Larry W. Molseed

1941 - 2021

Larry W. Molseed
January 29, 1941 - April 5, 2020
Resident of Santa Cruz
Larry Molseed passed away on April 5, 2020 from Alzheimer's-related complications. He was born in San Raphael, CA to Elwood W. Molseed (a CA highway patrolman) and Nell Cunninghame Molseed (a schoolteacher). Early in his life the family moved to Fort Bragg, CA, where Larry lived until he graduated from high school. Among other interests he played running back on the high school football team and worked as a crew person on ocean-fishing charter boats.
After graduating from high school Larry attended college in Santa Fe, New Mexico and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed for three years in Germany. Upon being discharged he moved to Santa Cruz, CA, and found employment at the General Motors auto assembly plant in Fremont. Before retiring from G.M. Larry also worked in plants in the Midwest, first in St. Louis and then Janesville, Wisconsin.
In his forties, Larry purchased some acreage in Bonny Doon, where he worked with contractors to build a beautiful custom-designed home. He lived there for many years, and rented the house out when he was in the Midwest. After retiring Larry returned to Santa Cruz, to live in a house he bought on the Westside of town.
Larry was a kind, gentle, and friendly person who loved spending time with family and friends. He was very generous and was always there for anyone who needed help with anything. Larry was always active. In his younger years he enjoyed running and biking, and through the last decades of his life he took long walks every day. He loved to be in nature and some of his favorite walking places in Santa Cruz included Pogonip, DeLaveaga, Wilder Ranch and around Long Marine Lab. In his middle years Larry became an avid self-taught photographer using both film and digital cameras. He took many photography trips to the Sierras and other parts of California and produced some wonderful prints. He was also a prolific woodworker and furniture maker, and frequently gifted family, friends and cousins with his creations.
Larry was predeceased by his mother and father as well as his older brother Elwood Molseed, Jr. He is survived by his only sister Mary Molseed (Michael Herbert), niece Nell Herbert (Yuri Morales) and grandniece Neave Morales, as well as many cousins. His family is grateful to the many people who helped to care for him in his final years, including Hospice of Santa Cruz, Dr. Keet, and his caregivers Erika and Maria. Donations in Larry's memory may be sent to Hospice of Santa Cruz or another worthy organization of your choice.


View the online memorial for Larry W. Molseed