Larry L. VanSickle

Larry Lee VanSickle, age 81, passed away on April 25, 2026. He was born on December 21, 1944, in Macon, Missouri, to Mildred Lamberson Gill and Loren VanSickle and was raised in Kansas City.

Larry attended the University of Missouri for approximately one year before proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He served on active duty from August 1965 until January 1969 and continued in the reserves until August 1971. During his service, he received an award for outstanding duty performance from November 1966 to November 1967 while working "C" Flight security in "Bravo sector."

In 1972, Larry earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from Central Missouri State University and was active in the Kansas City Rugby Football Club community. He began his professional career working for the Corps of Engineers and later with an accounting firm. His work in the pharmaceutical industry took him to Baton Rouge, Belgium, and ultimately to San Diego, where he lived for more than 40 years.

Larry made his home in Solana Beach, where he built a respected career as a financial controller and forensic accountant serving a wide variety of clients. One of his proudest professional endeavors was in 2018, when he built Vintage Goods Apparel’s financial foundation and remained a guiding voice within the company until his final days.

Known affectionately by friends and loved ones as “Lardog” and “Larmo,” Larry lived life fully and on his own terms. He loved the beach, spending time socializing at local restaurants, barbecuing, collecting artwork, and reading novels or the bible. Above all, Larry loved Jesus, valued loyalty and friendship, and cherished the people closest to him.

Larry is survived by his sisters, Judy (Carl) Brennaman and Jan Davis; his nephew, Andrew (Suzanne) Brennaman; his niece, Lauren Davis; his great-nieces, Maddie and Elizabeth Brennaman; his uncle Clint (Linda) VanSickle; his cousin Nate (Karin) VanSickle, whom he thought of as the brother he never had; and many more beloved cousins. He is also survived by his extended family, Lisa Valency, his best friend of 41 years, and Kylie Valency, his honorary daughter. In addition, he leaves behind many loved ones whose lives were enriched by knowing him, especially his neighbors, who became like family in his final years, as their support and companionship meant the world to him.

Larry will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, strong work ethic, generosity, and the wisdom he shared so freely with others. His neighbors will fondly remember the familiar sight of Larry tanning in the sun for hours, the smell of him barbecuing, and the unmistakable sound of his music or television echoing through the neighborhood.

His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him, and as he always said, “Don’t let a bad moment turn into a bad day.”