice, nice guy.
Rest in peace, Larry.
Gregory Wells
Never forget that first place goes to the racer with the MOST laps, not the racer with the FASTEST lap
#5
Posted 04 October 2011 - 11:10 AM
I wish I knew what to say...
#7
Posted 04 October 2011 - 11:15 AM
Mike Boemker
#8
Posted 04 October 2011 - 11:19 AM
Larry and I had done some trading of slot car related items over the years. A true gentleman of our hobby. I will miss those conversations we had, but will never forget how he always made you feel.
Rest in Peace, Larry
My sincere condolences to Linda.
Slots-4-Ever
Brian McPherson
REM Raceway
"We didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having FUN!"
#9
Posted 04 October 2011 - 11:32 AM
I never knew Larry personally, but when interested in vintage (and current) slot cars, his name popped up occasionally and his cars were always impressive and inspiring.
Niels, DK
Niels Elmholt Christensen, DK
www.racecars.dk - my Picasa Photos
#10
Posted 04 October 2011 - 11:33 AM
His cars always had 'that' look.
May he rest in peace...
The sad news just won't seem to stop.
LM
#11
Posted 04 October 2011 - 11:47 AM
Seems to be a day of bad news today...
Rick Bennardo
"Professional Tinkerer"
scrgeo@comcast.net
R-Geo Products
LIKE my Facebook page for updates, new releases, and sales: Rgeo Slots...
Lead! The easy equalizer...
#12
Posted 04 October 2011 - 11:55 AM
The diversity of the cars was amazing. Some old, some new, some fast, but all unique and VERY interesting. Ranging from trick Eurosport anglewinders to really-complicated inlines with all sorts of odd movement. I'm really glad I had the opportunity to check out just a small sample of his great cars.
I recently sent him some bits and pieces as he said he wanted to tinker some stuff together he had some ideas on and said he would send some pics. Too bad I won't get to see them.
Rest in peace, Larry, as you will be missed.
#13
Posted 04 October 2011 - 12:02 PM
P, could you please give us a history lesson?
#14
Posted 04 October 2011 - 12:39 PM
Barney Poynor
12/26/51-1/31/22
Requiescat in Pace
#15
Posted 04 October 2011 - 01:48 PM
It's unfortunate that his photos in the remaining threads that still exist were deleted by him. His how-to articles were quite good. A couple times, while getting ready to move, he sent me some of his surplus materials he thought I could use.
He was a great guy who will be missed by many.
I intend to live forever! So far, so good.
#16
Posted 04 October 2011 - 02:32 PM
He was a very cool guy... a true pioneer in slo tcars...
I'll miss chatting with him here on the blog.
RIP, my friend.
8/16/49-9/18/13
Requiescat in Pace
#17
Posted 04 October 2011 - 03:07 PM
In any event, I can't locate any pictures of Larry on the blog. Anyone have some they can post?
Gregory Wells
Never forget that first place goes to the racer with the MOST laps, not the racer with the FASTEST lap
#18
Posted 04 October 2011 - 03:40 PM
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#19
Posted 04 October 2011 - 03:45 PM
What a shock.
Don
#20
Posted 04 October 2011 - 03:55 PM
Larry was a very, very nice guy and one of the most imaginative builders and craftsmen I have ever encountered in the hobby.
Gregory Wells
Never forget that first place goes to the racer with the MOST laps, not the racer with the FASTEST lap
#21
Posted 04 October 2011 - 06:52 PM
Larry really was a terrific builder with a good imagination.
Mike Swiss
Inventor of the Low CG guide flag 4/20/18
IRRA® Components Committee Chairman
Five-time USRA National Champion (two G7, one G27, two G7 Senior)
Two-time G7 World Champion (1988, 1990), eight G7 main appearances
Eight-time G7 King track single lap world record holder
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#22
Posted 04 October 2011 - 09:22 PM
My condolences to his family.
Regards,
#23
Posted 04 October 2011 - 11:16 PM
Very sad! Great loss to the slot racing community.
Down Under Builder
#24
Posted 05 October 2011 - 05:45 AM
Remember, two wrongs don't make a right... but three lefts do! Only you're a block over and a block behind.
#25
Posted 05 October 2011 - 07:45 AM
I always followed the things he did on the forums. He was someone you could look up to and was always helpful with emails and comments. Too bad I never got to meet him!!
Ray