Forrest "Larry" Wasson

Father, Hunter, Fisherman and Friend, Forrest Laurence “Larry” Wasson, was born on July 9, 1939 in Santa Rosa. The family later moved to Berkeley in order to be closer to his father's work. There Larry developed a strong work ethic and spirit of entrepreneurism delivering papers to the neighborhood and selling sacks of fish he had caught off of the Berkeley pier, carrying halibut and stripers to the local merchants across his handlebars. Early on, he developed his love for hunting and shooting. Larry played football for Berkeley High and was a huge fan of the San Francisco 49ers.

After High school Larry went to Santa Rosa Junior College, where he met the love of his life, Barbara, married, and had 2 beautiful daughters, Tami and Cindi. Larry earned his living as a licensed, Union Electrician for more than 40 years, also dabbling in a carpet business for a few years. He worked hard and played hard from a young age. He played catcher in several area fastpitch softball leagues for over 15 years. He enjoyed hunting Ducks, Deer, Elk, Rams and Moose all across the United States, as well as Abalone diving in Bodega Bay. After a hunting accident left him with an ankle injury, Larry turned his passion to fishing. His strong competitive nature served him well in the "new" team sport of Bass Fishing. As always, Larry had a knack for catching the big one. He developed many friendships with fisherman across the Bay Area, winning his share of team tournaments.

Larry was blessed with 4 grandchildren. He loved to tease them, take them for motorcycle rides, teach them to shoot and fish, and was always interested in their life events and decisions. Larry had the gift of gab and could talk for hours in person or on the phone, about virtually any subject. He was quite the debater and had a way of getting his point across like no other. Truth is, no one could dispute his, wit, confidence and humor. He enjoyed his Korbel, watching football games, playing cards and socializing with friends and family.

Soon after his retirement from electrical work, Larry's wife Barbara passed away. The loss of Barbara was a huge blow to all friends and family. Being the tough guy he was, big Larry hung in there, meeting a new companion, Sue. Larry formed a bond with Sue's family and friends, having many great times out on the ranch and traveling the world until her passing.

Larry always had phenomenal gardens, distributing the bounty of his harvest to friends, family and neighbors. After retiring from the competitive bass circuit, Larry shifted his fishing talents to chasing huge Salmon, Ling Cod and Rock Cod out of Bodega. Larry developed a love for Bocce, playing in the local ICF league and tournaments.

Larry, or Papa as we call him, lived his life on his own terms. He was hard working, hard-nosed and sometimes a bit of a pain. He was also very loving and generous. He was fun to be around and converse with. He was very blessed and will be sorely missed and delightfully remembered.

He was predeceased by his parents, Forrest and Mary Wasson and his wife, Barbara Wasson. He is survived by his daughters, Tami (John) Marian and Cindi (Jim) Connolly, his grandchildren, David “DJ” Carrillo Jr., Thomas Marian, Sarah (Carlos) Munoz and Emily Marian, and his brother, Ernie George Wasson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday the 18th at 1:00 pm at the family home in Sebastopol. In Lieu of Flowers, please consider a donation to the ICF Branch 209 Sebastopol Scholarship Fund in care of Lorraine Vannetti, 311 Burlwood Ct. Santa Rosa, CA 95401.