Lawrence Stanley Meyers

1943 - 2023

Lawrence Stanley Meyers
April 6, 1943 - October 25, 2022
Sacramento, California - Professor Lawrence Stanley Meyers, PhD. died peacefully in Sacramento, California on October 25th, 2022, after a 3-year battle with aggressive prostate cancer. Dr. Meyers or Larry as many knew him, is likely remembered by anyone who majored in Psychology at California State University Sacramento (CSUS) over the last 50 years.
Larry was born and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He received his B.S. in Psychology in 1964 from Brooklyn College after changing his major from Chemistry because, he said, "the math was too hard". He went on to get his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Adelphi University in 1968 and did a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 1968 - 1970 under the sponsorship of Professor E.J. Capaldi. He apparently got over his aversion to mathematics at some point, (co)authoring several books on advanced statistical analysis and experimental design. Beginning his tenure at CSUS in 1970, side-effects from his illness forced him to retire in December 2021.
Larry is preceded in death by first wife (Ronni Lux) and second wife (Gail Barnes). He is survived by his daughter Erin Botsford, his stepson Edward Payson Hall (Mardell), his cousin Anne Roth, three grandchildren Paul Furst (Clarissa), Jennifer Maanao (Michael), Alexander Hall (Kelly), eight great-grandchildren, and many very good friends, colleagues, and students.
In addition to his teaching, Larry engaged in many other professional activities at CSUS to support students, the department, and the profession throughout his career. One of the activities he enjoyed the most was serving as graduate coordinator for the psychology program for 26 years. Many of the students he coached became and remained friends long after moving on to successful doctoral programs and careers all over the country.
His presence will be missed at family gatherings, the bridge game with close friends that started in 1975 and persisted in some fashion until just before his death, and the Dungeons & Dragons Adventures with his gaming cohort that began in the early 1980's and ran until they were curtailed because of COVID. His elven thief/wizard "Arth" will be given a Viking funeral.
The family wishes to acknowledge the great care and support Larry received from the Kaiser medical community, including his primary care physician Dr. Hwang, oncologist Dr. Patrick Linn and his team, his Palliative Care team headed by Dr. Gerald Cantelmi and the Hospice team (particularly nurse extraordinaire Elway). We also wish to acknowledge his Home Instead caregiver Sale who was a companion and an invaluable in-home support for Larry's final year.
Although a quiet man in many ways, he was actively engaged academically, professionally, and socially. "Grandpa Larry" as he was known by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enjoyed participating in family events and occasional road trips with friends and family. Always willing to lend an ear, Larry was thoughtful and unselfish with his time and resources. Many who knew him remarked on Larry's generosity, kindness, and wisdom and many have spoken of life-transforming support and advice he provided over the years. I think we speak for all who knew him when we say, "We are better for knowing you, Larry. Best wishes for whatever comes next." Per Larry's wishes, there will be no memorial. Should you wish to honor his legacy, the family suggests supporting higher education (in general and CSUS in particular), cancer research and, of course, practicing kindness and generosity.