Larry Grant Ward Sr., born in Eureka on Dec. 9, 1937, to Rex and Eleanor Ward, passed away in his sleep at home on April 28, 2008. His death ends a life of love, laughter, kindness and hard work.

Larry was a man with big shoulders and an even bigger heart. He would do more than laugh and cry with you. He walked beside you and helped carry your burden. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Larry leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years, Kay Collins Ward. They celebrated their 50th anniversary with family and friends on Dec. 15, 2007.

He also leaves behind his mother, Eleanor McReynolds; brother Michael Ward and his wife Marlene, of Rapid City, S.D.; and sister Delight Bird and her husband Dave, of Santa Maria, Calif.

Larry is survived by two children, son Larry Ward Jr. and his wife Melinda, of Eureka, and daughter Kim Kingstrom and her husband Russell, of Redding, as well as son-in-law Gene Bilderback, of Eureka.

His life was rich with grandchildren: Jeremy (Sarah) Kingstrom, of Brookings, Ore.; Justin (Nikki) and Timothy (Lindsey) Kingstrom, of Redding; Brandy (Matt) Taylor; and Matthew and Jenny Bilderback and Kevin Ward, of Eureka.

He was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Hailie, Hannah and Lauren Kingstrom, of Brookings, Ore.; Brock and Ashton Kingstrom, of Redding; and Trevor Taylor, of Eureka.

Larry spent a great deal of his time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as they brought him a great deal of joy. He also had many wonderful friends who shared his life and enriched his retirement years.

Larry’s father Rex Ward, his stepfather and friend Clarence “Buster” McReynolds, and his wonderful daughter Cindy Bilderback preceded him in death. We are comforted that he is now with them.

Hunting and fishing were more than a hobby for Larry. He loved the outdoors and took special joy in sharing it with his family and friends. Modoc County held a special attraction for Larry from his early years of hunting with his dad, mom, aunts and uncles. His love for Modoc never diminished during his life.

He also hunted in Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado and Arizona with a very dear friend, Bill Larson. They had many great stories to tell of their mishaps and adventures in the wilderness.

Larry was very proud of his Yurok heritage and took an active interest in the culture and activities of his tribe. He was an avid gatherer of mushrooms, seaweed, mussels and the lore of American Indian life in Northern California.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Kingstrom, Justin Kingstrom, Tim Kingstrom, Kevin Ward, Matthew Bilderback and Matthew Taylor.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Larson, Jim Collins, Gene Bilderback, Bill Lambert, Russell Kingstrom and Tim Ayers.

Visitation will be at Sanders Funeral Home from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, April 11, and a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at Sanders Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held following the services. The location of the celebration will be announced at the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.