From his Sac Bee obituary: ISBELL, Larry
Retired writer/editor for the State, passed away following surgery on Tuesday August 17, 2010. He is survived by his wife Laurie; three brothers ; Paul (Tammy) , Gordon (Roberta) and Chris (Kathy), and their families from the Bakersfield area,; an aunt Jo Ann (Christian) Pratt, and three cousins Diane Pratt Vigil, Jean Pratt Hatfield, John "Jack" Pratt , and their families from the Stockton area; and was preceded in death by a sister, Arlene Joan( Isbell ) Dole. He was a loving husband and loyal friend, who was always kind and funny with everyone he knew. A Memorial Service will be held at the Citrus Heights Community Center on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 1:00PM.
____________________________end of obituary____Read more below
" I had thought about the word grace over the years but never thought it was real until I met Larry. I wish I had known him longer." Richard, a man Larry trained to replace him at work.
Larry was born to Fred and Elmora (Christian) Isbell of Taft, Ca. He had an older brother, Howard Lee, who tragically died in a drowning accident at age 3 along with his grandmother. Elmora was pregnant with his older sister, Arlene, at the time. When Larry was born, he reminded the family in many ways of Little Howard, and he was even dressed up in some of his older brothers' clothing. The family did not speak much of this tradegy for years, Larry learned about it from other family members. Larry's middle name was for his mother's brother.
Larry's grandfather (Royal) Gordon Docious Christian [GD] owned many properties in Taft, Ca. Fred, his dad, worked in one of Gordon's grocery stores and learned the business. Fred and Elmora purchased a grocery store of their own with a house attached via a patio. In this small home Larry shared his room with his brothers Paul and Gordon. His youngest brother, Chris, moved in about the time Larry moved out.
Isbell Market always seemed to be humming. Fred worked the butcher shop and Elmora was a checker there. All the Isbell boys learned hard work by various jobs at the store. The Isbells catered many events at which Larry worked . He did well in school academically and subsequently attended Taft College obtaining his AA degree. For that commencement in 1964, Larry was chosen as the class representative and welcomed those graduating. He then transferred to UCLA for his BA in English. We remember his college friends were at the cusp of the hippie movement in the 60's. Although his friends seemed to be part of that culture , Larry remained more conservative in dress and manner. His college status kept him out of the Vietnam War. He returned to his community college to serve as a sub there in the English department but it did not suit him. He never returned to teachig English, but certainly used those language skills in his employment.
Larry had a quick wit and was always a joy to be around, as his brief obituary states. When he began to date Laurie, a home making teacher, his humor and her ready laugh seemed to be the perfect match. They married up in Lake Tahoe in a small ceremony performed by "Reverend Love" on the beach. They had no children- they married a little later in life.
Larry inherited a library from Laurie's uncle in which he took a lot of pleasure. The books came with beauful shelves they set up in their home. One of his prized books was regarding a man who performed flatuence for a living as a stage entertainer. Larry liked to take a serious tone discussing this book then join in on the laughter his humorous observations produced.
Heart issues were a plague to the Isbell's and Larry became proactive in losing weight and getting healthy through running as he saw other family members struggle with heart issues. He got strong and thinner and developed some great relationships with is running buddies. He was a good son. He called his elderly Aunt Jo regularly and took her to lunch and joined in many Stockton family activities. A surgery on an aneurysm failed and led to his death to the shock of all who knew him.
At his memorial there was a table of Larry admirerers from work from which he'd recently retired. They grieved alongside family members not believing a person so full of life could die from what was to be a routine surgery. They all reported Larry was one of the best things about going to work while he was employed for the State. (Below is a link to their wonderful tributes). Larry often joked about using his writing talent on brochures to explain a dry subject like retirement, but at the same time was known for his clarity at taking a complicated, boring subject and reducing it to a few words. His fellow workers were so glad he had a memorial service because they needed closure re the loss of him so suddenly, a person they valued so highly. They thought they'd still get to enjoy his company after retirement.
Larry was well spoken and had the rich intelligent voice of his dad and the shy, kind nature of his mother. He is sorely missed till this day.
His wife survived him by some years, but they are buried together in a military part of the cemetery because her grave is near her father's who died first and served in the military.
