Lawrence (Larry) W. Tibbs died Sunday, June 10, 2012, in Scottsdale, AZ with his loving family by his side.
Larry was born in Hollister, CA on December 4, 1957, to Gordon and Maxine Tibbs. He graduated from Spring Grove Elementary School and San Benito High School in Hollister. While a youth, he was devoted to agriculture and actively participated in numerous 4-H and FFA events, garnishing many honors and awards. His goal was to serve in an agricultural setting in the future.
He graduated from high school in 1976 to follow in his father’s footsteps seeking a career in Ag Education. He graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo California in 1981, obtaining both his BS and Master’s Degrees in Ag Ed.
Larry taught high school and Agriculture for a number of years in California before changing his career to 4-H involvement by moving to Klamath Falls, OR, serving as an Extension Agent there for six years. An offer too good to refuse moved him to Arizona to work for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County for the next 12 years as a 4-H Extension Agent, specializing in Large Livestock.
While involved in his work, he volunteered his time in many leadership positions serving as State President of the Association for Extension 4-H Agents for a year in Oregon and for two years in Arizona; served three years on the National Board of Extension 4-H Agents and most recently as the Policy Resolutions Chair; served on the Maricopa County Fair Board for six years and the Arizona National Livestock Show for several years. He received the Achievement in Service Award for the National Board of Extension 4-H Agents in 1994 and the Distinguished Service Award in 2000.
Due to health problems, he took an early retirement in 2008.
He is survived by many family members in Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington and New Mexico.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 23, 2012, a 10:00 A.M. at the Hanson Desert Hills Mortuary Chapel, 6500 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254. The reception will immediately follow in the reception hall at the mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Larry Tibbs Scholarship Endowment at the UA Foundation. Donations may be sent to UAF c/o Cooperative Extension, P.O. Box 210036, Tucson, AZ 85721-0036. Two students will be selected to receive an endowment in their senior year in high school to attend the U of A in an agricultural field.
