Earning his final set of wings, our pilot and science teacher extraordinaire, Larry Edward Ridgel, flew off into the sunset June 15, 2023 in Ashton, Idaho at the home of his daughter and son in law. Larry previously resided in Richmond, Santa Clara, Fairfield, Suisun, and Rancho Tehama, California.

Larry was born December 28, 1939, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma the first child of Edward Leroy Ridgel and Betty Ann Rogers. He was followed by sisters Karen and Barbara (both deceased) and brother Kenny (Melissa) of Mound House, NV.

Larry married Sara Jane Sutton in 1964 and added two children to their union. They later divorced. Larry found a wonderful friend and partner in Bev Hartshorn and they spent many of his later years together.

A lifelong educator, Larry taught elementary and middle school at Stege, Hamilton Air Force Base, and Sinaloa schools in Novato.

Adventures like flying over Alaska, Galapagos Island treks, and biking by the ocean were highlights of his life. He was always up for adventures with his flying buddies Merlin, Chuck, and Norm. During his retirement years Larry could be found volunteering at community gardens, the Sierra Club, attending historical period parties with Bev, feeding and enjoying the beauty of his peacocks, and loving animals of all types.

Larry passed on a love of kayaking, star gazing, thrifting, teaching, adventuring, flying, chess, flowers, trees, knots, black labs, Extra chewing gum, sugar packets, great independence, hoarding, YouTube and Italian leather shoes.

Larry will be missed by his favorite daughter Laura (Wyn) Schwendiman, his favorite son Blake (Crystal) Ridgel and brother Kenny (Melissa) Ridgel.  His deep rumbling songs will forever be heard by his grandchildren Nichole (Clifton) Weight, Emilie (Adam) Jones, Tianna (Corey) Osborne, Evan Byrd, Anne (Kyle) Gribble, Elijah (Breanne) Bell, Styles and Ryan Ridgel as well as great grandchildren Parker, K'breean, Anelise, Adelyn and Coraline Weight, Tinlee, Kenadie, and Axel Jones, Chloe, Clayton, and Colton Osborne, Aiden and Remmie Byrd, Declan Gribble, and Aidan, Camden, and Kylan Bell.

Per Larry's request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers and cards, please take the opportunity to volunteer at your local animal shelter or another organization of your choice, just like Larry did.