Please copy and paste the link below. There are 15 comments on his Legacy Obituary, mostly by fellow employees.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sacbee/name/larry-isbell-obituary?id=12118950
Two examples:
"I have had such a heavy heart since learning of Larry's passing, that I could not bring myself to write. Larry was one half of the team that hired me into state service, over 20 years ago. He was my supervisor first and thereafter, my mentor and friend. We worked side-by-side for nearly 10 years. Although we lost touch after his retirement, I saw him at a lunch in June. We laughed more than we ate! I have been blessed with many friends with a great sense of humor. Yet, none were as funny as Larry. He was a brilliant writer and a gentle soul. I am honored to have known him and will miss him dearly."
Cristina Herrera August 2010
and
"I filled the opening Larry left when he retired from BOE. Having taken over his desk I soon concluded he spent a lot of time there, as there were abundant traces of a wholly dedicated editor who would rather eat in and work than go out. When he returned as a retired annuitant I had the honor of meeting him, and he the horror of training me. He truly was a gentleman in so many ways. I had thought about the word grace over the years but never thought it was real until I met Larry. I wish I had known him longer." Aug. 2010
Richard Sylvester
Retired writer/editor for the State, passed away following surgery on Tuesday August 17, 2010. He is survived by his wife Laurie; three brothers ; Paul (Tammy) , Gordon (Roberta) and Chris (Kathy), and their families from the Bakersfield area,; an aunt Jo Ann (Christian) Pratt, and three cousins Diane Pratt Vigil, Jean Pratt Hatfield, John "Jack" Pratt , and their families from the Stockton area; and was preceded in death by a sister, Arlene Joan( Isbell ) Dole. He was a loving husband and loyal friend, who was always kind and funny with everyone he knew. A Memorial Service will be held at the Citrus Heights Community Center on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 1:00PM.
____________________________end of obituary____Read more below
" I had thought about the word grace over the years but never thought it was real until I met Larry. I wish I had known him longer." Richard, a man Larry trained to replace him at work.
Larry was born to Fred and Elmora (Christian) Isbell of Taft, Ca. He had an older brother, Howard Lee, who tragically died in a drowning accident at age 3 along with his grandmother. Elmora was pregnant with his older sister, Arlene, at the time. When Larry was born, he reminded the family in many ways of Little Howard, and he was even dressed up in some of his older brothers' clothing. The family did not speak much of this tradegy for years, Larry learned about it from other family members. Larry's middle name was for his mother's brother.
Larry's grandfather (Royal) Gordon Docious Christian [GD] owned many properties in Taft, Ca. Fred, his dad, worked in one of Gordon's grocery stores and learned the business. Fred and Elmora purchased a grocery store of their own with a house attached via a patio. In this small home Larry shared his room with his brothers Paul and Gordon. His youngest brother, Chris, moved in about the time Larry moved out.
Isbell Market always seemed to be humming. Fred worked the butcher shop and Elmora was a checker there. All the Isbell boys learned hard work by various jobs at the store. The Isbells catered many events at which Larry worked . He did well in school academically and subsequently attended Taft College obtaining his AA degree. For that commencement in 1964, Larry was chosen as the class representative and welcomed those graduating. He then transferred to UCLA for his BA in English. We remember his college friends were at the cusp of the hippie movement in the 60's. Although his friends seemed to be part of that culture , Larry remained more conservative in dress and manner. His college status kept him out of the Vietnam War. He returned to his community college to serve as a sub there in the English department but it did not suit him. He never returned to teachig English, but certainly used those language skills in his employment.
Larry had a quick wit and was always a joy to be around, as his brief obituary states. When he began to date Laurie, a home making teacher, his humor and her ready laugh seemed to be the perfect match. They married up in Lake Tahoe in a small ceremony performed by "Reverend Love" on the beach. They had no children- they married a little later in life.
Larry inherited a library from Laurie's uncle in which he took a lot of pleasure. The books came with beauful shelves they set up in their home. One of his prized books was regarding a man who performed flatuence for a living as a stage entertainer. Larry liked to take a serious tone discussing this book then join in on the laughter his humorous observations produced.
Heart issues were a plague to the Isbell's and Larry became proactive in losing weight and getting healthy through running as he saw other family members struggle with heart issues. He got strong and thinner and developed some great relationships with is running buddies. He was a good son. He called his elderly Aunt Jo regularly and took her to lunch and joined in many Stockton family activities. A surgery on an aneurysm failed and led to his death to the shock of all who knew him.
