Obituary of Larry M. Rose, 73
Larry M. Rose.
– Larry M. Rose lived life with a spirited humor and unyielding passion that touched the lives of everyone he met. His legacy of laughter, love for cars, and commitment to family and friends will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. Larry was born in Detroit, Michigan, on July 25, 1950, and passed away on February 5, 2024, after a valiant battle with cancer.
Larry’s passion for cars, especially air-cooled Volkswagens, began when he was just 12 years old. By 14, he had already made his mark by winning the State Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, in August 1964. A graduate of Bowling Green High School in 1968, Larry simultaneously earned an automotive degree from Penta County Vocational School. With a natural aptitude for auto technology, Larry’s thirst for knowledge never waned, leading him to pass all the ASE certification tests without studying.
In 1978, with nothing more than a $50 pickup truck, his Harley, a toolbox, and just enough gas money for a possible round trip, Larry drove to Los Angeles, California. There, he worked for Volkswagen of America in emissions, developing a profound respect for engineers. He meticulously read manufacturers’ manuals cover to cover, always striving to understand the minds behind the designs.
By 1979, Larry and his friend Stan had established a thriving auto repair shop in Canoga Park. It was there he met seven friends who would become lifelong companions, all of whom later moved to San Luis Obispo County for various automotive endeavors. Larry’s second shop, European Motorworks, opened in 1981 next to Dan’s Economy Tire on Riverside in Paso Robles, was another testament to his expertise and dedication. After selling that shop, he earned a Class A with Hazmat and worked for Dirtman.
Larry married Romayne in 1999 in Atascadero, CA. He opened Auto Specialties on Riverside in Paso Robles, CA, where customers returned not just for his exceptional skills as a European auto mechanic but also for his fair, conscientious, and honest service. His charismatic wisecracks were legendary.
Larry and Romayne adopted two children and built their home on a property in Templeton. The family was very active with 4-H and the Boy Scouts of America, hosting campouts and scouting events. Larry’s passion for driving led him to spend ten years driving a school bus for Paso Robles, CA, schools, a job he claimed was the most challenging of all his driving vocations—and he loved every minute of it, especially the kids.
Larry is survived by his four children: Cindy, Kimberly, Larry, and April; and his three wives: Debbie Miller, Tammy Ozar, and Romayne Swanson. In accordance with Larry’s wishes, after cremation, he and his parents will be laid to rest at Templeton Cemetery.
If you wish, the family would appreciate donations to Wreaths Across America to honor our Veterans. National Wreaths Across America Day December 14, 2024. Please donate using Group ID: CA0591 Location ID: CASLUO 15548. www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
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