Larry passed away at home with his family at his side. Larry was a true war baby, being born during WWII in Baltimore, Maryland, where his father was stationed as an officer in the Army. He spent his early years traveling with his parents to various assignments across the US, returning later to the East Bay where he lived the remainder of his life. Growing up first in Albany and then moving to Lafayette as a teenager, he later settled in the Oakland-Piedmont area where he has lived for the past 45 years.

A determined Boy Scout, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He also enjoyed success running the high hurdles on his high school track team. He caught the fever of the Folk music craze and taught himself to play both the guitar and banjo. He graduated from Cal State Hayward, and soon after joined the Berkeley Police Department, spending 27 years of service there until retirement in 1997. The majority of his career was spent as a ‘beat cop’ in West Berkeley; he was a well-known presence on the streets of Berkeley, and was a remarkable peacemaker over several difficult decades of change. Larry also served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves for 6 years.

Larry had the unique ability to master new tasks; he was patient, diligent, exacting, and above all, tenacious. He became an avid golfer; he also developed a keen interest in cooking. An early interest in motor sports led Larry to become a respected race car driver on the vintage car CSRG circuit. For over 7 years he raced his beloved red and white 1966 Mini Cooper (#921) at Sears Point, Thunderhill, and Laguna Seca raceways. What made this so special was that Larry built this car himself over a 5 year period, starting with just a rusted shell of the car. After retirement he embarked on yet another challenging endeavor: he had enjoyed listening to bagpipe music while on trips to New Zealand and Scotland, so he decided to learn to play the bagpipes. After 3 years of practice and patience he memorized the 30 songs needed to become a member of the Piedmont Highlanders Band, with whom he participated in many parades and performances. Larry was a man of many talents: he was a doer, able to envision and complete what was needed. If something was broken, he’d fix it. If he didn’t know how, he’d find out. He also had a wry sense of humor, a wonderful laugh, and the ability to get along with everyone.

Larry and his wife, Karen, were married at Northbrae Community Church, Berkeley in 1968. They both have been active members of this wonderful supporting family of friends. Larry served as an usher as well as one of the group of men who prepared the annual Mothers Day luncheon. Larry and Karen traveled to Europe many times and in recent years also enjoyed two safaris in Africa. Family get-togethers were always a special and integral part of his life. Larry was the proud father of Melissa Queen and Roger Queen (Jenifer). He is also survived by his wife, Karen Queen; mother, Madora Queen (father Albert Queen, deceased), brothers, Russell Queen (Aileen) and Brian Queen; sister, Kathleen Hurley (Brian); brothers-in-law, George Gielow ( Joyce) and Robert Gielow (Marianne); and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Friends and acquaintances are cordially invited to attend memorial services Saturday, June 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda, Berkeley. Memorial Donations, if desired, may be made to Northbrae Community Church or the charity of the donor’s choice.