Larry Hugh Sampel

Larry Hugh Sampel, born August 20, 1936, passed away on Thursday, October 22 at Community Hospital in Monterey. Born and raised in Redwood City, California, Larry lived in Redwood City for most of his life and raised his own family there in an Eichler house surrounded by abundant landscaping he designed, planted and nurtured. Larry chose to retire from the Redwood City School District and make the move to Monterey, before living in South Lake Tahoe for a few years, then returning to beautiful Monterey. Larry is survived by his loving family - his wife of 51 years, Valerie, their daughter Kathleen, her husband Matt, and his grandson Jasper; and their daughter Lisa and her husband Michael. We miss him so much and are grateful for so many funny, happy moments and his loving, reassuring presence.

Where Am I? - Oh, I just stepped out,

No need to make a fuss, or shout,

No need to comb the nearest wood

Or roam about the neighborhood.

Call off the dog, she’ll find no scent,

Please don’t worry where I went,

And do not climb the garden tree,

My dear, you’ll catch no glimpse of me.

The attic steps will pinch your thumb,

The cellar will be dark and dumb,

Yet should you search your heart with care,

Though I am gone, you’ll find me there.

Felix Dennis, June 2007

After Larry graduated from high school in 1954, he volunteered for army service and was stationed in Germany as a Military Policeman for two years before receiving an Honorable Discharge. When Larry was in a reflective mood, he often credited his military service for helping him grow up, become a man, and learn about the world.

Larry had a wacky sense of humor and would delight his daughters when he would suddenly break into goofiness or draw cartoons. He had a warm and generous nature tempered by a strong sense of accepting things as they are. As a loving and protective father he had a practical side and made sure his daughters knew how to change a flat tire and the engine oil in their cars as they became more independent. As a son he was committed to helping his mother through her later years. As a husband he was a devoted partner to Valerie.

Larry met Valerie at a bar in San Francisco in the days when bars had telephones on each table. She was a recent arrival from her native England who had fallen in love with the city. He called her table, they had a conversation and the rest is history.

Larry loved the outdoors and instilled a genuine appreciation of nature in his family. Retirement did not slow him down much and he continued many of his favorite activities: camping, fishing, gardening, kayaking, traveling and hiking, and riding his bicycle around Monterey. An avid swimmer, he was a fixture at the Sports center in Monterey on a daily basis, swimming laps in the pool or exercising on an elliptical machine. He inspired many others and those in his family who are much younger with his vigor.

Larry was very fond of talking politics and a huge fan of the San Francisco Giants. He loved reading crime novels and was a frequent visitor to the Monterey library. For many years, Larry was a driver and volunteer delivery person for Meals on Wheels in both the Tahoe area and the Monterey area.

Larry did not wish to have a service, but to have his ashes scattered at sea off of the Monterey Coast in a small, private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, we encourage friends and loved ones to donate to Meals on Wheels in his honor, if they wish to at www.mowmp.org

“Death is not to be feared. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air or solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was, let it be spoken without effort, without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of the mind because I am out of the sight? I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.

All is well.”

Canon Henry Scott Holland