Larry Ray Sager

Aug. 8, 1947 - Jul. 13, 2018

Date of Service: Jul. 21, 2018

BURLEY – Larry Ray Sager was born August 8, 1947, in Burley, Idaho, to Raymon Elton Sager and Mildred (Cindy) Paysinger Sager. Larry passed away July 13, 2018, while at Parke View Rehabilitation & Care Center in Burley.

He is survived by his two brothers, Lyle (Jennifer) of Burley and Kent (Debbie) of Boise; seven nephews and nieces; and 17 grandnephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the many doctors, medical staff and health-care staff that assisted Larry these past two months.

Larry loved the outdoors and everything Idaho had to offer. In his teen years, Larry was a very strong man that exemplified the saying, “strong as an ox.” He played football and basketball for Oakley High School and threw shot and discus for the track teams. As a young sophomore, wearing old Chuck Taylor canvas high tops, standing flat-footed under the rim, he could two-hand dunk a basketball. He had so much going for him.

Then in 1962, an event occurred that changed Larry’s life forever. We learn that we enter this earth life subject to conditions of a mortal world. And, sometimes, we are subject to poor decisions of others. Such was the tragic circumstances November 30, 1962. Following school and basketball practice, Larry and his good buddy, Gilbert Hunter, drove up to the Oakley Dam to hunt geese. Upon returning home, they were victims of a mentally deranged shooter who took out his anger against the world on these two young teenagers as they passed by shooting them both with a high powered rifle. Miraculously, both youths survived that shooting. Unfortunately, the implication for Larry was long lasting. He would be left paralyzed on his entire right side. Larry received surgical care at the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, followed by two months of rehabilitative care at the ELK’s Rehabilitation center in Boise, learning to walk, talk, and regain strength in his body. He was then transferred to the Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City where, for nine months, he essentially learned to be a teenager again.

Larry’s incredible recovery process is beyond one’s understanding. His competitive spirit to regain use of his limbs was inspiring to others. He was a hard worker driven to overcome any obstacle to become the best he could be. Amazingly, he graduated from Burley High School in 1966, only one year behind his original scheduled date. He worked the summers for his father’s home construction business often doing the work of two men. His strength and ability to do unimaginable things was motivating. He graduated from the College of Southern Idaho with an associate degree and later secured employment with the University of Utah Vivarium Center. Larry retired after 20 years at the U and moved back to Burley where he resided till his passing.

Larry’s love for the outdoors never waned. Whether it was catching salmon in the Pacific or Alaskan waters, hunting pheasants in the fall, hunting big game in the Sawtooths, or simply sitting around a campfire, his love for life was simply to be with family first. This was his source of happiness. Whenever you asked him, “Larry, how are you doing?” - his reply was always with a grin on his face, “Oh, I suppose fair to middling.” Larry’s love and passion for this country was patriotic. He loved its history and beauty and was a constant reader and studier of the western frontier. His favorite TV westerns were to watch John Wayne movies. Ironically, the Duke is his distant cousin.

But, the real story of Larry’s life lies in his courageous fight and ability to overcome any obstacle. The story lies in his desire to find good in all things, never complaining when he had every reason to do so. The story lies in the gift of giving so freely and so willingly to others never expecting or seeking anything in return. He always put others ahead of himself.

Larry’s family members have been the recipients of his generosity on a constant basis. Larry always remembered everyone’s birthday. Christmas was the main event for handing out gifts to each family member. Larry has taught his family what enduring to the end truly means. He simply never quit when it would have been so easy to do so. That was not his style.

Larry has now completed his journey here on earth leaving us a treasure chest of fond memories that will bring a laugh and smile to our faces each time we think of them. Our existence in this period of mortality allows us to get a body, to develop faith and to prove ourselves. Each day, Larry exhibited hope…hope to get him through the day, the week. Larry’s story has taught us how to hold on to what we have and enjoy the precious journey along the way. Larry has done that. Larry has been blessed by the Savior’s comfort found in 2 Kings 20:5, “I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears, behold, I will heal thee.” Larry is now free of all that has restricted him during his mortal journey here on planet earth. On the other side of the veil, there are tears of great joy and a glorious reunion, and perhaps a few flat-footed, two-handed basketball dunks for good measure. We are assured that Larry is feeling much better than “fair to middling” now.

Our brother fought the good fight and gained everyone’s admiration, love and support of his accomplishments. It has been said that in our earthly journey, many people will walk in and out of our lives. Larry has certainly left footprints in our heart etched for an eternity. Well done brother; till we all meet again. God bless.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 21, at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, where friends and family may call from 9 until 9:45 a.m. Officiating will be Bishop Scott Sager. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.