In an Instant an Airplane Crash Changed My Life

This memoir tells the story of Larry Bayman’s life after surviving a devastating airplane crash in August 1972. Severely injured and uncertain whether he would ever walk normally again, Larry spent months confined to bed recovering physically and mentally. During that difficult period, he reflected deeply on his future and became determined not to spend his life dependent on disability or confined to a nursing home. Instead, he focused his mind on construction, design, and finding a way to remain productive.Drawing from years of experience working alongside his father, Ralph Bayman, and the Bayman and Humphrey construction company, Larry developed a revolutionary system for building affordable homes quickly and efficiently. Using prefabricated wall systems, carefully organized crews, strict scheduling, and innovative construction methods, he created subdivisions of energy-efficient homes around Clarkston Heights and surrounding communities. His homes became highly popular with first-time buyers through FHA 235 and Farm Home financing programs.The book also reflects heavily on family, hardship, and work ethic. Larry shares stories of his father’s difficult upbringing on the North Dakota prairie, the struggles of the Great Depression, and the values of discipline, responsibility, and persistence that shaped his own life. He recalls painful personal losses, including the death of his younger brother Bill, and the emotional impact it had on his father and family.Throughout the memoir, Larry describes the criticism, obstacles, inspections, lawsuits, and competition he faced while building his housing developments. Despite resistance from local officials, builders, and skeptics, he earned a reputation for honesty, innovation, craftsmanship, and reliability. The story highlights his determination to overcome physical suffering, financial pressure, and emotional hardship through relentless work, careful thinking, and belief in his ability to create opportunities for himself and others. Read more