Dad.

My father, Larry Browne, passed away on April 24, 2024.

From him, I inherited a love of music and singing, an entrepreneurial drive, a delight in sentimental and sappy movies, and a little bit of stubborn. I grieve the memories that won’t be made and my heart hurts especially for his beloved husband and partner of over 30 years.

Goodbye, dad.

I took this picture on Tuesday morning, not knowing my dad would pass away the next day. The blossoms on the ground reminded me of the beauty of things once they are over - the memories that are the fertilizer for joyful reminiscing. That it is from the ground one has a clear view of possibility. The way that the best of humanity surrounds you with love and generosity when life has fallen apart. I am overwhelmed with gratitude by the kindness friends from all over the world have showered upon me this week. YOU are the beauty amidst it all.

The family of Larry R. Browne sorrowfully announces his passing on April 24, 2024. Larry was

born August 26, 1948 to Donald K. and Margaret L. (Arnett) Browne. He is survived by his

husband and partner of over 30 years, Bruce Kratochvil, siblings Ken (Adele) and Don Browne,

children Erika (Theo) Jackson, Seth (Suzanne) Browne, Laura (Lance) Collins, and beloved

grandchildren Lo, Wren, Elek, Gabrielle, Lliam, Isabelle, Natalie, and Madellyn.

For over fifty years, Larry was involved in a variety of architectural and planning work ranging

from Federally funded housing programs, industrial, institutional, educational, food service,

commercial and recreational facilities. He was the proud founder of Browne Group Architects

and was extensively involved in building code research and implementation of the accessibility

requirements of the American Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act as a registered architect

in ten states. Larry was a community servant, volunteering leadership for numerous

organizations such as the Wagnalls Foundation, the American Institute of Architects, Columbus

Architecture Foundation, City of Columbus Historic Resources Commission, and the City of

Columbus North Market/Brewery District Commission. Larry was also the Chairman of the City

of Columbus Building Commission since 2021. In addition to his volunteerism, he was a

member of Aladdin Shriners, Central Ohio Federation of Musicians, Community Chapter #227

Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, University Lodge #631, and the Local 103 AMF.

Larry was an avid art collector with a passion for historic preservation and renovation, beginning

with a historic farmhouse he and his ex-wife, Kathy, beautifully restored in Ashville throughout

the 1970s and 1980s. Later in life, he dedicated his eye for beauty to the cherished log home in

Canal Winchester that he shared with his husband, where he enjoyed savoring the garden and

bird songs from his favorite window. He was also a talented musician a vocalist as a young

boy in the choir at First Congregational Church and many years in the adult choir. He also

played saxophone and clarinet in various jazz/big band groups around Columbus for many

years.

Among many other things, his loved ones will cherish memories of magical Christmases, feasts

of cheese and mouth-watering ham, long talks on porches, his competitive spirit during party

games, the attention to detail in creating beautiful spaces, a love of travel and appreciation of

culture, his ability to charm, curiosity and desire to know what was happening in our lives.

There will be a private family service at a future date to be determined. In lieu of flowers,

donations can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Heddwch i'w lwch - Peace to his dust. We miss you.