David M Landry

David Landry, a God fearing man, who on the morning of his passing was anointed and received Holy Communion, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 28. His wife, Beverly Landry, was at his side. He was 70.

David – also known as “D”, “DeRoy”, “Little Bit”, “Papa” and “Grandpa Glampa” – was born in Beaumont, Texas in 1953 to Willie and Inez Landry. His family relocated to California when he was a young child. He attended elementary school in Los Angeles prior to his family moving to Pomona, California where he completed elementary, middle, and high school. He often shared a memory of, while attending Tibby elementary school; his teachers liked him so much that he was named “Student Teacher of The Year”.

He began working at Lanterman Developmental Facility in his early 20’s; there he met his wife, Beverly. He pursued an Associate of Science degree at Mount San Antonio College and became a Psychiatric Technician at Lanterman where he worked for 15 yrs. In the late 1980’s he changed careers and began working as a Youth Counselor at California Youth Authority where he retired in 2010. He mentions his real work began in 2011 when he started having grandchildren.

He had a special love–hate relationship with his favorite NFL team, the Raiders. He also never gave up on the Los Angeles Lakers. Though he enjoyed the rush of sports, gardening was his most treasured hobby. On weekends, he would spend 8-10 hours a day in the front or backyard pruning roses and mowing the lawn. He enjoyed travelling to Vegas, New York, Boston, San Diego, and New Orleans.

In spite of his illness, he was a very positive, playful, and encouraging man. He would often say “I traded up to God when I gave up negativity”. He was known as a jokester to his family, friends, and his caregivers. In addition to his humor, he touched the lives of many people with his compassion and endless amounts of advice. Many of us treasured his daily phone calls where he would call to just check-in. He rarely ever called just to speak about himself.

David leaves behind a devoted and loving wife, Beverly Landry, to cherish his memories. He is also survived by three sons and a daughter, Colby (45), David II (40), Chase (32), and Adaira (37). His bonus children included Jeffrey Chou, Amiera Landry, and Robin Landry. He has eight grandchildren, Jiana, Sarai, Essa, David III, Nova, Gabriel, Roma, and Micah. He has one aunt, Florida Cooper, and five siblings, Violet Landry, Billie (Willie) Landry, Willie (Cathy) Landry, Gayle Lavender, Inell (Victor) Davis, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by both parents as well as his brother Lloyd Landry, and sisters Marshall Landry and Tanya Landry.

He is greatly loved by his family and friends.

In remembrance of David Landry’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to City of Hope.

In accordance to David Landry’s wishes, the family is asking for no video or photography of his remains.