Larry Lee Sipes

Larry Lee Sipes passed away peacefully at home in Marin County on November 30, 2022. Larry was born in San Diego, CA, the oldest of Helen and Thomas Sipes's three children. He is survived by his partner, Lauren Beal; sister, Darlaine Sipes; four children - Carson Sipes, Daryn Davis, Laurel Sipes, and Todd Sipes; and eight grandchildren. Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Dale Sipes, in 2005.

Larry's life was one of public service. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California and Juris Doctor from New York University. After a brief stint in private legal practice, he devoted his professional life to serving the public good through the justice system - as Director and Counsel for California Constitution Revision Commission, 1966-1970; Director of the California Chief Justice's Select Committee on Trial Court Delay, 1971-1972; Director of the Western Regional Office of the National Center for State Courts, 1973-1986; and President of that same organization, 1990-1995. He shared the history and reflections on his decades of work in California's courts in a book he authored in 2002 titled, Committed to Justice: The Rise of Judicial Administration in California.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Larry was an incredibly loving and kind partner, father, and grandfather. He is remembered as an exceptionally gracious and hospitable person who loved to open his home and share meals with others. He was also a voracious reader and compelling storyteller, knowing just how much to embellish in order to captivate an audience. Larry loved a belly laugh, an afternoon working in the garden, a Willie Nelson album, a good bottle of wine. Larry was also a world traveler throughout his adult life, curious and appreciative of the dual experience of venturing far and coming home. His family and many friends already miss him dearly and may honor his life by seeking to leave the world a better place than the one they found.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the carers at Hospice who supported him and his family in his final days: By the Bay Health, in Larkspur, CA.