Mr. Kirby Bernard La Caze Jr.

Mr. Kirby Bernard La Caze Jr. obituary, Placentia, CA

Mr. Kirby Bernard La Caze Jr.

Kirby La Caze Jr. Obituary

Published by Forest Lawn - Long Beach on Jul. 18, 2019.
Kirby B. LaCaze, Jr., or "Buddy"as many called him, of Placentia, California passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at his home surrounded by his wife and his three children and the thoughts of so many who loved him. Kirby was born on August 27, 1953 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Kirby Bernard Sr. and Shirley May. He has an older sister, Kathryn, and three younger siblings: Merrick, Tricia and Jerilyn. He spent his younger years in Louisiana before moving to California in 1955. He attended Hughes Junior High and Long Beach Jordan High School and began working for his dad at Heath Machine, Inc. in 1967, where he found his passion in aerospace machining. He ultimately purchased "the shop" in 1977 and continued to operate it until he sold the business in January 2012. Kirby married Cindi Lokey on July 8, 1978 and over the years, they lived in Long Beach, Placentia, and Yorba Linda, CA. Together they had three children – Lauren Marie, Courtney Ann, and Jestine James. Their marriage dissolved, but they remained dear friends to the end of his life. On November 21, 2009, Kirby married Miriam Deojuan. During their 10 years of marriage, they worked together, they traveled together, and they made many wonderful memories. Miriam was a great companion and wife to Kirby and will carry his love with her always. Kirby loved to be outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. Some of his favorite places to be were on his ranch in Montana and on his lake property in Louisiana. He also loved to travel, and had traveled to Alaska, Argentina, Canada and Europe. No one was a stranger to Kirby, as he loved to meet new people, enjoy local food and, of course, ALL the drinks. One thing that always bothered Kirby was that he did not graduate from high school. As a testament to his tenacity to always strive for more and to never give up on your dreams, no matter how late in life, he enrolled in Paramount Adult School and received his high school diploma equivalent in 2006, which was one of his proudest personal achievements and a source of great encouragement to his friends and family. Kirby was also extremely thankful to be able to own a business that provided for the families of those who worked for it. He will always be remembered for his generosity to people and causes across all walks of life, and especially so for his uninhibited love of his family. Kirby is survived by Miriam Deojuan-LaCaze of Placentia, CA, Steven and Lauren Wetzel of Placentia, CA, Sean and Courtney Adams of El Dorado Hills, CA, Jestine and Rochelle LaCaze of Yorba Linda, CA, his five grandchildren –Gavin Wetzel, Chase Wetzel, Bryson Adams, Tynan Adams, and Scarlette Wetzel, his father and stepmother, Kirby Sr. and Miriam LaCaze of Shreveport, LA, his siblings Merrick LaCaze, Tricia Saul, Jerilyn Dhonau, and his nephews and nieces – Jim Holechek, Robert Brady, Shailey Dhonau, and Chance Dhonau. Kirby is predeceased by his mother Shirley Saul and his sister Kathryn Ainsworth. Funeral services for Kirby will be at Forest Lawn Long Beach. There will be visitation on July 31, 2019 from 9:30am -9:00pm and then a private funeral service on August 1, 2019. A Celebration of Life will be held at Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach on Thursday, August 1, 2019 from 3-8pm. All family and friends are encouraged to attend the visitation and Celebration of Life to share their memories and honor Kirby's life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Kirby La Caze Jr.'s Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 25, 2021

Rob Comeau posted to the memorial.

March 10, 2020

Monica Longlois-Rooks posted to the memorial.

August 13, 2019

Suzanne,Kathie,Paula Jose posted to the memorial.

Rob Comeau

September 25, 2021

I thought about Kirby today, looked him up with my wife, and was so saddened to hear of his passing. I cried. Kirby was one of those people that was genuine, cared, fair, and kind. He was salt of the earth and I truly enjoy spending time with him in business and personally. There aren't many Kirby's in the world, and and I feel grateful that I got to know him. God bless you my friend, you left the type of legacy that is lasting... love.

Monica Longlois-Rooks

March 10, 2020

Buddy was my cousin...and although we hadnt seen each other in over 50 years as soon as we met up it was like yesterday. The kindest, sweetest and most generous human being....with a love for family beyond description. Its more than a loss....a tremendous void to this planet. Buddy was rare human being, a loving friendly nature with compassionate nature. Always ready to help. We are so lucky to have had him on this planet at least 65 years. Im devastated you are gone. Love you so much, Buddy!

Suzanne,Kathie,Paula Jose

August 13, 2019

Our family had a friendship with Kirby that was for over 40 years. He always said how he felt and meant what he said. He was kind and generous and always had a trick up his sleeve truly an original. Our brother Grant passed away about 1 year ago and was in heaven waiting for Kirby and the 2 of them together makes me wonder just what they will think of doing maybe they can rebuild their submarine

Adolfo Zenteno

August 1, 2019

Zenteno Family: We love y'all and hope that you find strength in God in this hard time. We are praying for y'all and we send our deepest condolences.

Linda Oldenkmp

July 28, 2019

We met Kirby through our son Matthew. He spoke of Kirby many times and we finally had a chance to talk with him at our sons wedding eight years ago. Kirby was a kind person who laughed easily and celebrated life. We are glad to have had the opportunity to share this happy occasion with a man whom Matthew considered a good friend.

Craig Culaciati

July 28, 2019

Kirby was my friend. I knew Kirby for over thirty five years. I know I will never meet anyone like him again. I cherished our friendship. Kirby was kind, generous, humble and a loyal friend. He always thought of others before himself. Whenever we were together his favorite conversation was inevitably about his wife, his children and his beloved grandchildren. I will miss him greatly!

Tom LaCaze

July 28, 2019

May God bless you in this hardest of times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom and Donna LaCaze

Frankie Hudkins

July 28, 2019

Will always remember Buddys sweet and generous spirit, his kindness to his step-sister Amy, and step-brother Ron, and his fun loving personality. My prayers go out to the family and all those who loved him. He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)

David & Patricia LaCaze

July 28, 2019

We send our love with deepest and heartfelt sympathy and will remember all the family in prayer, David and Patricia LaCaze

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Forest Lawn - Long Beach

1500 East San Antonio Drive, Long Beach, CA 90807

Make a Donation
in Kirby La Caze Jr.'s name

How to support Kirby's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Kirby La Caze Jr.'s life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Kirby La Caze Jr.'s Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 25, 2021

Rob Comeau posted to the memorial.

March 10, 2020

Monica Longlois-Rooks posted to the memorial.

August 13, 2019

Suzanne,Kathie,Paula Jose posted to the memorial.