Lawrence Howard Bakken Jr. JD ’68 passed away on December 24, 2011 in Livermore at the age of 80, after a lengthy illness.
Larry was born in Chicago and moved with his parents, Lawrence Howard Bakken, Sr and Viola May to Minneapolis, Minnesota. He attended St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul. He obtained a bachelor and master of science degrees in civil engineering from University of Minnesota. While working a part time job at University of Minnesota Hospitals he met a dietetic intern, Evelyn McAuley from Manitoba and they married a year later.
He worked at Convair Aircraft Company in San Diego and taught Engineering classes at San Diego State. He attended graduate school at University of California, Berkeley. Next employment was at the Sandia Labs in Livermore. While working there he enrolled in the evening classes at University of Santa Clara School of Law. He graduated with a J.D., degree and was employed with a private law firm in Hayward. He returned to the scientific field at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore where he was employed until retirement 22 years later.
Larry was an active member of Livermore Rotary and the local Chamber of Commerce. He was involved in community groups, SIR’s and League of Women Voters. He was appointed to the Alameda County Consumer Affairs Council. He was friendly, industrious, adventuresome and an avid reader. He loved to travel and to dance to Big Band music. He enjoyed his collection of classic cars and appreciated Art Deco. Larry had an endless zeal for learning. He had an infectious laugh and will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
A long time member of First Presbyterian Church in Livermore, he served a term as financial officer and was a charter member of a couples group. He was predeceased by his parents, Uncle Bill (Lila), Aunt Ethel and sister, Viola Mae Kanatz. Surviving family are wife, Evelyn of 55 years and daughter Lauren (Roger) Van Maren, four brothers- in- David Kanatz, Douglas (wife Chris), Robert (wife Leah), Keith and sister-in-law Beth (husband Ray), cousins Gail (Eric) Johnson and Paul (Susan) Bakken.