GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN: Larry 'Flame' Moore; 1948 - 2005

Larry “Flame” Moore, SURFING Magazine’s legendary longtime photo editor and recipient of this year’s Waterman’s Ball Lifetime Achievement Award, died today after a 33-month battle with brain cancer. He was 57.

Flame: King of the light table.
Photo by Aaron Chang / Surfing Magazine

Ever since he was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma on December 31, 2002, Flame took the same approach to his tumor as he did to his photo-editing job: he was relentless, tireless and showed no mercy. Despite having a less than 15 percent chance of survival of more than 18 months, Flame beat all odds and statistics, challenging the doctors to give him more radiation, more tumor-removing surgeries, different, more powerful chemotherapy. And throughout this entire 33-month period, just up until about 2 weeks ago when he could no longer walk, Flame made it into the office almost every single day.

Flame's Tommy Curren classic at Todos.

Checking buoy reports. Looking at the forecast charts. Making sure the edit staff didn’t stray too far from his golden, photo-editing rules. If he couldn’t surf anymore, he damn well made sure the rest of the troop was in the right place at the right time. As debilitating as a high-grade brain tumor is, Flame never let it take away his dignity or his clarity. Even in the last couple of weeks, when he decided to go on hospice care at home, stop all chemotherapy and finally “have some peace and calm,” he stayed on it. Asking the staff about photo trips. Wondering how the Slater/Irons battle was going. And telling us to do him proud.

Getting the shot at Salt Creek.
Photo by Charles Pinkerton

Throughout his long struggle with the tumor, Flame made sure that his loving wife and son, Candace and Colin, would be taken care of. But seeing how he handled one of the worst diseases known to man, how he continued to inspire no matter his condition, Flame - both in sickness and in health - is a guiding light to all. As he told us two days ago, “Keep ’em sharp and keep ’em bright.”

We love you, Flame.
-The SURFING staff

UPDATE: In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the Moore family has started the “Follow the Light Foundation” at Flame’s request. It’s a non-profit that will help enable young, aspiring surf photographers fulfill their dream. Make checks to the “Larry Moore Memorial Trust,” and send to:

950 Calle Amanecer
Suite C,
San Clemente, CA
92673.

Candy Moore has announced the Memorial Service for Flame will be this Friday, October 14, 10am, at Ocean Hills Community Church.

OHCC is located at 32200 Del Obispo Road, San Juan Capistrano, 92675.

For Surf Media: The family would very much appreciate a posting of this information on your web site as soon as possible.

 

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