Larry Bees

1932 - 2013

Larry Bees

St. George

was born December 2, 1932 in Eagle Rock, CA. Following four years as a Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy, Larry studied at the Art Center College of Design in California. With many years as a successful aerospace and free-lance designer/ illustrator and Art Director he turned to his main interest, Western Fine Art.

Working in pencil, Larry brought a depth and reality to his award winning work. Larry received numerous awards and medals for the beautiful work he produced.

Larry was selected by Michael Wayne, to design and produce the logo for The John Wayne Cancer Institute, which was also used for Wayne Enterprises and The John Wayne Foundation. Larry was also commissioned to draw several portraits of Mr. Wayne from the motion pictures "Stagecoach, and "Rio Bravo". Larry, with fellow artists Russ Vickers and Art Shinbo, designed the titles for the motion picture "Chisum". At Michael Wayne's request, Larry used his personal thoughts and designed the grave marker for John Wayne's grave site.



Larry and his Wife Jackie founded the highly successful and nationally recognized "Cattlemen's Western Art Show" held in Paso Robles, California. This show was Larry's pride and joy and after 23 profitable years, the show continues to draw some of the most talented western artists in the country to display their beautiful work.

He is loved dearly and will be missed by so many people. He gave so much of himself in order to make others happy and was always the first to offer his help in way he could. He loved volunteering as a VIP with the St. George Police Department and at the Catholic Thrift Store - these were "his" people. A big man with a big heart that too soon failed him.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Jackie; daughters, Kathy Bogart (Fallon), Cheryl Knapp (Dr. Thomas Knapp), and Linda Brader (Jeff); grandchildren, Tara and Heather Bogart, Courtney, Tommy and Garrett Knapp and great granddaughter Kyleigh Bogart; his mother and father in law, William and Virginia Ferguson, sisters and brothers in law and many other loving family members and friends. His much loved horse passed the day after Larry and his dog Jeb grieves for him.

My dear sweet Larry you made my life a dream come true. Until I met you, I never knew a person could be such a kind, Loving man who truly lived up to the term "a Giant among men." I love you more than words could ever begin to say and I thank God for the incredible life we had together. I will see you again my love and will feel your love in my heart. I love you.

A viewing will be held Friday, March 8 at the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George from 6 to 8 pm. Mass will be held Saturday, March 9 at the St. George Catholic Church, 157 N. 200 W., St. George at 11:00 am. Following Mass, there will be a gathering of family and friends at the Diamond Valley Mormon Stake Center, 1784 W. Diamond Valley Drive, St. George (Diamond Valley).

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, (435) 673-2454. Friends and family may sign Larry's guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.