Larry Brin

Larry Brin
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Longtime resident of Ruidoso, New Mexico

Larry Brin was an artist, a lover of animals, and a friend whose kindness and warmth left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. He passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life filled with creativity, adventure, and deep connections.

Larry’s love for art started early—his first private art lesson and commission came in fourth grade in Livermore, California. But some of his favorite memories were visiting his grandmother’s basement studio in Highland Park, Illinois. She was more than just a teacher; she was his artistic inspiration, encouraging him to paint freely, explore different styles, and embrace art “for art’s sake.” Their trips to the Art Institute of Chicago on the "El" train deepened his appreciation for creative expression, shaping the unique, freeform style he carried throughout his life. His work was all about emotion, color, and texture—capturing the spontaneity that made life so exciting to him.

Larry lived with that same sense of passion in everything he did. He served as a naval hospital corpsman during the Vietnam era, achieving the rank of 3rd class petty officer. His curiosity and love of learning led him to earn both a bachelor’s degree and master’s coursework in geography at the University of New Mexico. But more than titles or achievements, Larry will be remembered for his heart—for his kindness, for his deep love of animals (especially his two beloved cats), and for the incredible friendships he built over the years.

Though he had no surviving family, Larry was never alone. He found family in the people he loved—friends in Ruidoso and around the world who stood by him through life’s ups and downs. He was the kind of person who made a place feel like home just by being in it, and his absence will be deeply felt.

Larry’s final arrangements were made with LaGrone Funeral Chapel of Ruidoso, and he will be laid to rest at Fort Stanton Cemetery. Memorial service details can be found on the LaGrone Funeral Chapel’s website.

For those who knew him, loved him, and shared in his journey, Larry’s spirit lives on in every stroke of his paintings, in the friendships he nurtured, and in the kindness he brought to the world.