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Larry Riddle-Meza Obituary
A Mass celebrating Larry's life will be held on Friday, October 8, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 1066 26th Street, Sacramento.
Larry had a long and distinguished career in public service for over 23 years. He held staff positions in the California Legislature as Field Representative to former Assembly member Dom Cortese, and as an Associate Consultant to the Senate Office of Federal and International Relations under former President pro Tempore David Roberti. He recently served as an Analyst for the Departments of Alcohol and Drugs and the California Department of Health Services.
In addition to his years in public service, Larry was a scholar and linguist who spoke Spanish, French, Italian, Madarin Chinese, Taiwanese and Japanese. He held an AA degree in foreign languages from West Valley College in Saratoga, a BA degree in Political Science from San Jose State University, a MA degree in Organizational Management from Phoenix University, and he completed a course of graduate studies in East Asian languages at National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Larry also had extensive teaching experience. From 1976 to 1979 he was an instructor of English, Spanish, French and Italian at the Taipei Language Institute and the National Cheng-Chi University, School of Public Administration in Taipei, Taiwan. From 1980 to 1982 Larry taught (ESL) English as a Second Language at Evergreen Valley College in San Jose and was a professor of Mandarin Chinese at West Valley Community College in Saratoga.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Step Ministry, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, a charity which serves the homeless in Sacramento. Their address is 1066 26th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Riddle-Meza
Bradley Zahedi
September 26, 2004
I would like to wish the family of Larry my deepest condolences. This man's gentle and sweet demeanor reflected the angel that inhabited him while he was with us, and it is my only consolation in his early passing.
Sandra Peterson
September 24, 2004
Larry and I worked together on a food drive for DHS. One of the first things I noticed about him was his magnetic personality. We worked together like two peas in a pod. I traveled through rain and hail to receive the contributions and gift basket from his office and we laughed about how I looked like a drowned rat. Haa haa...
He always wanted to help out and numerous times would volunteer to do more. His kindness will not be forgotten. I am so sad on this day, but I know you are in a better place. May God bless the entire Riddle-Meza family and continue to stay with you throughout eternity.
Dolly Quevedo
September 22, 2004
To the Riddle Family,
Larry and I worked for the Senate when we first met. We would have long conversations as we rode the light rail and when we would run into each other over the years. He will be greatly missed and I always remember his wonderful spirit. You will all be in my prayers at this time.
Mila Custodio
September 21, 2004
Larry will never be forgotten especially from the San Diego Medi-Cal Field Office MCM staff. He was always there for me for any question and problems I had and willingly call any of the other governmental offices to solve eligibility problems just so I can assist a pending Medi-Cal benificiary prior to discharge from the hospital.
Larry, you are now in the LORD's hands and pain free. May you rest in peace.
I would like to extend my deepest condolence and sympathy to the family and may the Lord's blessing be with you all and strengthen your faith at this time of sorrow and bereavement.
He will be surely missed .!!! God Bless his Soul.
Carolyn Lewis
September 21, 2004
Hal, I am sorry to hear of your son's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Please take care of yourself and the remainder of your family.
Cindy Bauman
September 21, 2004
Dear Hal and Loretta,
On behalf of everyone here in the SJSU Alumni Association Office, I send our deepest sympathies to you, and your family in the loss of your son. If there is anything we can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to call upon us.
Deepest regards,
Cindy Bauman, Fred Najjar, Sandy Moran, Sheryl Walters, Paul Richardson, Kat Meads, and Byron Kamp.
Janet Redding
September 21, 2004
Dear Hal and Loretta,
I was so sorry to read about Larry's passing. The two of you have been such an inspiration to so many, tirelessly working on important issues. Please know that Tom and I would be honored if there is anything we can do to help you during this difficult time.
Janet Redding and Tom Richardson
Shelley McMaster
September 19, 2004
Mr. and Mrs. Riddle and Judy,
Larry was one of my dearest friends I have ever had. We talked many hours on the telephone as well as he loved to come visit our family in Napa. He will remain in my heart
forever. I will remember him for his compassion and dedication to helping his co-workers through work related struggles.
From one of Larry's dearest friends,
Shelley McMaster
Rebecca De Ramos
September 18, 2004
I had the distinct privilege of working with Larry as a nurse evaluator III in the Los Angeles MCM unit. He will be remembered by everyone as the person who was always willing to assist all the staff in need of his expertise and services. The hundreds of miles distance between us was never a barrier to Larry's graciousness and promptness in helping all of us in the LA MCM unit. Larry is a great loss to the department and will be terribly missed by every co worker.
