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Lawrence Funk Obituary
February 11, 1950 – September 1, 2019
Larry Funk, long-time healthcare executive who led the transformation of Laguna Honda Hospital, died at his Millbrae home on September 1, 2019.Born in Burlington, Iowa, Larry's parents (Rita Funk, Registered Nurse and Francis Funk, Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army) relocated their family to El Paso, Texas in 1957 where Larry spent his childhood. At 14, Larry became an Eagle Scout and later graduated from Jesuit High School in 1968.
Larry graduated from the University of Texas with a BA in Psychology in 1972. Filled with ambition, Larry moved to San Francisco to pursue a MS in Industrial & Organizational Psychology at San Francisco State University. In 1976, Larry met the love of his life, Karen Brasseur, and the couple married on June 26, 1982. Larry later became a proud father of two and continued his education by earning a Master of Public Administration degree at Golden Gate University.
Larry's fulfilling career consisted of leadership roles within Mayor George Moscone's Criminal Justice Counsel and SFPD Planning and Research Bureau. His work in the healthcare industry began in 1980 as Director of Safety and Security at Children's Hospital of San Francisco. In 1987 he accepted a position at Laguna Honda Hospital where he became Executive Administrator in 1998. Larry oversaw the Laguna Honda Hospital Replacement Project, California's first LEED certified green hospital. With the help of Louise Renne, Tony Wagner, and a city-wide team, they developed and passed the 1999 G.O. bond which funded a majority of the new hospital. Larry's love, passion and dedication toward Laguna Honda Hospital transcended the completion of the hospital replacement project, the pinnacle of his career. Larry was a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and served on a variety of Board and Committee assignments with the California and American Hospital Association. Upon retiring from Laguna Honda Hospital, Larry established his own free-lance healthcare consultancy, performing several capital projects for the San Mateo Health Department through 2018.
Larry will be remembered as a loving, kind, respectful and dedicated family man of great integrity. He enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, golfing, and cheering for the Texas Longhorns. Larry is survived by his wife Karen, children Christopher (Diana) and Jennifer, brother Michael and family, cousins and sister-in-law Ms. Cathy Bragdon of Greensboro, North Carolina.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 6:00pm with a Vigil at 7:00pm at Crosby-N. Gray & Co., Burlingame, CA. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at 10:00AM at St. Dunstan Parish, Millbrae, CA. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org/donate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Funk
Sponsored by CLOSED-Crosby-N. Gray & Co. Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Bower/Taylor Family
September 10, 2019
We are so sorry to hear of Larry's passing and send all of our love, thoughts, and prayers to the Funk Family. We love you all. xoxo, Sarah, Doug, and Nicholas Bower... as well as Sally Ellis, Stuart Taylor, and Molly Taylor.
Pat Blaisdell
September 9, 2019
I think of Larry with great affection and respect. He was a strong and effective advocate for Laguna Honda and the hospital/SNF community. He was a kind, thoughtful, and gentle man.
My favorite story: I brought my daughter, a new college grad, to an event with Speaker Pelosi. When Madame Speaker arrived, she was mobbed by the other attendees and my daughter and I were way in the back. Larry found us in the crowd and escorted my daughter through the mob, so she could meet Ms. Pelosi and shake her hand. Such a thoughtful and generous gesture, and so characteristic of Larry.
My thoughts are with his family,
Pat Blaisdell (CA Hospital Association)
Michele Wallace
September 9, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with the family as they go through this difficult time. As you grieve, I hope you will also remember the happy, funny and loving memories. Please share some with others if able. You now have a loving angel watching over you.
With love, Michele Wallace
Scott Shearer
September 9, 2019
Karen and family,
Sending our deepest condolences to you.
May the memories you have of Larry help you through this sad time.
Love,
Conrad and Scott
Sylvia Duran
September 9, 2019
Hello Karen. I am so very sorry for your loss. Much love, hugs and strength to you and your family during this difficult time.
September 8, 2019
RIP Larry
Always enjoyed our working together
Teresa Palmer M.D.
September 8, 2019
I was a doctor at Laguna Honda during his time there, and was sad when he left. I was part of a group advocating for some changes which often made things difficult for him. He really cared. I thought it was normal to have a person in his position of authority who cared and was accessible. I learned when he left that it was not. He was a special guy and I am so sorry he is gone. My heart goes out to his family.
Teresa Palmer M.D. San Francisco
Loretta Cecconi
September 8, 2019
Rest in paradise Larry and blessings to your family. Thank you for the kindness, dedication and true class you embodied. I'm honored to have worked with you, you were truly a compassionate man and a rich piece of Laguna Honda's history . Peace and prayers.
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