Lawrence passed away unexpectedly at home in Eureka on March 30, 2025, with his partner Tina by his side. Over the past few years, he has had many health challenges that he faced with bravery.

Lawrence “Larry” Landry aka “Pops” aka “Lar-Bear” was born in Lake Charles, Lousiana to Carlton and Victoria (Declues) Landry. His family heritage is Creole – a mixture of French, Black, and Native American.

In 1952, the family moved from Louisiana to Eureka. Larry attended local schools, graduating from St. Bernard’s High School in 1969. He was one of just a few black students integrating local schools in the 1950s and 1960s, and only the second black student to attend St. Bernard’s. He was an athlete, competing in wrestling (beating many of the best local wrestlers by his junior year), track and field, football and basketball. While at St. Bernard’s, he set the shot-put record that stood until 1997. When it was finally broken, Larry made a point to meet the young man who broke his record and shake his hand.

In his senior year at St. Bernard’s, he was in a production of Up With People – a musical entertainment group promoting multiculturalism, racial equality, and positive thinking through song and dance. In the early 1970s he played football at College of the Redwoods and boxed with the Eagles Athletic Club. Larry enjoyed riding motorcycles in his younger days and played city league basketball for a number of years.

He had a great love of music. Just a few days before his passing he was sitting in the sun on the porch, grooving to Percy Sledge.

Larry never met a stranger. Always friendly, always willing to lend a hand. He loved to laugh, especially with his family.

Larry worked at a variety of jobs over his lifetime – Hilfiker Pipe, Construction, Crestwood Manor, Commercial Fishing (on the Linda Ellen and the Gary Lee), Noel’s TV and Appliance, plus a bit of Humboldt County-style gardening 😊.

He helped Benny Gill with remodeling the Whaler’s Inn (now La Patria) in Fields Landing many years ago. His name, along with many others, is burned into the beam above the bar.

He was the first black commercial fisherman in Eureka. It was dangerous, tough work but he loved it. When he worked at Crestwood Manor, his caring and ability to work with psychiatric patients was legendary. When a staff member needed assistance, they didn’t just page for help, they paged for Larry.

Larry loved animals and had quite a collection over the years – birds, snakes, an alligator, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, cats, fish, and many beloved dogs. He also loved rocks of all kinds. He enjoyed excursions to collect rocks and trips to Champman’s Gem and Mineral Shop. Chapman’s was a special source of joy for him in recent months. He enjoyed getting out in the community on his scooter with family. He took many scoot/walks all over Eureka with his son Lonyx.

Larry married twice – first to Donna (Borden) Landry-Rehling. That marriage blessed him with his son Lonyx Landry. Later he married Rosemary (Bulger) Landry. His beloved daughter Derixa Landry came from that marriage. He met Tina Moulton in late 1978. That union added three more very welcome children – Lenoxx, Victoria, and Lexus Landry. When Lexus was born, he was a stay-at-home dad for a while and made the comment “This is so fun, I want another one!” Tina quickly disabused him of that notion.

Larry’s children were everything to him. He was so grateful that all his children stayed close by, and he got to see them often. His children rose to the challenge as Larry’s health declined and we will be forever grateful for that. He was looking forward to his 75th birthday party in April.

Larry was predeceased by his parents Carlton and Victoria Landry, his brother Joseph Landry, his sister Gertie Mae (Landry) Bryson, his two infant brothers David and Anthony Landry, his great nephew Marcus Bryson, and his great niece Shyelynn Landry.

He is survived by his partner Tina Moulton, his ex-wives Donna Landry-Rehling (Bryan) and Rosemary Landry, his children Lonyx Landry (Kathy), Derixa Landry (Brad) Lenoxx Landry, Victoria Landry-Chesbro (Alan), and Lexus Landry. Also survived by his brother Alvin Landry (Raelene) and sister-in-law Vertie Landry, grandson Lyndin Landry, granddaughters Savannah “Bo” Risling, Lina Landry, and Nyexa Landry Brambani, nephews Garrick Bryson (Cecilia), Danny Landry, Michael Landry, Christopher Landry (Julia), nieces Cynthia (Bryson) Shelton (Mark), Cathy Landry and Crystal Landry, plus many many great nieces and nephews. Also missing him are his two Italian Greyhounds Madonna and Riot, and his grand-dogs Bisous, Bobbi Dazzler and Stuart Little.

The family wishes to thank everyone who helped care for him: Angela Smith NP, Kidney Care Services of Humboldt, Open Door Community Health, Providence St. Joseph both inpatient and outpatient services – Med Surg 2 you are all amazing; Fresenius Dialysis Center, Humboldt Medi-Trans, Humboldt County IHSS, Humboldt Bay Fire, City Ambulance, EPD and Ayers Family Cremation.

A special thank you to St. Joseph Providence Pet Therapy Program teams Allan Wiegman/Kiya and Jeanne Sapunor/Otis for therapy dog visits while Larry was in the hospital – you brightened his day. His one complaint about the hospital was that there weren’t any dogs!

A Celebration of Life will be held at Eureka Woman’s Club, 1531 J Street, Eureka on Saturday May 3, 2025. beginning at 3 p.m. For questions, please reach out to one of Larry’s children.