At his memorial there was a table of Larry admirerers from work from which he'd recently retired. They grieved alongside family members not believing a person so full of life could die from what was to be a routine surgery. They all reported Larry was one of the best things about going to work while he was employed for the State. (Below is a link to their wonderful tributes). Larry often joked about using his writing talent on brochures to explain a dry subject like retirement, but at the same time was known for his clarity at taking a complicated, boring subject and reducing it to a few words. His fellow workers were so glad he had a memorial service because they needed closure re the loss of him so suddenly, a person they valued so highly. They thought they'd still get to enjoy his company after retirement.
Larry was well spoken and had the rich intelligent voice of his dad and the shy, kind nature of his mother. He is sorely missed till this day.
His wife survived him by some years, but they are buried together in a military part of the cemetery because her grave is near her father's who died first and served in the military.
Please copy and paste the link below. There are 15 comments on his Legacy Obituary, mostly by fellow employees.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sacbee/name/larry-isbell-obituary?id=12118950
Two examples:
"I have had such a heavy heart since learning of Larry's passing, that I could not bring myself to write. Larry was one half of the team that hired me into state service, over 20 years ago. He was my supervisor first and thereafter, my mentor and friend. We worked side-by-side for nearly 10 years. Although we lost touch after his retirement, I saw him at a lunch in June. We laughed more than we ate! I have been blessed with many friends with a great sense of humor. Yet, none were as funny as Larry. He was a brilliant writer and a gentle soul. I am honored to have known him and will miss him dearly."
Cristina Herrera August 2010
and
"I filled the opening Larry left when he retired from BOE. Having taken over his desk I soon concluded he spent a lot of time there, as there were abundant traces of a wholly dedicated editor who would rather eat in and work than go out. When he returned as a retired annuitant I had the honor of meeting him, and he the horror of training me. He truly was a gentleman in so many ways. I had thought about the word grace over the years but never thought it was real until I met Larry. I wish I had known him longer." Aug. 2010
Richard Sylvester
From his Sac Bee obituary: ISBELL, Larry
Retired writer/editor for the State, passed away following surgery on Tuesday August 17, 2010. He is survived by his wife Laurie; three brothers ; Paul (Tammy) , Gordon (Roberta) and Chris (Kathy), and their families from the Bakersfield area,; an aunt Jo Ann (Christian) Pratt, and three cousins Diane Pratt Vigil, Jean Pratt Hatfield, John "Jack" Pratt , and their families from the Stockton area; and was preceded in death by a sister, Arlene Joan( Isbell ) Dole. He was a loving husband and loyal friend, who was always kind and funny with everyone he knew. A Memorial Service will be held at the Citrus Heights Community Center on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 1:00PM.
____________________________end of obituary____Read more below
" I had thought about the word grace over the years but never thought it was real until I met Larry. I wish I had known him longer." Richard, a man Larry trained to replace him at work.
Larry was born to Fred and Elmora (Christian) Isbell of Taft, Ca. He had an older brother, Howard Lee, who tragically died in a drowning accident at age 3 along with his grandmother. Elmora was pregnant with his older sister, Arlene, at the time. When Larry was born, he reminded the family in many ways of Little Howard, and he was even dressed up in some of his older brothers' clothing. The family did not speak much of this tradegy for years, Larry learned about it from other family members. Larry's middle name was for his mother's brother.
Larry's grandfather (Royal) Gordon Docious Christian [GD] owned many properties in Taft, Ca. Fred, his dad, worked in one of Gordon's grocery stores and learned the business. Fred and Elmora purchased a grocery store of their own with a house attached via a patio. In this small home Larry shared his room with his brothers Paul and Gordon. His youngest brother, Chris, moved in about the time Larry moved out.
Isbell Market always seemed to be humming. Fred worked the butcher shop and Elmora was a checker there. All the Isbell boys learned hard work by various jobs at the store. The Isbells catered many events at which Larry worked . He did well in school academically and subsequently attended Taft College obtaining his AA degree. For that commencement in 1964, Larry was chosen as the class representative and welcomed those graduating. He then transferred to UCLA for his BA in English. We remember his college friends were at the cusp of the hippie movement in the 60's. Although his friends seemed to be part of that culture , Larry remained more conservative in dress and manner. His college status kept him out of the Vietnam War. He returned to his community college to serve as a sub there in the English department but it did not suit him. He never returned to teachig English, but certainly used those language skills in his employment.
