A requiem for Larry Bottjen

Writing an obituary for someone who is still very much alive can be enjoyable.

The photo above pretty much captures the essence of the life of Larry Bottjen. The exuberance and over the top energy is not in itself unique, however it is the consistent absence of any sense of propriety that makes Larry memorable. What is missing from the photo is the context. This photo of a Larry is from a Colony girl’s volleyball game on April 3, 1998. Although there were many people watching the game there was only one loud person – Larry.

After more than four decades, Larry Bottjen is leaving Alaska for Missouri. Missouri is an interesting choice. Due to his rapidly advancing age, infirmity is a factor. However, there is the puzzling issue of why Missouri? After all, this is the first known instance of someone deliberately moving to the State of Missouri in one hundred fifty two years. Larry claims it is a new adventure. Undoubtedly true. His new home is infested with chiggers, ticks and water moccasins.

The purpose of this article is not to question Larry’s judgment, that topic is established history. What is important is to note that the community will simply not be the same in his absence. Four more than forty years Larry Bottjen was one of the key people in the establishment and evolution of Valley Performing Arts. His grand finale – Mary Poppins, is currently playing out for record breaking crowds at the Glenn Massay Theater. As with every theatrical endeavor, Mr. Bottjen poured his heart and soul into the production of a great show.

Larry’s life started out humbly enough in Sioux City, Iowa. Deep down he sensed there was something more to America than corn. Although never a good shot, Larry became an avid hunter. His fishing skills rivaled his poor marksmanship, but again, enthusiasm trumped talent. He sensed Alaska was the place to be and he came to Palmer. He may have been lost, but he recognized a good place when he found it and established himself in this valley.

Larry first became a household personality in Alaska when he was the featured star in the “All I Saw” television commercials where he appeared in a white chef’s hat trying to sell plastic spoons. The same add ran for thirty seven years. Larry still wears the same hat every morning when he prepares his oatmeal.

Larry Bottjen raised three fine children in the Matanuska Valley. With less success, he also attempted to attain social respectability. Shooting spitballs and rubber bands at me during church services did not seem dignified. The questionable nature of his methods of worship were not enhanced by his poor aim and unintended elderly targets.

Larry’s endeavors to help others are usually plausibly well intentioned. Accepting “help” from Mr. Bottjen is always a complicated matter. For instance, when I ran for borough mayor, Larry volunteered to be my campaign manager. His methods always defy conventional wisdom. The week before the election he went on vacation. He later assured me that he would have voted for me if he had thought the outcome was going to be close.

After decades of not being invited to the best parties in town Larry decided to create his own. For two years he established the annual Botchkin Pond Party. He was proud of the high attendance rate although he did not know most of the people who showed up.

Larry Bottjen was arguably one of the best school teachers ever in the Matantuska-Susitna Borough School District. He was crucial to the many successes of the Valley Performing Arts. He has run a very successful business, DVD Technologies. He is a devoted Father. He is a patriot and sportsman. He is a wonderful friend. Larry and his wife Julie will be missed as they head south.

The Seward poet, Pat O’Cotter published a book of poetry in 1918. It is entitled Rhymes of a Roughneck.

The second to last poem in the book is entitled “Why” and begins with the following:

Why is it Alaskans all come back

When they’ve quit this land for good?

Why is it that no man stays away

When he’s sworn to his friends he would?

Where lies the grip this country hath

All tangled around the heart

That takes a grip that can never slip

And can never be torn apart?

After several more lines, the poem ends with:

Of friends that you’ve met, that you’ll never forget

And you’ll want to come back, and you will.

I for one will miss you Larry, hope you come back before you get Lyme Disease.