On the evening of April 8, 2025, Stephen Lawrence (Larry) Fish passed away. He never really recovered from the lengthy surgery to repair a broken femur. His wife Jan and fur baby Daisy were with him when he passed at home. He was under Eden Hospice Care after he came
home from the rehabilitation facility.
Larry was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1936 to Stephen L. Fish Sr. and Martha Kelly Fish.
After his parents divorced, Larry, his mom Martha, Grandmother Marie and brother Harvey moved west to California in the late 30’s.
Larry was raised in California and graduated from Paramount, CA high school in 1955. He then attended Long Beach City College. With his beautiful voice, he was a member of the Madrigal singers.
He met his wife Janet (Jan) in 1966 at a bar in Belmont Shore, CA. They were married in November 1966 at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas. At the time of Larry’s passing, they had been married for over 58 years.
Larry and Jan moved to Minden in 1972 and had a wonderful life filled with many good friends. Larry was quite the joke teller. He always said his greatest achievement was learning to fly a hot air balloon. He learned to fly in 1981 and did so until 1996. He flew in the Great Reno Balloon Race for many years as well as other events in Boise, Walla Walla, Fresno, Modesto, Lodi, Las Vegas and Sacramento. Larry retired in July 1999 from the State of Nevada.
Good friends Denise and Daniel were an immense help while Larry was at home with hospice care.
His survivors include his wife Jan, fur baby Daisy, sisters-in-law Carolyn Jones, Diane Foster (Brian) and Julie Manning along with some Kelly cousins.
Larry was predeceased by his father Stephen Fish, Sr., Mother Martha Kelly Cunningham, stepfather William Cunningham and brother Harvey Fish. He also was predeceased by his fur babies Molly, Patoot, Sadie and Millie.
One of Larry’s favorite quotes was “Flying is the 2nd greatest thrill known to man. Landing is the first.” So, to you my favorite Fish, soft landing.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Larry’s name to Carson Valley Community Food Closet, 1251 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville NV 89410 or Douglas County Animal Shelter, PO Box 218, Minden NV 89423.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 7th from Noon to 3 PM at the Tahoe Douglas Elks Lodge, 1227 Kimmerling Road, Gardnerville NV 89460. Please bring your favorite and funny Fish stories.