Larry Byron Van Blaricom

Larry Van Blaricom, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on February 28, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and adventure. He was born on August 31, 1940, in Westwood, CA, to Thomas and Blanche Van Blaricom. At the age of three, Larry with his parents and sister moved to Chico, CA, where he grew up and attended Chico schools. It was during this time he met and married Gloria. They had three children: Denise, Michael (who passed at birth), and Debbie.

Larry was a hardworking man with an adventurous spirit. He began his career at Cal’s Drive-In, a local favorite near the iconic Senator Theater, before exploring many of his passions, which included fishing, disc golf and square dancing. He even competed and won the Northern California Bow Championship, twice in the 80’s. His love for the outdoors was most evident during hunting season, when he headed to Stover Mountain to camp and pursue his passion for rifle and bow hunting. A defining moment with two young bucks led Larry to reevaluate his beliefs, and he never hunted again. From then on, he spent many summers at Lake Almanor, hand feeding birds, deer, chipmunks, (and himself) bananas, peanuts, Ritz crackers, Thompson seedless grapes, and sardines. His appreciation for nature expanded into a deep love of birds, as he could identify each one by sight and call.

Larry’s remarkable craftsmanship left an indelible mark on the Chico community. As the master woodcrafter at Chico State, Larry built countless personalized pieces for departments across the campus. Once known for ringing Chico State’s famous hourly bell by hand, prior to it being automated. He also worked in Chico State’s media department, overseeing the university’s transition from movie reels to satellite media systems. His dedication and hard work culminated in his retirement in 2005, just two years after meeting the love of his life, Carole Prinz with whom he shared 21 years.

Together, they enjoyed traveling, selling crafts at fairs, and supporting their Hope Christian Church family, which was a cornerstone of their lives. Their shared love for nature extended to the ocean, where they spent time fishing and whale-watching in Fort Bragg.

Larry was also a dedicated volunteer firefighter for Chico, battling the 1975 fire that devastated much of downtown. He later endured the loss of his belongings in the 2018 Paradise Camp Fire, when Carole’s carriage house in Magalia was destroyed.

A man of deep faith, Larry found great purpose and camaraderie at Man Kamp, where he built lifelong friendships and grew in his relationship with Jesus. His faith, kindness, and craftsmanship will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Larry is survived by his beloved sister, Linda, her sons Mark and Steven and their families, as well as his children, grandchildren (Tiffani, Krystal, and Kody (and great-grandchildren (Liam and Kaira) He is also survived by Carole and his extended family of Carole’s children: Randy (Connie), Ricky (Veronica), Robin (Randy) Janey (Michael), and Jeany, along with their 11 children and 12 great-grandchildren.

Larry’s life will be celebrated by his brothers in Christ, family, and friends at Hope Christian Church, 311 Circlewood, in Paradise on April 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

He is deeply missed, but his legacy of love, faith, and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.