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Larry W. Wilkinson, age 67, passed away on November 29, 2008. Born on May 16, 1944, the son of Lawrence W. and Martha (Holvert) Wilkinson, in Hagerman, NM, Lawrence remained a lifetime resident in New Mexico. Larry had three main areas in which he focused his time and energy throughout his life. The first was his family. Larry faithfully provided for his wife, Gayle, and he adored his children. He often showered them with gifts and surprises as his way of showing his love and affection. Secondly, Larry enjoyed being outdoors. He, Gayle, and their children shared many memories of picnics up in the mountains. As a lover of the outdoors, Larry was also an avid gardener. He thoroughly enjoyed being outside, tending and nurturing his garden. The third area of focus for Larry was his devotion to his students. He approached his career as an educator and school principal much the same way he did with his garden - by tending and nurturing. Most of Larry's years in education were in schools throughout New Mexico. He was always providing creative opportunities for his students in order to expose them to new things that helped better prepare them for their own careers. In addition to his regular teaching and administrative duties, he often took the role as guidance counselor, directing his students toward career paths that seemed to best suit their aptitudes. He was truly an advocate for his students. He would support them even if it meant challenging a school board from time to time. After officially "retiring", Larry and Gayle moved to Texas, where he worked with "at-risk" students for a brief period. While doing this, he had a tremendous impact on many young people by helping them finish school and in some cases, literally saving their lives. Larry was a very generous person not only with his own family, but with many students and their families. He freely gave of his time and his resources. As a lifelong educator, Larry has left an indelible mark on the lives of his family and countless students. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Gayle "Annie" Wilkinson; son, Joshua Wilkinson of Austin, TX; daughters, Seretha Crider and husband, Stanleigh of Rio Rancho, NM, and Jennifer Wellington and husband, Scott of Jacksonville, FL; three grandchildren, Ray Crider, Gregory Crider, and Alexander Wellington; sisters, Charlotte Shire, Dorothy Wilkinson, Mary Olsen; brother, Roy Wilkinson; and numerous cousins. A Memorial Service, will be held on Friday, December 5, 2008, at 2:30 PM, at Daniels Family Funeral Services-Sara Chapel, 4310 Sara Rd; Interment will follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com Arrangements are entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Rd SE Rio Rancho, New Mexico 892-9920
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