So as I arrived home on December 1st I missed a few phone calls due to not hearing it in my pocket while driving home. I looked at my phone and just as I was about to call back, I got a text informing me that someone I worked with had passed away. I was stunned, literally shook beyond what I ever expected. With the digital age, text messages came in, facebook updates and twitter updates. I looked online and to my horror the news was there, a male motorcycle rider passes away due to accident in Folsom.
Larry Schumacher was a Best Buy Car Installer. I worked with Larry for over 2 years while at the store. We butted heads a lot, which is what happens when you’re a manager trying to manage overtime and work of installers. Anyone working with installers know that line of give and take there. But one thing of all those times we didn’t see eye to eye never did we have a unprofessional conversation or animosity between eachother. Larry was good at this job and did what he thought was best to try and be the best. I knew that and respected that. He knew the same about me as well. So regardless of not agreeing on many things at work, we got along well with so many other things. After I left the company and stopped by for their inventory, Larry and I had a good conversation. He was wondering what my plans were and wished me luck and thanked me for helping him when I was there. I did the same and sadly that was my last interaction with him.
It is amazing how a passing can awaken you and disturb you to your very soul. If you worked for Best Buy you know that it is like a small High School, plenty of gossip and drama, but what makes it different is that people generally like eachother and consider one another family. We are used to spend more time at work then with our family, so it’s natural to gravitate towards your work friends. Also working with the company for so long in so many stores in the area, its amazing how far a passing reaches. It is one of those things that upset you, but the also makes you proud how the group pulls together in a time of mourning.
The best thing is that nobody has tarnished his image or said negative about him riding. My .02 about that is if you ride just be safe and smart. You know better then I do on what that is, but just for the fact that this year alone I know of 3 people that perished from riding a bike has made it official that I will never be riding.
You will be missed Larry. You were a great co-worker. A great installer. A great friend. A great person. You made others lives better and know that so many people will be missing your presence. Rest in peace.