Larry had a quick wit and was always a joy to be around, as his brief obituary states. When he began to date Laurie, a home making teacher, his humor and her ready laugh seemed to be the perfect match. They married up in Lake Tahoe in a small ceremony performed by "Reverend Love" on the beach. They had no children- they married a little later in life.
Larry inherited a library from Laurie's uncle in which he took a lot of pleasure. The books came with beauful shelves they set up in their home. One of his prized books was regarding a man who performed flatuence for a living as a stage entertainer. Larry liked to take a serious tone discussing this book then join in on the laughter his humorous observations produced.
Heart issues were a plague to the Isbell's and Larry became proactive in losing weight and getting healthy through running as he saw other family members struggle with heart issues. He got strong and thinner and developed some great relationships with is running buddies. He was a good son. He called his elderly Aunt Jo regularly and took her to lunch and joined in many Stockton family activities. A surgery on an aneurysm failed and led to his death to the shock of all who knew him.
At his memorial there was a table of Larry admirerers from work from which he'd recently retired. They grieved alongside family members not believing a person so full of life could die from what was to be a routine surgery. They all reported Larry was one of the best things about going to work while he was employed for the State. (Below is a link to their wonderful tributes). Larry often joked about using his writing talent on brochures to explain a dry subject like retirement, but at the same time was known for his clarity at taking a complicated, boring subject and reducing it to a few words. His fellow workers were so glad he had a memorial service because they needed closure re the loss of him so suddenly, a person they valued so highly. They thought they'd still get to enjoy his company after retirement.
Larry was well spoken and had the rich intelligent voice of his dad and the shy, kind nature of his mother. He is sorely missed till this day.
His wife survived him by some years, but they are buried together in a military part of the cemetery because her grave is near her father's who died first and served in the military.
Please copy and paste the link below. There are 15 comments on his Legacy Obituary, mostly by fellow employees.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sacbee/name/larry-isbell-obituary?id=12118950
Two examples:
"I have had such a heavy heart since learning of Larry's passing, that I could not bring myself to write. Larry was one half of the team that hired me into state service, over 20 years ago. He was my supervisor first and thereafter, my mentor and friend. We worked side-by-side for nearly 10 years. Although we lost touch after his retirement, I saw him at a lunch in June. We laughed more than we ate! I have been blessed with many friends with a great sense of humor. Yet, none were as funny as Larry. He was a brilliant writer and a gentle soul. I am honored to have known him and will miss him dearly."
Cristina Herrera August 2010
and
"I filled the opening Larry left when he retired from BOE. Having taken over his desk I soon concluded he spent a lot of time there, as there were abundant traces of a wholly dedicated editor who would rather eat in and work than go out. When he returned as a retired annuitant I had the honor of meeting him, and he the horror of training me. He truly was a gentleman in so many ways. I had thought about the word grace over the years but never thought it was real until I met Larry. I wish I had known him longer." Aug. 2010
Richard Sylvester
Retired writer/editor for the State, passed away following surgery on Tuesday August 17, 2010. He is survived by his wife Laurie; three brothers ; Paul (Tammy) , Gordon (Roberta) and Chris (Kathy), and their families from the Bakersfield area,; an aunt Jo Ann (Christian) Pratt, and three cousins Diane Pratt Vigil, Jean Pratt Hatfield, John "Jack" Pratt , and their families from the Stockton area; and was preceded in death by a sister, Arlene Joan( Isbell ) Dole. He was a loving husband and loyal friend, who was always kind and funny with everyone he knew. A Memorial Service will be held at the Citrus Heights Community Center on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 1:00PM.
____________________________end of obituary____Read more below
" I had thought about the word grace over the years but never thought it was real until I met Larry. I wish I had known him longer." Richard, a man Larry trained to replace him at work.
