Larry "Skip" Oliver

Larry ""Skip"" James Oliver passed away on June 4, 2018 in Sarasota, Florida at the age of 72. Larry was born October 11, 1945 to Sarah and Larry Oliver of Avenal, California. A few days before Sarah gave birth to Larry J., she had dreamt she would give birth to a blonde baby boy named ""Skip"". At that time, Larry was overseas during WWII. Larry's brother Neil, and wife Susie drove Sarah to the nearest hospital, which was in Exeter, California. Sarah nicknamed her son ""Skip"" from the dream she had days prior. When Larry returned home, Skip was already 6 months old. Skip used his nickname through adolescence, but began to go by his birth name at the start of his career. Skip graduated from Avenal High School, June 17, 1963. He began his higher education at Bakersfield College in the winter of 1964. He married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen Vinson on August 15, 1964. We welcomed the birth of our Daughter Kathleen Michelle on February 13, 1965. Larry graduated June 11, 1966 with an Associate of Arts Degree from Bakersfield College. Larry began his law enforcement career with the Tulare Police Department on October 11, 1966. He was also employed with the Salinas Police Department and the Kings County Sheriff's Office. During his career he worked patrol, investigation, forgery, prostitution and drug enforcement, as well as worked as a sniper on a special task force. He continued his education, and graduated from California State University, San Jose on August 31, 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration. On August 13, 1975, our second daughter, Jamie Kristine was born. Larry wanted a more ""normal life"" with family and joined his brother Ron in Fresno working in the boat business. In 1982, Larry moved to Bakersfield after being employed by Shell Oil Company. He quickly advanced in the business, becoming an Environmental, Health and Safety Advisor. In 1997, Shell Oil Company transferred Larry to Huntington Beach and he worked both in the refinery and the offshore drilling platforms. In 2000, AERA Energy formed and Larry was transferred back to Bakersfield. He continued to work in the EHS Department overseeing Fresno, Kern, Ventura and Orange Counties. For several years, Larry had severe back problems resulting in an extensive back surgery in July 2012. After the surgery, Larry retired with 30+ years under AERA Energy. Along Larry's career, he met and made lasting friendships. Those friends and experiences he cherished and continued throughout his life. In June 2017, we decided to move to Venice, Florida to be closer to our Daughter Jamie and her Family. Larry loved watching and being with our Grandsons. We had planned to do some traveling, but God had other plans. Larry's time here on earth had been completed and his Almighty Savior greeted him. Larry is survived by his wife Kathleen of 53+ years; his daughters Michelle (Chad) Jackman of Loudon, Tennessee, and Jamie (David) Chavarria of Venice, Florida; Granddaughter Elizabeth Jackman of Bakersfield, California; Grandsons Nicholas Jackman in active military duty, Jakob Riddick, Jason Riddick and Jaxon Chavarria. He is survived by his brother, Ronald K. Oliver of Fresno, California. On June 28, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., a mass will be conducted at Christ The King Catholic Church in Oildale, California. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please gift in the name of Larry Oliver to St. Vincent de Paul, Bakersfield, or to a charity of your choice.