Obituary of Larry Neal Gilliland

Larry Neal Gilliland, Sr., 75, entered into eternal rest on August 3, 2013, at Stanford Medical Center. He was born in Avenal, California to the late Howard (Alice) Gilliland of Mariposa, and Cleo (Robert) Stewart of Avenal. He resided in Santa Cruz for the past 20 years. He leaves behind his loving wife and best friend, Marie Gilliland; his son, Larry (Esther) Gilliland of Stockton; four grandchildren, Tara and James Adam and Michael and Marcus Gilliland; and his sisters, Terri (Terry) Bezzant and Lynna Grosely (Joe Dunkerley). Larry is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Tamara Gilliland Adam. Larry graduated from Avenal High School in 1957 and served in the U.S. Coast Guard for two years. He then went to work as a transmission plant mechanic in gas transportation for PG&E for 34-years. While employed with PG&E he and his family ended up living in Tracy. He retired in 1994 and eventually he and his wife moved to Santa Cruz, where Larry took interest in working with wood and became a skilled wood craftsman which he enjoyed very much. He also had the opportunity to travel with his wife to many places throughout the United States. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. Larry and his wife enjoyed spending their winter months in Laughlin, Nevada and summers in Santa Cruz. Larry will most be remembered for his kind and caring heart. He had an infectious personality and had a way of incorporating laughter into all of his conversations. He will be deeply missed by many. A memorial service to celebrate Larry's life will be held on Sunday, August 25th, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Paradise Park Masonic Club in Santa Cruz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.