With profound sadness we announce the July 6, 2021 passing of Larry Lao, a steadfast and devoted husband, father, grandfather, sibling and friend to all whose lives he touched. He passed away suddenly from a cardiac arrest during a routine dental appointment at the age of 80 years old.
Born in the Guangzhou province in China in 1940, he was the eldest of 7 brothers and a sister so he shouldered the greatest responsibility for their well-being during a time of hardship due to the war and afterwards when the family immigrated to Vietnam. He graduated with a civil engineering degree from National Cheng Kung University in Tainan, Taiwan where he also met his wife Sandy Wen Chia. Along with some of their family, they immigrated to Hawaii in 1973.
He was the beloved father of Lauren and Chester, and proud grandfather of Chester Junior (CJ) and Levi.
Larry lived a simple life to the fullest, taking happiness in caring for his family and enjoying the great outdoors offered by clean living in Escondido, California.
He loved to hike every day at Dixon Lake, which he considered the most beautiful place on earth. He diligently practiced tai chi and exercised daily because he strongly believed in maintaining good health. He also enjoyed reading and researching financial information for managing his portfolio. In the mornings or evenings he would often take pleasure in his well-cared for backyard, picking fruit from the trees or just communing with nature.
Most of all he loved his family and shared his wisdom with and instilled strong values in his younger siblings and children that continue to serve them well. He was a good man whose smile and laughter will be dearly missed by all. He will be remembered forever in our hearts.
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