Miguel Lawrence "Larry" Cervantes

87, of Santa Barbara, CA peacefully passed away on Friday, July 25, 2014 at the Serenity House in Santa Barbara.

A small memorial will be held for family.

Larry was born on April 14, 1927 in Santa Barbara, CA at St. Francis Hospital to Candelario and Teresa Cervantes and had one brother Rudy Cervantes, Sr. He graduated from Carpinteria High School.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy (Calif., National Guards) at the tender age of 16. He trained to be a sailor in San Diego. Over his time on active duty he was assigned to four different ships. The USS McKee (DD575) is where he saw most of wartime action. He ranked Seaman 2nd Class Captain Army Reserve. After his honorable discharge and War Hero from the Navy he returned to Santa Barbara to study architecture and design. He became a carpenter and later opened "Sierra Madre Construction" company. He built numerous houses over the following years.

Larry married his childhood sweetheart Victoria Villalpando on January 20, 1952 a marriage that lasted 62 years.

He was active with the Native Sons of Santa Barbara, Lions Club, Elks Club, and enjoyed working with the Old Spanish Fiesta events. He had a passion for the sea. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing and sharing his "Catch of The Day" with family and friends. He was known as the chef of our family and prepared many wonderful dishes throughout the years.

Larry was so loveable, kind and a caring man. He hugged most everyone he met. His big heart has touched so many people in his life and was dearly loved.

After retirement, Larry enjoyed most of his days pruning his beautiful fruit trees, tending to his vegetable and herb garden. He spent countless hours building beautiful things and working in his tool shop.

Larry is preceded in death by his loving brother Rudy Cervantes, Sr. and beautiful eldest daughter, Victoria Conley. He is survived by his amazing wife Victoria Cervantes, daughters and husbands, Teri, Brent Ritz, Diane and Erwin Thomet. He loved his family dearly. He adored his beautiful niece, nephews, Elizabeth, Rudy, Jr., Michael, Jonny, Joe Cervantes, their wives, husband and loving children.

The family wishes to thank the Santa Barbara Kidney Center, Dr. Kamal, Dr. Gilbert, Veterans Association, Dr. White, Visiting Nurse, Hospice Care, Buena Vista Center and Serenity House.

Larry will be remembered for his passion for life, big smile, humor, a heart of gold for helping people and animals. He loved being with his family, friends and brought much happiness, laughter to all of us. He was an unbelievable man full of surprises! We will miss him dearly, especially his big hugs and kisses.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Veterans Association, 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd, SB, CA 93101 or the Serenity House, 900 Miramonte Drive, SB, CA 93105

Arrangements entrusted to Pueblo del Rey Funeral Services (805) 895-8409.