Thanks Larry. 
The wife and I decided we would take the scenic route and left at 1100 for an hour trip. At 1230 we were still 45 minutes away behind Mr. Pokey. Our scenic side trip was turning into a nightmare. The ceremony starts at 1330.
Then it dawned on me. We were headed to a "National" cemetery and the government was shut down. However there was nothing to worry about.
Upon arrival there were 20 - 30 cars in a line and lots of folks milling around.. After a few minutes I see Kent Brown, Wayne Breazeale, and Gene Bucholtz and chat for a minute. I then see one of the boys who is the spittn image of Larry, and inquire as to whether or not he's related. It was his son Carl. Larry's x wife Lisa, stops and says hello. She told me she recognized the name which sort of surprised me as she handed me a memorial card.
We then got back in our vehicles to proceed to the Committal Shelter for the Military Funeral Honors ceremony. Larry was a drill sergeant in the US Army during the Viet Nam war. He trained infantry men in hand to hand combat, became an expert rifleman and machine gunner reaching the rank of Master Sergeant. A three member honor guard gave a 9 volley salute and a lone guard blew taps while all stood in silence. A flag folding ceremony took place and was presented to the family. These ceremonies are quite emotional, especially during taps. Two more items were presented the family and the military ceremony was finished. The family then asked for attendees to relate any humorous stories they remembered about Larry.
Gene related a story about being in Reno with Larry and Lisa and while walking through the casino slots on the way to check in, Larry told Gene, this ones going to hit, then he pointed to another and another. After settling in there rooms, Larry calls Gene and says lets go downstairs. As they are headed towards the slots, there was a little old lady sitting at one of the slots Larry had picked. Gene said he asked Larry if he could play one of the machines Larry picked. Larry gave him the OK and after about 5 pulls (yes they pulled a lever in those days
) Gene hit for 10 grand. (He did not say whether he shared any winnings with Larry ) A few minutes later the little old lady hit for 25Gs. 
Then Kent got up and told a "Bucky" story. So while working for Larry, he apparently with others got Larry into deer hunting again. Larry used to hunt in Michigan. Anyway, Larry decides to go out deer hunting on his own. When returning to the office he tells Kent, "I think I'm in trouble". Kent inquires how? Larry says You know how CDF&G has those big fake deer? Yes, Kent replied. Well I shot one from the road. I hit it and all these DFG agents came out of the bushes. Kent's reply was something like Larry! You shot Bucky? (Bucky is the name that DFG assigns to there fake deer. Everyone laughed.
Larry did more for California bass fishing by pushing the envelope with the help of Dennis Lee. New and innovative ideas, like the pro am shared weight program, the Gold Rush, and of course his relationship with Forrest Wood and Ranger boats, making the West Coast Bass Classic a televised weigh in and giving away a boat each to both the pro and amateur. He and Harvey Nasland of WON Bass pushed each other to come up with innovative ways to increase membership and promote folks like Gary Dobyns, Phil Mitsueda etc. But I think the lasting legacy for this man is the offspring of the Florida strain bass he bought with his own money and that Dennis Lee distributed through out northern California. Each time you catch one of those 7,8 10, 12 lbrs, its a strong likely hood they're related to the initial stocking.
The memorial card " Fishing In Heaven" says pretty much everything I quote "In Loving Memory of a Man Whose Strength, Creativity, and Love for the Outdoors Touched So Many Lives".
Rest in Peace My Friend and May God Bless You.
TL
FE
Advertising