Obituaries

Larry Bruce Moti, age 65, died Monday, August 5, 2019 in his sister's home in Fremont, CA after a long battle with lung cancer. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 5, 1954 to loving parents John and Shirley Moti and grew up in a large family in Cupertino, California.

At age 14, Larry accepted his first job at Buck Norred Stables, where he fulfilled his sense of belonging in the outdoors and his desire to work with animals. As a stable hand and trail guide, he performed every arduous task imaginable, beginning his days in the wee hours of the morning. Saddling and grooming horses and maintaining the stables was challenging enough, but on a daily basis he walked a stream of horses to pasture miles away. For years he continued in this difficult line of work, building his character and forming his hardworking, passionate identity. He looked back on this period as some of the best years of his life. He was young and strong, with an I-can-do-ANYTHING attitude and he made many close, lifelong friends.

Larry lived for decades in the coastal towns of Moss Landing and Pacifica, then later in Sacramento. During this time, he was hired for numerous construction jobs and became the maintenance manager of a large mobile home park. He was skilled in laying tile, woodworking and remodeling, and was involved in projects requiring knowledge of electrical and plumbing. No job was too small or too big for Larry- from hanging a door to building a barn, he could do (and did) it all.

For years Larry was passionate about leather crafting and spent countless hours transforming each sheet of leather into a masterpiece. Western belts, purses, detailed winter scenes, and portraits were all skillfully carved and hand-tooled. Out of generosity and love he often gave away his creations to family, friends and occasionally to people he didn't know who admired his work.

His interests and talents were many. He was a self-taught artist and expressed himself through his quirky, colorful paintings and drawings, many of which were oils and sketches of his pets. He put his heart and backbone in unique garden designs using driftwood, shells and gigantic boulders. He was an avid bike rider and often took thirty- or forty-mile treks around Pacifica and Sacramento. He was known to liven up a karaoke party with his beautiful singing voice. He'd often drive for hours with his friends or sisters belting out every song off a John Denver album, Hank's "Your Cheatin' Heart," Elvis' "Love me Tender," and Waylon's "Silver Wings." Those who remember can still hear his voice: "sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy..."

People who knew and loved Larry will remember him as a standout, tell-it-like-it-is kind of guy who cared deeply about people. Although he was rough around the edges, people were drawn to him and he found a way to strike up a conversation and swap stories with anyone, no matter who they were. They will remember his odd and wonderful sense of humor and his crazy stories. Above all they will remember the genuine, warmhearted man who made an indelible impression on their lives.

Larry is survived by his brothers and sisters Robert Moti, Michael Moti, Linda Evans (Greg), Sally Moti, Janet Moti, and Jeanne Moti Apodaca (Andrew); his niece Alissa; and nephews Nicholas, Julian, and Oliver. Larry was predeceased by his partner, Marvin Werner; and his parents, John and Shirley Moti. He also leaves in his brother's capable hands his beloved animals Hannah, Marley, and Kid. He will forever be loved and missed.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date at the family's convenience.

Those who wish to make a donation in Larry's memory may do so at Second Harvest Food Bank. https://give.shfb.org/donatenow