Larry Clott

Larry Clott

June 17, 1949 – June 24, 2026 • Age 77

Larry Clott, 77, of Moscow, Idaho, passed away June 24, 2026. Born June 17, 1949, in Minot, North Dakota to DuWayne Dale Clott and Mary Lou Cain Clott, Larry lived a life of extraordinary purpose, wit, and determination — one that inspired all who crossed his path.

Anyone who spent time in Moscow likely recognized Larry. He was the man in the wheelchair with his faithful service dog, most often Maya, rolling through town nearly every day, stopping to visit with neighbors, encouraging strangers, and accepting countless requests to pet his faithful companion. Behind that familiar smile was a man whose influence reached far beyond our small town, helping shape disability rights across Idaho and the nation.

At the age of 20, Larry was involved in a serious automobile accident that left him with quadriplegia. Rather than allowing this to define his limits, Larry made it the starting point of an extraordinary journey. His disability did not deter him in the slightest from achieving his goals — it sharpened his resolve, deepened his empathy, and focused his considerable intellect on making the world more just and accessible to others. Throughout his life, Larry remained a determined fighter whose resilience inspired everyone who knew him.

Before the accident that forever changed his path, Larry was already known for his talent as a musician and dancer, performing paid gigs throughout Minot. His love of music was shared by his younger brother, Dean, who went on to become a successful country musician. After high school, Larry managed local and regional bands and planned to pursue a career in the music industry before the accident led him down a different—but equally remarkable—path.

Larry earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Speech and Organizational Communications before completing a doctorate in Educational Psychology at Washington State University (WSU). He was a published author and served on 27 national, regional, and local boards.

Larry began his career as an instructor at WSU and served as an academic counselor for athletes during the time of renowned basketball coach George Raveling. He later joined Washington State’s Protection & Advocacy System for Disability Rights.

In 1980, while operating a private counseling practice, Larry was recruited to help develop new programs under newly appropriated federal funding for people with disabilities. He devoted his career to expanding services, strengthening disability rights, and improving accessibility throughout Idaho. In 1982, he was one of just 11 people with disabilities selected to help craft the landmark legislation that became the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Through this work, he had the opportunity to meet many national leaders, including Jesse Jackson—an experience he always counted among his proudest memories.

Larry later served as Director of a local Center for Independent Living, securing funding for independent living housing and expanding services that gave people with disabilities greater choice, independence, and opportunity.

Wherever Larry wheeled, barriers—physical, institutional, or attitudinal—became opportunities for change. His advocacy helped expand accessible parking, theater seating, curb cuts, ramps to businesses, and sidewalks throughout the Palouse. He also represented students and families in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, helping ensure students with disabilities had equal access to classrooms and educational opportunities. Through his work, countless people with disabilities gained greater access, independence, and inclusion.

Larry’s contributions were recognized at the highest levels. He received the Presidential Citizenship Award from President George H.W. Bush and was appointed by Idaho Governor John Evans to numerous state committees. He also served on local city task forces, always bringing the same steadfast moral grounding and practical wisdom that defined his character.

While rebuilding his life after his injury, Larry met Audrey during rehabilitation. The two quickly fell in love, eloped, and built a life together rooted in love, laughter, adventure, and partnership. As Larry's spirited wife, Audrey constantly challenged him through every stage of life. Her unwavering encouragement and belief in Larry helped make possible his remarkable life of family, service, and advocacy. Though Audrey passed away in 1999, the life they built together remained one of Larry's greatest blessings.

Larry adored children. He and Audrey operated an in-home daycare while attending graduate school, and he served for many years on the board of Emmanuel Lutheran Preschool. He began coaching youth baseball in the 1970s and later proudly coached his daughter Lynsie's softball teams from T-ball through middle school.

Being a father was one of Larry’s greatest joys. Long before working from home was common, Larry built his career to allow him to be present for his daughter, never missing a single school or sporting event, concert, or milestone. Whether cheering from the sidelines, helping with homework, driving his daughter and her teammates around, or offering wise advice, he was a constant source of encouragement. Larry was also an avid and enthusiastic fan of University of Idaho, Washington State, and Gonzaga athletics, attending as many games as possible.

His greatest joy in later life was becoming “Papa.” His grandchildren, Fiona and Aflie, were the light of his life and his greatest source of pride. He cherished every visit, story, laugh, and opportunity to watch them grow. Nothing brought him a bigger smile than his grandchildren.

Larry was a man of deep and varied passions. He loved all animals, especially dogs. He was exceptionally skilled at training service dogs, including the great dog, Maya. She solved problems from retrieving keys to navigating street crossings. He took great pride in his beautiful backyard pond, complete with fish, frogs, and his favorite flower — the tiger lily. Stunning birdhouses and feeders adorned his yard and home, reflecting his lifelong love of craftsmanship and the natural world.

Those who knew Larry well will remember his quick wit, but perhaps even more his storytelling. Whether sharing vivid memories or spinning imaginative tales with his daughter on his lap—and later his grandchildren—every story was rich with humor, heart, and unforgettable detail, leaving listeners hanging on every word.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Lynsie Susan Clott (Aaron Freudenthal); his beloved grandchildren, Fiona Rose Freudenthal and Alfred “Alfie” Freudenthal; and his brother, DeWayne “Dean” Clott.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Audrey Susan Kibsey Clott; and his parents, DuWayne Dean Clott and Mary Lou Cain Clott.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Moscow, Idaho, followed by a luncheon and a graveside service at the Moscow Cemetery at 2:00 PM.

“His wheelchair was a vehicle, not a limitation.”