Larry Brian Godwin

Larry Brian Godwin PhD, died at age 80 on Sept 5, 2022 after a battle with cancer. Born in Amarillo, TX, Larry was called to the mountains of Colorado at an early age, where he attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, earning his MBA in 1967. Later, he earned a PhD in accounting. Larry was a beloved accounting professor, first at the University of Colorado, Boulder, then at the University of Oregon, also at Santa Rosa Junior College and later, at the University of Montana.

Larry’s and his wife Cathy’s deep appreciation for wine led them to a chance meeting at Chateau Montelena Winery in Calistoga, CA in 1980. Larry was author of the Just Released monthly wine newsletter, which provided eager subscribers details on the best picks in a newly blossoming California wine country.

After settling in Missoula, MT in 1990, Larry channeled his energies into teaching and writing. He wrote his first book, Surviving Our Parents Mistakes in 1999. His second book, Transcending Depression, was published in 2020 and third, Table for One, in 2021.

Larry overcame a difficult childhood by creating self-help resources to assist others struggling from the impacts of childhood abuse or depression. His articles about depression have been featured on the websites of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Canadian Mental Health Assocation.

Larry immersed himself in emotional healing therapies, so much so that he was able to transform great suffering into robust love. Over the years, readers of his books (including psychotherapists), reached out with gratitude to say they benefited by “becoming more compassionate and aware,” “understanding they are not alone” and “gaining insights both for those dealing with depression themselves and for those with family members who are depressed.”

Larry’s deep love of writing also led him to found the Missoula Menagerie as a forum for writers of all ages to gather and share advice, learn from each other’s experiences and find strong community writing support.

Larry was predeceased by his son, David Winn, and brothers, Gene and Dick. Larry leaves behind his wife of nearly 40 years, Cathy, and daughters, Jenny and Andrea. He also leaves behind his nephew, Rick Godwin and wife Kate, nephew Bill Godwin, niece Diana Sullivan and husband Paul, and cousin Helen Cates.

Larry’s memorial will be held at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula on Saturday, September 10th at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or AniMeals Montana in his honor.

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