Larry Krymer

Larry was born on July 20th, 1924 at Mercy Hospital in San Diego to Chauncey Travis Krymer and Mildred Eddy. His first name was derived from his mother’s maiden name, Eddy, but he went by Larry throughout his life.

Born and raised in San Diego, he attended Horace Mann Jr. High and graduated from Hoover High in June of 1942. He attended San Diego State College, the Aztecs, from 1942 until graduating in 1946 with a BA degree in Social Science and a minor in Psychology. He was very active during his years in college. He was President of the Associated Men’s Student Body, was the starting center (at 6’1” no less) on the Aztec basketball team, competed in the long jump in Track and Field and was a member of the TKE fraternity. He was an Aztec through and through. He bled red and black! He was a very busy man in his college years. Along with his class schedule and his many activities, he made many lifelong friends. He also had several part-time jobs such as working at the Piggly Wiggly Market, a shipyard, two Summers as a lifeguard and Director of a Boy Scout Camp in Cuyamaca State Park. Wow! Never a dull moment for Larry!

After graduating from college, he married his sweetheart, Elizabeth “Betty” Gere in 1948. They were married for 27 years and raised three children, Valerie, Greg and Gary. Larry was a great dad, coaching his kids in sports and cheering on their many activities. In later years he provided a home and stability for his daughter Val and her son Sean. He also opened his home to both Greg and Gary when needed.

He was hired in January, 1947 at California Western States Life as a life insurance agent, then quickly moved into the position of Group Life Sales Manager in which he won several awards as sales manager of the year in his Western territory. Eventually Cal West was bought by American General Group Life and he continued working there until 1986. Even though he and his family lived in many other cities such as Whittier, Covina, Fresno and Mission Viejo during his career, he always called San Diego his home. After years of being a loyal, dedicated and hard-working employee, Larry was ready to move onto the next phase of his life, retirement!

Larry had no problem settling into his retirement. He had moved to the La Jolla Village Tennis Club in 1976 and promptly learned to play tennis to add to his already active and social lifestyle. During the 1980’s and into the 1990’s, he frequented the Belly Up Tavern where he made many new friends. Between that and the Jazz Society, he fostered many lifelong friendships. He’d go to dance festivals, music festivals, theater, beach volleyball tournaments, you name it, he went to it!

Larry really enjoyed engaging in activities that encompassed both social and physical abilities, like dancing to big band music at the Encinitas Elks Club, playing tennis wherever he could find a game, or playing in the World Championship Over the Line Tournament. He loved staying active!

His favorite pastime was going to the Del Mar Races in the Summer. He loved the beach atmosphere there, the smell of the ocean, the breeze of the summer wind and watching the magnificence of the beautiful thoroughbred horses with all their power and grace galloping towards the finish line, hoping to get to cash a winning ticket! That was his realm, win or lose, Larry enjoyed every moment of it!

Larry was full of life in his 97 years on this earth. He cherished the time spent with his family and many wonderful friends he made throughout his life. Whether it be going to events like Dixieland Jazz Festivals, enjoying Aztec football or basketball games, having a backyard BBQ with family, or just relaxing at La Jolla Shores handicapping the ponies at Del Mar, Larry enjoyed his life to the fullest.

Larry attributed his long life to staying active, both socially and physically, surrounding himself with family and lifelong friends. He was blessed throughout his life with good health and although he was not a wealthy man, he was rich in the utmost way, rich with friends! A person with friends is the richest person in the world!

Larry was preceded in death by his half-brother, Wesley. He is survived and loved by his sons, Gary (Leslie) and Greg and by his daughter Valerie Kerr, as well as his four grandchildren, Sean, Randee, Mindee and Kimmee, and by his five great grandchildren, Emily, Ryan, Henry, Lucy and Madeline.

He will be dearly missed by his family and his many, many friends.

A Celebration of Life is to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to SDSUAztecclub.com.