Lawrence A. "Larry" WICKER

WICKER, Lawrence "Larry" A. Retired Deputy Director for the County of Los Angeles, Department of Mental Health, passed away on December 6, 2010, at the age of 73, surrounded by his loving family. A dedicated social worker, Larry was a quiet but major contributor to the field of public-sector mental health. Among his many accomplishments were the establishment of the Long Beach Child and Adolescent Program, the creation of the public academic partnership between the county and the UCLA Department of Psychiatry, including the psychiatric residency program, the opening of the Edelman Westside Mental Health Center, and the establishment of the countywide Emergency Outreach Bureau. More recently, Larry dedicated himself to the mentoring of young DMH managers who benefited from his gentle wisdom. Larry is survived by his wife, Robin Kay-Wicker, brother, Gerald "Jerry" Wicker, children, Lisa (Margo), Mark (Kathy), Cassandra and Ben, as well as, five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2010, at 1:00 PM at Temple Beth Hillel, 12326 Riverside Dr., Valley Village, CA 91607, (818) 763-9148. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, 4650 W. Sunset Blvd., #29, Los Angeles, CA 90027, (323) 361-3850. Please note on the memo line: In Memory of Larry Wicker.