Becky De Ramos NEIII
Mary Liz Cortese
September 18, 2004
Judy, Loretta and Hal, I am so sorry for your loss. Everytime I think of Larry, I see his larger than life smile and I can't help smiling myself. He was so quick to laugh and it seemed to be his favorite way to start any conversation. What a truly KIND and gentle person Larry was, and exceptionally smart, as well! You are all in my prayers, and Larry is in a place where he doesn't need them!
Judy Moore
September 17, 2004
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Riddle, Judy and Jim,
Larry was one of my very best friends. I met Larry in 1998 when I was an Nurse Evaluator II in the Medical Case Management Program (MCM) and then had the very distinct pleasure of working with him in a headquarters’ position. At headquarters we survived a budget change proposal, a full scale MCM expansion and multiple trainings. I would have never survived the first few weeks without him. A few words to describe Larry would include loyal, honest, kind, devoted, brilliant, calm, positive, perfectionist, hard working, warm, and as he always said “an iron fist in a velvet glove.” I absolutely loved to go out to lunch with him and have many fond memories. One of my fondest memories includes a time when we were on assignment in San Francisco. We had dinner in China Town before our return to Sacramento and he spoke to the shop owners in perfect Chinese. I consider him an angel on earth and I will miss him as long as I live. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. All my love,
Mike Halloran
September 17, 2004
I am most sorry to hear that my friend, Larry Riddle, has passed away. I have known him since we sang together in high school. We kept in touch somewhat over the years -- but never enough, of course.
His warm personality and baritone voice will surely be missed by all who knew him.
Straun and Masha Boston
September 16, 2004
Larry was a very good friend of our family and came to many of the Boston Holiday gatherings. I have come to know Larry very well in the past 7 years. Larry was a true Renaissance man, who could converse on any subject in a multitude of languages. Larry was a fascinating person, and my wife and I are saddened that he never was able to see our new baby. I know Larry is in a better place, and we will miss him very much.
God Bless-
Loraine Towne
September 16, 2004
I was a nurse that worked with Larry in the Redding office. I only knew Larry for one year, but his warm demeanor and quick sense of humor were always welcomed. He never knew a stranger and I felt like I had known him for years. What a great mind! My prayers are with you
Gayle Watson
September 15, 2004
To Larry's Loving Family,
Larry was a true gem, full of brillance and sparkle. I shall miss his light. May God's love and grace sustain you during this difficult time and in the day's ahead.
Johnny & Teryl Hudson
September 15, 2004
My you rest in peace. Finally at rest.
Brian Stone
September 15, 2004
What I remember most about Larry was his ongoing quest for knowledge and understanding of many different subjects. Often when helping me with work related issues, he would ask me to explain or define a particular medical term, diagnosis, or proceedure. We talked often of travel, art, history, politics, etc., and I enjoyed these conversations very much over the years. He also told me about when he would just jump in his car and see where the road would take him, calling them his "adventure drives". I think I'll choose to remember Larry for his sense of adventure/wonder of the world...and for the look on the waiter's face when he would order our food for us at the Chinese restaurants, in perfect Mandarin dialect. Hope to see you again ol' friend.
Cat Johnson
September 15, 2004
Larry was a friend to all -- such a loving person. He was always there to offer a helping hand to anyone who asked. I will miss his kind heart, his gentle spirit and his friendliness. He's someone I am both glad to have known, and sorry not to have known better...
Rosa Cansino
September 15, 2004
Memories last a lifetime. May the warm memories of Larry bring healing and comfort to all his family and friends.
Pat Roberts NE3
September 15, 2004
Larry was the kind of co-worker that everyone wanted to work with. He was willing to teach others, help with any project, and was so knowledgeable in so many areas. He loved potlucks, and took a genuine interest in others. He will be greatly missed.
Sylvia Amey
September 15, 2004
To the Riddle-Meza family and loved ones. Larry was highly esteemed, admired and appreciated here in the DHS-LAFO. He and his expertise will be greatly missed….
Pattii Litchenberg
September 15, 2004
My prayers go out to Larry's family in your loss of a great man, mentor and educator.
LeAnne Scott
September 15, 2004
Larry was fun to be around and a great guy to work with. I will truly miss his smile.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
LeAnne
Divinia Coronel, RN NE III
September 15, 2004
My sincere sympathy to Larry's family. We the nurses here in DHS Los Angeles Medical Field Office Medical Case Management unit will miss Larry. He was loved by all of us here. He was such a wonderful person. My prayer to Larry's family in this difficult time. God Bless.
Tracy Lynne McBroom
September 15, 2004
Such a beautiful soul, I only knew Larry a short time. His warm smile and humor warmed up every room.
He will be missed.
May the Lord bless and keep the family.
Susan Frye
September 15, 2004
When I think of Larry, the first thing I see is his grand smile, he was easy going and always made time to chat, catch up and he was willing to help with any problems you tossed his way.