Larry was born to Fred and Elmora (Christian) Isbell of Taft, Ca. He had an older brother, Howard Lee, who tragically died in a drowning accident at age 3 along with his grandmother. Elmora was pregnant with his older sister, Arlene, at the time. When Larry was born, he reminded the family in many ways of Little Howard, and he was even dressed up in some of his older brothers' clothing. The family did not speak much of this tradegy for years, Larry learned about it from other family members. Larry's middle name was for his mother's brother.
Larry's grandfather (Royal) Gordon Docious Christian [GD] owned many properties in Taft, Ca. Fred, his dad, worked in one of Gordon's grocery stores and learned the business. Fred and Elmora purchased a grocery store of their own with a house attached via a patio. In this small home Larry shared his room with his brothers Paul and Gordon. His youngest brother, Chris, moved in about the time Larry moved out.
Isbell Market always seemed to be humming. Fred worked the butcher shop and Elmora was a checker there. All the Isbell boys learned hard work by various jobs at the store. The Isbells catered many events at which Larry worked . He did well in school academically and subsequently attended Taft College obtaining his AA degree. For that commencement in 1964, Larry was chosen as the class representative and welcomed those graduating. He then transferred to UCLA for his BA in English. We remember his college friends were at the cusp of the hippie movement in the 60's. Although his friends seemed to be part of that culture , Larry remained more conservative in dress and manner. His college status kept him out of the Vietnam War. He returned to his community college to serve as a sub there in the English department but it did not suit him. He never returned to teachig English, but certainly used those language skills in his employment.
Larry had a quick wit and was always a joy to be around, as his brief obituary states. When he began to date Laurie, a home making teacher, his humor and her ready laugh seemed to be the perfect match. They married up in Lake Tahoe in a small ceremony performed by "Reverend Love" on the beach. They had no children- they married a little later in life.
Larry inherited a library from Laurie's uncle in which he took a lot of pleasure. The books came with beauful shelves they set up in their home. One of his prized books was regarding a man who performed flatuence for a living as a stage entertainer. Larry liked to take a serious tone discussing this book then join in on the laughter his humorous observations produced.
Heart issues were a plague to the Isbell's and Larry became proactive in losing weight and getting healthy through running as he saw other family members struggle with heart issues. He got strong and thinner and developed some great relationships with is running buddies. He was a good son. He called his elderly Aunt Jo regularly and took her to lunch and joined in many Stockton family activities. A surgery on an aneurysm failed and led to his death to the shock of all who knew him.
At his memorial there was a table of Larry admirerers from work from which he'd recently retired. They grieved alongside family members not believing a person so full of life could die from what was to be a routine surgery. They all reported Larry was one of the best things about going to work while he was employed for the State. (Below is a link to their wonderful tributes). Larry often joked about using his writing talent on brochures to explain a dry subject like retirement, but at the same time was known for his clarity at taking a complicated, boring subject and reducing it to a few words. His fellow workers were so glad he had a memorial service because they needed closure re the loss of him so suddenly, a person they valued so highly. They thought they'd still get to enjoy his company after retirement.
Larry was well spoken and had the rich intelligent voice of his dad and the shy, kind nature of his mother. He is sorely missed till this day.
His wife survived him by some years, but they are buried together in a military part of the cemetery because her grave is near her father's who died first and served in the military.
Please copy and paste the link below. There are 15 comments on his Legacy Obituary, mostly by fellow employees.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sacbee/name/larry-isbell-obituary?id=12118950
Two examples:
"I have had such a heavy heart since learning of Larry's passing, that I could not bring myself to write. Larry was one half of the team that hired me into state service, over 20 years ago. He was my supervisor first and thereafter, my mentor and friend. We worked side-by-side for nearly 10 years. Although we lost touch after his retirement, I saw him at a lunch in June. We laughed more than we ate! I have been blessed with many friends with a great sense of humor. Yet, none were as funny as Larry. He was a brilliant writer and a gentle soul. I am honored to have known him and will miss him dearly."
Cristina Herrera August 2010
and
"I filled the opening Larry left when he retired from BOE. Having taken over his desk I soon concluded he spent a lot of time there, as there were abundant traces of a wholly dedicated editor who would rather eat in and work than go out. When he returned as a retired annuitant I had the honor of meeting him, and he the horror of training me. He truly was a gentleman in so many ways. I had thought about the word grace over the years but never thought it was real until I met Larry. I wish I had known him longer." Aug. 2010
Richard Sylvester
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