A memorial will be held Wednesday in Pacific Palisades for Larry Vein, a wildfire survivor who became a prominent source of information and support for residents recovering from the 2025 Palisades Fire.
The event was scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Palisades Recreation Center, where community members were expected to gather to honor Vein’s contributions during the aftermath of the disaster.
Vein, 61, died April 27. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled his death a suicide.
In the months following the January 2025 firestorm, Vein became a familiar figure in the community, sharing updates, resources and recovery information through social media and local events.
Friends and colleagues said his efforts helped residents navigate a confusing recovery process and provided reassurance during a difficult period.
“At a time when thousands of Palisadians were in trauma, this guy stepped up to try to do something to help the community — to help his neighbors,” Jim Cragg, who worked with Vein on recovery efforts, told the Los Angeles Times. “He just wanted to do something positive.”
Vein later founded the Pali Strong initiative, aimed at connecting wildfire survivors with information and support services, though his work also drew scrutiny amid broader frustrations over disaster recovery efforts.
Family members said he remained committed to helping others in the community in the months leading up to his death.
Vein is survived by his two children, his mother and his brothers.