Tribute: Larry J. Widmer

Larry J. Widmer died November 9, 2012, in Dallas, Texas.

He was born August 7, 1934 in Spokane, Wash. to Alfred Widmer and Esther Haase.

He was a graduate of North Central High School in Spokane (1952) and Washington State University (1956).

He is survived by his wife Dorothy Widmer, children Debra Widmer-Reyes, Steven Widmer and Lori Profit; his grandchildren and his sister Gloria James.

Larry Widmer was a self-made man. Born on a wheat farm in rural Spokane, he was raised by his mother, who worked a variety of jobs to provide for her son. A star football player at North Central High School, he attended college and played football at Humboldt State University before transferring to Washington State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree.

Widmer married Joyce Bulloch and they had three children, Debra, Steve and Lori who loved to be with their Dad on ski trips and as he piloted his plane. He became an Industrial Arts teacher at Okanogan High School before entering the roofing trade. In 1967 he moved his family and business to the San Francisco area.

Widmer married Dorothy Simensen in 1979. They shared a passion for travel, visiting countries all over the world, many of them several times. They particularly enjoyed Ajijic, Mexico and owned three different homes in the area over 25 years, where family gatherings were frequently enjoyed. He loved his grandchildren and routinely traveled to attend their athletic events and holidays.

He retired in 2001, selling his companies and moving to Dallas. The Widmers enjoyed a wide circle of friends and frequently hosted visitors from all parts of the world at their home in North Dallas. The couple divided time between Dallas and Ajijic. Widmer stayed in close contact with family and friends in Spokane.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 17, 2012 in Cox Chapel at the Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, beginning at 10 a.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to North Central High School, Attn: Chris Lynch, 1600 North Howard St., Spokane, WA 99205.

Online condolences may be left at http://www.sparkman-hillcrest.com.