Roy Carlton Large Jr.

Roy Carlton Large, Jr. passed away in the early hours of September 8th 2011. He was 74 years old. Born on August 20, 1937 in Wister Oklahoma, Roy moved, with his family, to Watsonville in 1944 where he attended Pajaro School and Watsonville Union High School [1957]. In 1958 he married his high school sweet-heart, Carol Phelps, who lived and worked at his side for 53 years.

Roy was a working man from the start. During and just after his high school years he worked at several gas stations in Watsonville, the Herr Pie Company, Southern Pacific Rail Road and at PG&E. In 1961 he began working for P.J. Freiermuth Company, a sheet metal shop, that he went on to manage for 25 years until, on April 1, 1986, he and his family started Large's Metal Fabrication. Large's shop celebrated 25 years of business this year. Roy was a self-taught craftsman and the shop was his pride and joy. The motivation to get into work everyday was undoubtedly what lengthened his life as he struggled with his health these last few years.

Roy was an eight year volunteer with the National Guard, while he attended sheet metal apprenticeship school and helped with raising his growing family. Roy enjoyed racing and in 1967 built his own car and began competing at the Watsonville and Merced Speedways. He was an avid fan and enjoyed watching his son's start their own racing adventures. In his later years Roy indulged in one of his favorite activities; cooking. He was an enthusiastic and creative cook who, for many years, loved surprising friends with his holiday cakes.

Roy is preceded in death by his father, Roy Carlton Large Sr.; his mother, Sally [Large] Wade, his brother Roger O. Large, and his nephew Roger O. Large, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Carol; his eldest daughter, Cheryl Large-Brkich [Kurt] and their son Gabriel of Medford, Oregon; son Robert [Bobby] Large [Brenda] of Watsonville and his son Max Tufo of Aptos; son Roy [Tunce] Carlton Large III [Tonya] and their daughters Kaitlyn and Taylor of Aromas; youngest daughter, Jennifer Ridgway [Mike] and their children Zachary, Vance and Mackenzie Rose [Tutti-Frutti], of Watsonville; his sister Suzanne Bacilla [Emil] of Sebastopol; nieces Sari Flowers and Mara Large, and a nephew David Large. Roy enjoyed watching his family grow and was particularly delighted by the antics and accomplishments of his grandchildren. He will also be greatly missed by the family cat, his constant companion, Lilly.

At Roy's request, there will be no funeral service, but a celebration of Roy's life is planned for Saturday, September 17, 2011 from 12 noon to 4:00 PM at Large's Metal Fabrication, located at 227 Kearney Street Extension in Watsonville. Please come and share your stories. The family prefers that any donations, you may choose to make, be made to the charity of your choice.