Larry M. Friday

Larry Martin Friday, 74, of Taos, passed away Tuesday, June 23 at Holy Cross Hospital. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Martin "Jimmy" Friday, Dorothy Howell Gregston and his inlaws H.L. and Fern Galles (Papa and Gigi) and brother-in-law H. Lee Galles. He is survived by his wife, Judi Friday, daughters Debbie Friday-Jagers (Marty Jagers), Mary Friday (Eddie Joe Abeyta), Elizabeth "Betsy" Friday (Marc Skoda) and his 4 grandchildren, Joseph Jagers, Jackie Jagers, Adam Joseph "A.J." Abeyta and Leah Abeyta. He is also survived by his brother, David Gregston (Carla ) of Oregon, Rosie Bourzac (Paul) of Fresno,and his brother-in-law Rick Galles (Tina) of Albuquerque, sister-in-law Karen Mische (Lynd) of Kansas City and numerous nieces and nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins. He was also very blessed with many, many close friends. He was involved in his community supporting numerous civic projects such as CDBG, President of the Lions Club, Board of Directors of Western Bank of Taos, Past President of the Taos Chamber of Commerce, Chevrolet Dealer Council, Board Member of New Mexico Auto Dealer Association, and one of the original founders of the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally. He was a Mason, Shriner and a member of the Royal Order of Jesters. "Fuzzy" was very involved in auto racing as a driver and pit crew member of Unser-Galles-Friday Racing, and an accomplished pilot. He created the local roller rink, owned and operated a sawmill, and managed timeshare condominiums. He loved mowing his yard for everyone to enjoy and he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. Prior to his automotive career, Larry was a 4-star/4-year Letterman at Midland High School, a unique accomplishment. "Peanut", he graduated from Southwest Texas State College in San Marcos, TX. He was a Texas All Star Football Player in 1953. He was best known as the friendly car dealer "Aqui en Taos"! Services will be held on his lawn at the Friday home on Saturday, June 27th, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. All family and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Taos Volunteer Fire Department would be greatly appreciated.