Obituary of Larry Robert Hattis

It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Larry Robert Hattis, age 71. Larry passed peacefully on July 2nd, 2021 at his home, one day before his 31st marriage anniversary to the love of his life, Lisa Sheridan. Larry was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Larry was a high school teacher, a realtor, and an active member of the community in Soquel, CA.

Larry was born at Saint Joseph’s hospital on June 13, 1950 in Santa Monica, CA. He graduated from Morningside High School in Inglewood, CA., in 1968. Larry attended San Jose State where he earned his B.A. and teaching credential in English, specializing in Speech.

Larry wore many hats, but none were more important to him than his role as a father and husband. Larry’s humor, patience, and playfulness made him a fun-loving, supportive father. Lisa and Larry supported each other in their individual pursuits while also working together as business partners. As a couple, they traveled the world together, shared a passion for local activism, and never missed a Friday date night.

For anyone who knew him, Larry considered work to be his hobby. His two passions were teaching and real estate. Larry was a high school teacher for over 45 years at Soquel High School, winning Speech and Debate championships and national awards. Larry coached the Soquel High Mock Trial Team and mentored many speakers for Rotary and Lion’s Club competitions. In the early 80’s Larry began his real estate career along with teaching and later became a partner and owner of Thunderbird Real Estate. Never taking a day off, he would always answer the phone - “Larry here” - with his charismatic voice. His partners, students, and clients became some of his closest friends and continued to stay in Larry’s life for decades.

Larry reveled in playful banter and was a true prankster. He was a man of many interests. He enjoyed intergalactic and sci-fi entertainment including Star Trek, Star Wars, Marvel movies, and comic books. A true intellectual, Larry was passionate about history, music, trivia, politics, and storytelling. He loved being surrounded by friends and family when watching major sporting events and playing endless rounds of ping-pong. Larry will be remembered as a kid at heart, a true optimist, and always seeing things in a positive light. He would often say, “today is going to be a great day.”

Larry is survived by his wife, Lisa Sheridan, his daughters Anna and Kaila Hattis, her husband Zachary Bachmeier, grandson Bodhi Bachmeier, his brother Dale Hattis, and his dog, Charlie.

A celebration of his life will take place on Thursday, July 8th, 2021 at Anna Jean Cummings Park, 461 Old San Jose Road Soquel from 10:00am-1:00pm. A kind act of charity can be made in Larry’s memory for educational opportunities to the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, attention “Larry Hattis Memorial Fund”, https://cfscc.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=2947