2025 Hall of Fame: Larry Stibitz Sr.
May 9, 2025
Larry W. Stibitz, Sr., born on August 23, 1944, in Portland, Oregon, left a lasting impact through his family, friends, and the numerous individuals whose lives he touched with his kindness and generosity before his passing on September 22, 2024. His life’s journey included a significant partnership with MaryAnn, whom he met at the Max Café in Rock River, Wyoming. Their marriage on June 20, 1964, marked the beginning of a family that grew to include four children: LaRae, Lisa, Larry, and Ray.
A pivotal point in Mr. Stibitz’s professional trajectory was his graduation from WyoTech in 1970. He pursued studies in automotive, chassis, engines, and transmissions, demonstrating a strong work ethic and dedication to his education. His academic record, marked by predominantly A grades with only one B, reflected his commitment to mastering his chosen field.
Following his graduation from WyoTech, Mr. Stibitz gained initial industry experience at Yeager Automotive Machine Shop. However, his entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to seek independence. In 1973, he embarked on a significant undertaking, establishing Laramie Machine Shop. This venture thrived for 52 years until his retirement, a testament to his dedication and expertise. Mr. Stibitz was known for his meticulous approach to his work, his unwavering honesty, and his strong ethical principles. These qualities quickly earned Laramie Machine Shop a solid reputation, attracting a steady stream of specialized projects. He particularly enjoyed working on engines for automotive restorations, where his skill in building high-performance and durable street and race engines became highly sought after. Whether clients needed work on their daily vehicles, trucks, tractors, street machines, drag cars, circle track cars, rock crawlers, or classic automobiles, Laramie Machine Shop became the trusted local destination.
Mr. Stibitz’s sons, Larry Jr. and Ray, were integral to the machine shop’s environment from a young age. He intentionally involved them in the business, imparting a strong work ethic, teaching them the proper operation of machinery, and instilling professional conduct. While acknowledging their youthful orneriness, he was a patient father who effectively guided them in becoming skilled machinists.
Beyond his immediate family, Mr. Stibitz was committed to community involvement. He partnered with Laramie Senior High School to provide part-time employment for students with unconventional learning styles. His aim was to mentor these students, equipping them with the skills and mindset necessary for future employment. His initial task for them was often sweeping the shop, a lesson in responsibility and respect for tools, regardless of their value. Mr. Stibitz also frequently hired WyoTech students part-time, offering them invaluable real-world experience in an automotive machine shop setting. He was known as a demanding yet fair employer who valued punctuality, focus, hard work, and a positive attitude, leading by his own example.
As a strong advocate for technical education, Mr. Stibitz maintained close ties with WyoTech. He served on the advisory committee and consistently had WyoTech-related work in his shop. Laramie Machine Shop often prioritized projects for WyoTech students, with Mr. Stibitz frequently working extra hours to ensure their timely completion. Remembering his own experiences as a student, he was particularly supportive of those with limited budgets, often offering discounted or even free used performance parts and occasionally including new parts at no cost to ensure the build was correct. He found great satisfaction in seeing students return with their completed vehicles, sharing stories of their engine’s performance. This exemplified Mr. Stibitz’s generosity and his commitment to supporting those striving to learn and succeed. He also extended his support to customers facing vehicle breakdowns, often working through weekends to get them back on the road.
Blessed with nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, Mr. Stibitz was a devoted family man who worked tirelessly and loved deeply. Though not verbose, his words were always meaningful and kind, offering guidance and a consistent “be safe” to his loved ones. His true passions were hunting and fishing, which he pursued with enthusiasm and shared with his children and grandchildren. His love for the outdoors became a family tradition. Mr. Stibitz also held a special place in his heart for children, and his grandchildren always brought him immense joy. Over the years, he became “Papa Larry” to many children from his wife’s daycare, a testament to his warm and generous nature. An avid Denver Broncos fan, he passed away on a day the team finally won. Larry W. Stibitz, Sr.’s legacy of kindness, fairness, and generosity, will continue to live on in the memories of his family and the countless individuals he impacted.