I have had the pleasure to work with Larry for several years, I first met Larry on one of his first trips down to the San Diego Medical Field Office in 1997 or was it 98? where does the time go.
Larry had a great sense of humor too. I will truly miss him.
I do believe he is in a much better place and he looking down at all of us, with that grand smile. fondly Sue Frye RN
SDMFO MCM
Candace Feuchter
September 15, 2004
Larry, May you be kept close to our Lord and forever see his happiness and love. Your now our guardian angel at DHS.
Joan Helme
September 15, 2004
I was so saddened to hear of Larry's death. God must have really wanted him! I hope you find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched in such a positive way. My memory of him is how responsive and kind he was with my many eligibility questions. I'm very much in awe of his background. It shows he lived life fully to the end! Thoughts and Prayers. Joan H.
Susan Mulloy
September 15, 2004
To Larry's Family and Friends-
I have known Larry for 5-6 years as a co-worker. He has always been a positive, upbeat,humble and always supportive,unselfish person. He has a spirit that is sweet and pure-one that is rare to find these days. I wish that happy memories of Larry may sustain you at this sad time. Much love to you, Susan
Daisy Reyes, NEIII
September 15, 2004
A wonderful person to work with and talk to regardless of the distance between Sacramento and San Diego. Blessed with a lot of things that he also bacame a blessing to others especially to all the case managers of the Medi-Cal Case Management Program.His ever lending assistance to all of us will long be remembered.
Judith Davis
September 15, 2004
Larry was an extremely helpful person to me as a new case manager in the San Diego MediCal Office. Although I did not work with him long, he certainly will be missed greatly. My prayers and sympathy are with the family members who are surely missing Larry and his great enthusiasm for life.
Pat Anderson
September 15, 2004
Larry, You were a man of many talents. You will be missed by all of us in San Diego. Fly Free!!
Eric Dadmehr
September 15, 2004
Larry was my most loyal friend that wasn't a "flake." He was also my most dedicated martial art student. He appreciated all the arts and excelled in them as well, from flower arranging to dance. We trained together with Larry Hartsell twice a year when he came to Northern California from the Academy that Bruce Lee started in Los Angeles (Inosanto Academy). He became proficient in Filipino Kali-Eskrima Stick Fighting and weapons training besides Savate French Kickboxing. He helped me teach several times also. I loved to joke with him and play "Kato" where you jump out of nowhere to surprise attack. He once fell in front of several chiefs hard on the concrete and rolled out of it and bounced back up. The chiefs were amazed and he mentioned that he had me to thank for that. He also tried to ski with me for his first time and actually did better than I did the first time at 47! He went down the slope on his first day and stem-Christie turned and got on and off the lift by himself. A little kid passed us up and asked that we old men get out of the way. We died laughing. Larry I miss you greatly and know our paths will cross again like in our previous lives. He took care of my animals when I travelled and now he is still taking care of my animals he knew in Heaven. Larry is truly a Saint. Larry was the least selfish person that I ever knew. He also had a crush on my aunt. One of my wife's friends tried to go out with Larry whom is terribly shy on a double date with us but we could never find free time since he was always running around helping people. Larry was like that, always the hero. God Bless You Larry!
Marva Fields
September 15, 2004
I worked with Larry in Health Services (IHO/MCM). It's been a pleasure knowing you and working with you; such a talented person who was willing to share the many languages you speak. Larry: vaya con Dios.
Francine Aguirre
September 15, 2004
Dear Judy/Parents,
My heart cries out to you in the loss of your brother/son. As time heals your sorrow, may the beautiful memories of your brother/son unfold and live in your heart forever.
Cesar Torres
September 15, 2004
I used to call him a genius because he was so proficient in many languages, including Chinese. He was learning the Philippine National Language, Pilipino, and was practicing it on his Filipino officemates in the Medical Case Management Program of DHS.
He loved the poem of the Philippine National Hero, "Mi Ultimo Adios" which was written in 1898 in Spanish. Rizal was The Pride of the Malay Race, the gift of God to the oppressed Malays, including the Filipinos. He believed that since the Philippines was a former colony of Spain, Rizal was also a part of Spain's "Siglo de Oro". He was the Philippines foremost martyr, shot by the Spaniards in 1898.
Larry had been to Cebu and Manila, the Philippines' oldest cities. He loved Filipino food. I even invited him to attend a Filipino fiesta in September 2000 at Hs Lordship Restaurant in the Berkeley Marina. We will miss him. But he is with his Creator.
Indeed, in the words of "Mi Ultimo Adios", "Morir es descansar".
Patti Nelson
September 15, 2004
You will be missed by all, but you will be in our hearts forever.
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