KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Larry Dale Reid, age 67 years, of Kelseyville, died in his home after a long, hard-fought battle with illness.

Throughout his life he was a determined, stubborn man who refused to give up despite injury or illness.

He graduated to Heaven on April 12, 2019, not because he was willing to stop fighting, but rather his body could not contain his formidable will any longer. We imagine he has had a few choice words with the Lord on the timing of his departure.

Larry was born on Sept. 25, 1951, to Roscoe and Lita Dean Reid in the state of Arkansas. Soon after his birth the family relocated to Sacramento, where he was raised with his brother Randy and sister Kathy.

His family is very musical and Larry couldn't help but tap his toes and sing along to whatever tune might be playing nearby.

He was an athletic young man who loved organized sports and outdoor fun such as hunting with his dog, Red, fishing, camping and water skiing.

Larry was also quite social and loved to tell stories of how many young ladies pursued him back in the day.

Ultimately, the one that claimed his heart was a rancher's daughter named Sandra Rainey. They met at a party while Larry was a student at Humboldt State. Larry claims she chased him, but since Sandra has the final word, we will stick with her version that Larry knew a good thing when he saw it!

They married in Yreka, Calif., on June 9, 1973, and later had their two children, Christy and Jonathan.

Larry graduated from Humboldt State with a Bachelor of Science degree in natural resources. He quickly went to work for the California State Parks, starting as a park aide and working his way up to chief ranger. Dressed as Smokey the Bear, playing his guitar, or telling stories, he created the best campfire programs.

He spent his childhood traveling to Clearlake to camp and play on the water so when a ranger position opened up at Clearlake State Park, he eagerly applied and moved his family to Kelseyville in 1981.

He helped design and develop the park's visitor center and was the lead ranger in establishing Anderson Marsh State Historical Park.

Larry loved to visit his four grandchildren, Daniel, Jacob, Aeryn and Eliana, and was their biggest fan.

His love of God gave him a deep compassion and heart of service for others. He was an avid fisherman whose tales were always much bigger than the fish he caught. He loved God's creation and could tell you much more than you would ever want to know about geology, flora and fauna. He told a lot of good and bad jokes, but his specialty was fooling the gullible.

Please join our family to remember Larry Reid at Grace Church, 6716 Live Oak Drive in Kelseyville, on Sunday, April 28, at 5:30 p.m.