"Wherever I am you'll always be, more than just a memory."

(Flogging Molly, "If I Ever Leave This World Alive")

Lawrence Blanchard Cook, III, "Larry" was born on May 25, 1966 to proud parents Lawrence Cook, Jr. and Laura Barron.  He was the eldest of two children and always protective big brother to his sister, Tracy.  He was born and raised in San Diego, CA and spent all of his growing up years in Mira Mesa where he played sports and made friendships that lasted his lifetime.  Larry had an amazing sense of humor with such quick wit.  Even if you were the brunt of his joke, you couldn't help but laugh!  He graduated from Mira Mesa High School in 1984 and then from San Diego State University in 1994.

In 1989, Larry married Carrie Cutler and they had two children, Cassandra and Lawrence, IV.  Larry was such a devoted father and spent years coaching his children's youth sports teams and being a "father figure" to so many of their friends.  His children were his pride and joy.  When not on the baseball or soccer fields, you would find Larry and his family at his happy place, the Law St. beach.

Larry worked in the transportation and logistics industry for over 25 years and was most recently, Corporate Account Executive for Road Runner Transportation.  He enjoyed sales, talking to his customers and closing the deal.  After a divorce, Larry reconnected with Debby Valletta in June, 2017 and the two were planning their future together.

In December of 2019, Larry was diagnosed with a brain tumor which was removed.  For the past year, he courageously battled through radiation and chemotherapy and was striving towards a full recovery.  Due to unforeseen complications, Larry unexpectedly passed away peacefully on Jan. 1, 2021.

Larry's love for God, family and friends was evident in the way he treated people.  He would do anything for anyone and cherished the family bond.  His legacy of goodness must be carried on by all who love and adore him.  He will be deeply missed and remain alive in our hearts forever.  A Memorial Celebration of Life for Larry will be held on a date to be determined.

Larry is survived by his children, Cassandra Cook and fiancé Jonathan Doherty and Lawrence Cook, IV and girlfriend Emily Roddy; devoted girlfriend, Debby Valletta (her children, Ashley and Michael and grandchildren, Jayden and Kaydence);  parents, Laura and Robert Barron and Lawrence, Jr. and Katie Cook; sister and brother-in-law Tracy and Jim Gordon; nephew, Jimmy Gordon; niece and goddaughter, Holly Gordon; step-sisters, Lisa Barron and Catherine Saldana; Aunt, Lissa Lazaro; Uncle and Aunt, Fred and Marcia Jones; Cousin, Jason Grebey (and family, Betty, Alicia, Derrik)

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105 or Stjude.org.  Larry couldn't imagine children going through what he was and became passionate about this organization.