By Donovan Darling
The Mountain Times
It’s been five years since Larry Berteau passed away on June 14, 2019 in Saint-Brieuc, France, but he will be remembered for many years to come.
In his younger years, Larry worked for newspapers such as the Ashland Daily Tidings, the Springfield News-Register and the Tallahassee Democrat. He served four years in the Air Force and traveled widely, including France, and tagged along with the Marines during the Vietnam War. Larry was a jack-of-all-trades, working as an apprentice mortician, croupier, grocery clerk, bartender, as well as owning a film company and The Mountain Times. He was a huge San Francisco Giants and Portland Trail Blazers fan. Following his heart and spirit of adventure, he and his wife Frances, their dog, and two cats, moved to Mael Carhaix, France in 2015.
Larry was always impressed by the community on The Mountain and made many friends in the time he spent there. The following quotes are reprinted from the 2019 edition of The Mountain Times.
“Larry Berteau and I became friends when he and Fran purchased The Mountain Times from Lara and me. Being journalists and lovers of good food and wine, we had much in common. Larry was larger than life, with a wild sense of humor, a quick wit and a generous soul. Larry, I miss you. Rest in peace, man.” -Steve Wilent, former owner of The Mountain Times.
“Our visits, which always included kind but spirited debate, were a real treat. Larry was an American veteran, he cared about my family and our business and he was my friend. I am heart broken.” -Rick Applegate, Rhododendron
“Larry’s universe of giving and good nature was expansive, and I always considered myself so fortunate to have ended up in it somehow. The thought of his wild mustache and baritone laugh still brings a smile to my face. And without question, even in his absence, his universe of good nature and giving will continue to expand through all those who were lucky enough to enter it.” -Ned Hickson, former Mountain Times columnist
“Larry will be missed. While he and I sometimes disagreed philosophically, he was always willing to listen and respected alternative viewpoints. I wish there were more editors and owners of newspapers like him.” -Steve Graeper, Rhododendron CPO President
“I will always be proud to call Larry Berteau my friend! I will miss our “office meetings” at the Shack, where we were able to solve many of the world’s problems! You will always be remembered and I will always appreciate you for what you stood for, and your contribution to our community via The Mountain Times. You were fresh air, and I always made a point to take deep breaths when we spent time together. You lived your life with purpose and drive.”
—George Wilson, Zigzag