Larry Sage passed away on July 13 at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno following a cycling accident earlier that morning on Donner Pass Road in Truckee. Larry is survived by his wife Sue Sage of Truckee; parents Laural and Barbara Sage of Alpharetta, Ga.; sister Lynnette McCann of Alpharetta, Ga.; brother Steven Sage of Fernley, Nev.; and several nieces and nephews. Larry was born on June 3, 1955.
Larry was many things to many people: a devoted husband, a loyal friend, a cheerful riding companion, and an accomplished and always dependable adventure partner. Larry was also a teacher. He loved sharing his extensive knowledge of the natural world with everyone he met; the depth and breadth of his wisdom was dazzling, from geology to botany to ornithology to physiology, and everything in between.
The strength of Larry’s character was exceptional, as was his generosity. His help could be counted on in a moment’s notice, and would be offered with no expectation of anything in return. He was also a man of uncommon integrity. It was evident in everything he did, and provided an example for others to strive toward.
Larry was a peerless athlete, with a quiet strength far beyond his stature. His list of cycling accomplishments is impressive, though you would never know unless you asked — his achievements were politely concealed by his modesty. While living in Nevada City, Larry raced with the cycling team Sierra Express for many years. In 1994, he placed ninth overall in the Leadville 100. His dad went with him to Leadville and Larry frequently talked about what a wonderful time they shared.
“I think he came out of the womb on wheels,” says his wife Sue. “Hardly a day went by that he didn’t get on his bike. Even in winter, he’d be inside on the rollers, watching DVDs of the Tour or the Giro. He loved to ride more than anything else.”
Larry spent much of his youth in Colorado where he developed a passion for the outdoors, and he learned to rock climb, play guitar, and write music. “He was my balance beam in life from very early on,” his mother, Barbara, remarked.
Larry graduated from Pacific Union College in 1980 with a B.S. in biology and from Loma Linda University in 1983 with a master’s in public health. After a year teaching anatomy and physiology to nursing students in Hong Kong, he began a 20-year career for the Nevada County Environmental Health Department. He retired as the director in 2006.
After retirement, Larry began following his passions of photography, woodworking, and guiding hiking trips for REI Adventures throughout the Southwest. In 2009, he was presented with the “Top Guide of the Year” award at REI’s flagship store in Seattle. Through his passion for the outdoors and expert leadership, he touched many lives, some profoundly.
“Larry (a.k.a Superman) was always prepared for everything, enjoyed life, had an amazing personality, and shared his love for the outdoors with many others,” commented Kris Hoefler, a client on a Death Valley trip this past spring. “His spirit will live on in all of our adventures … we will make him proud of what we do from here.”
A celebration of life ceremony will be held Aug. 11 at 2 p.m. at 11285 Thelin Dr., Truckee. A memorial ride starting at the Truckee Factory Outlet parking lot to Cisco Grove and back will start at 9 a.m. Donations in Larry’s name may be made to the Truckee Trails Foundation: truckeetrails.org.
(Editors Note: Larry’s wife, Sue Sage, asked that this personal note be added.)
I would like to thank my friends, family, and the Truckee community for the tremendous amount of support I’ve received since my husband, Larry Sage, passed on July 13. Your support has been overwhelming. I may be a wee bit biased, but those who knew Larry would agree — he was a good human being, to the core, in every way. He will be sorely missed.
My deepest gratitude to all,
Sue Sage
