Larry Harvey: A Fatherly Storyteller
Larry Harvey’s legacy as the visionary founder and philosophical muse of Burning Man will be preserved in the cultural zeitgeist as legend.
Our society is better because of this man. A few points:
He was a hero for the very idea of belonging, and made us all feel welcome in being a part of something much bigger than ourselves.
He may have started Burning Man, but every bit of it, even its meaning, was a blank canvas for the participants to project what they needed from it.
His benevolence and altruism burned bright to preserve the longevity of the movement he started. With Larry, it was all sacred.
I had the honor to work with Larry and Burning Man as a communications advisor. We developed a very meaningful friendship — even exchanging snail mail as pen pals when I moved back to the Midwest.
In the death of my dear friend, I want to share some stories and observations about this wonderful, brilliant, and compassionate man that I will never forget. I hope this story is a glimpse into the side of Larry Harvey that I experienced and loved.
May he ever rest, and always burn, in peace.
A FATHERLY STORYTELLER
In the Burning Man headquarters there is a photo of Larry Harvey holding up and reading a children’s book to a group of Burners sitting on the ground around him.
With his iconic stetson hat, Larry took on the archetype of a Mr. Rogers-like character but for adults. Or, near adults. ;)
The photo above embodies how I feel about Larry:
as a fatherly storyteller to so many of us that needed him.
In Larry Harvey I met a kindred spirit who served as my father-figure.
And why not? He was cool, smart, wise, open to new ideas, stylish, cultured, artsy, embraced individuality, and had built — hello! — Burning Man. He was also humble, principled, moral, hard working, and conscious.
In his soul and in his actions — at his core foundation — he was a good man.
Larry was always gracious with his time and attention. He would spend hours and hours with me telling stories and answering my endless questions. In me he found a patient listener, a person he could talk politics with from another perspective, and deep respect.
He was genuinely curious in the life of those around him. He was affectionate to those he loved, and he cared about us.
I liked to be around Larry. He had a calm and peaceful aura that extended to fill a room. It was warmth, acceptance, authority, and even a touch of magic.
Just like dad. ❤️
I believe in life we are destined to connect with one or two people to help us transform into who the world needs us to be.
Larry Harvey was this man for me.
Thank you, Larry.
🔥❤️
Working with Larry and Burning Man
I met Larry the year that tickets to Burning Man first sold out.
I had attended Burning Man the year prior to meeting Larry and was surprised at how orderly and well-managed the event was. It was so much more than a ‘party in the desert’ which is what I had read about online.
When I heard about the ticketing issue, I sent an email to the Jack Rabbit Speaks offering any help I could offer. Marian Goodell answered, we met up, and then we started working together.
Over those few years I was honored to lead and support various communications projects for Burning Man.
Working with Larry, Marian and the entire Burning Man team at such a critical moment was extraordinary. The work was difficult, impactful and fun. They are salt of the earth world changers.
And without that opportunity, I never would have developed such a close relationship with Larry. Thank you, Marian and the Burning Man family!
I am very grateful to have known Larry Harvey.
He changed my life as he did many others.
I met him when I needed him.
He was there for me.
May he ever rest, and always burn, in peace.
Read More on Larry Harvey’s Death and Legacy
The Man in the Hat, Larry Harvey, Passes
By Marian Goodell
In Memoriam: Larry Harvey, 1948–2018
By Stuart Mangrum
David All is the founder and CEO of storytelling agency, OneNineNinety. Based in Los Angeles and Columbus, OneNineNinety is building great brands with great stories. Follow his personal story at davidall.com.
