Larry Dennis ‘Leftfield Larry’ Kirtley: ‘Avid Harley Rider’
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Larry Dennis Kirtley “Leftfield Larry”
October 5th 1952- February 2nd 2020Larry passed away peacefully on the morning of February 2nd 2020, after a 2 years battle with PSP, Dementia/Parkinson’s. Larry was born in Richmond, CA., moved to Sonoma Valley as a young child, where he attended elementary and middle school before graduating Sonoma Valley High School class of 1971. After spending time in Sonoma, Half Moon Bay and riding his bike all along the California coast, in 1989 he moved north to Humboldt County where he worked and resided. Larry started with the California State Parks in 1979, at Jack London State Park in Glen Ellen, then Half Moon Bay, followed by Richardson Grove, and Benbow where he was known as “The Dam Man”, before retiring from Humboldt Redwoods State Parks in 2009, after 30 years of service. Larry was an avid Harley rider, and was most known for his love of Harley Davidsons with owning 53 Harley Davidsons in his lifetime. He was involved in MMA (Modified Motorcycle Association), and a proud founder of the A.B.A.T.E Local 50 in Humboldt County.
Larry will be deeply missed by many friends and his large family including; his loving wife of 27 years Sonya Kirtley, brother; Dick Kirtley, and sister; Shari Skinner, children; Alison Baird, Becks (Leslie) Wentland, Jeremy Klemish, Neka (Mike) Dorsett, Amanda (J.J.) Maes, Nila (Chris) Plexico, Aintcha Kirtley and 21 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, along with many nieces and nephews. Larry was proceeded in death by his Mother; Lillian “Joni” Fessenden, Father; Ted Kirtley, step mother; Donna Kirtley, and brother Chris Kirtley.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the compassionate staff at Seaview Rehabilitation and Wellness center in Humboldt County for taking such good care of Larry for the last 6 months of his life.
The family would like to invite you to join them in celebrating the life of Larry Kirtley, on May 2nd 2020, at 4:00pm at River Lodge Conference Center in Fortuna. In lieu of flowers please make donations to CPMC (California Pacific Medical Center) Liver Transplant team San Francisco.
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So very sorry to hear of his passing. He was such a kind person. RIP Larry
So sad what a great character. I enjoyed working with Larry for many years. My heart goes out to Sonya and his entire family.
Wow! That’s a lot of bikes! And grandchildren!!! R.I.P!
A REAL TRUE Legend. The most level headed guy in the Club. Anytime anyone needed advice they went to him. Sometimes when you didn’t need it he gave it. He never stayed in one place to long. He was just in and out. We used to have a blast back in the day. We took some awesome rides all of us.
RIP Larry. You truly are a legend.
Condolences to his wife, children and extended family.
I remember Larry from a loooong time ago. My most heartfelt condolences to all his family.
Sonya, I am so sorry for your loss. I am available to help the day of celebration. I loved Larry for his kindness and sense of humor.
We rode a lot in the late 70’s and 80’s. Didn’t matter where or when but also ready. Life and miles came between us so we lost touch. Hell of a good man. Hope to make it May 2th. RIP Larry.
So sorry Sonya to hear about Larry he was an awesome person i had the pleasure of working with him at Humboldt redwoods he taught me a lot never a dull moment while working with him especially what not to do my heart goes out to u and the family
well miss ya at the dogpark Larry, RIP
I’m so sorry Dick and Shari and the whole family. I remember riding our horses around town with Shari. ( I think I’m 1 or 2 years younger) but we had so much fun. Larry was a year younger and didn’t know him well, but I sure feel for the family. I still ride Shari!
Allot of years, Allot of stories.
RIP Larry
I’m Larry’s first child, taken to be given up for adoption by my moms family, i only just met him in 2016 and we had a very short few days together. He showed me the forest, and told me how he started building bikes to keep busy after I was taken.
although I didn’t know him long or get to hear very many stories I knew Larry and I were definitely somewhat alike in our stubbornness…& When we met it didn’t go as smooth as possible. I never reconnected with him after that….which now of course I regret.
Please accept my condolences and apologies for not being there and forgetting how short life can be. RIP Larry…..Love Dawn Marie (Alison Baird) and your grandson Alvin
My heart goes out to Sonya and family. It’s been many of tears and years sense I been around your wonderful Family. I will attend the gathering on the 2nd and pay respects for the “McGowan’s” both of my parents have passed …. I could help but comment a reply to “Crazy Dave” is it possible this is the Dave whom had and “Igloo” in his yard I grew up playing in ? If so this Bear. Please reply to [email protected]
“Let those who ride decide”
Hello everyone, I wanted to let you know that due to covid19, the celebration of my dads life is being postponed. Please check back here for updates. Thank you for all of you kind words.
Nila Plexico