Larry Robak

Lawrence Larry Robak, better known by his loved ones as Lar 86, of Cherry Valley died Tuesday, June 14, 2011 returning from his annual road trip across America, and his 64th Annual Osceola High School reunion. Larry was born in Osceola, Nebraska on September 12, 1924 to Louis and Valeria Robak. He also had a younger brother, Raymond Robak. After graduating from high school in Osceola he served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer during World War II. His tour of duty with the U.S Army took him to Iran and Egypt. After returning from the U.S. Army his job took him throughout the Western and Southwestern states as a carpenter, and moonlighted as a serious rodeo trick-roper in which he won numerous awards at rodeo competitions. Larry is listed in the Wild West Rodeo Hall Fame as a trick-roper . Larry has performed his trick-roping act for some 55 plus years at many State Fairs, Rodeo Competitions and family celebrations. Upon, retirement Larry travelled throughout South America, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Australia, and New Zealand. His worldly experience was a breath of fresh air with the many stories he passionately shared with his family and friends. It was in the early 90 s that Larry met his traveling partner, Carolyn Fazekas for over twenty years exploring the entire United States traveling in the motor home in which they named The Dolphin that took them on many exciting, spontaneous adventures over the years. They traveled and visited all 50 states, including many cities in Canada. In addition, to their traveling days they performed together at County Fairs and at the local senior citizen events with a Spanish musical group from the San Fernando Valley. One of Larry s last performances was his acting and trick-roping for the Oak Glen Gunslingers a summer weekly show in Oak Glen, California. He is survived by his adopted son, Douglas Fazekas, grand-daughter Ariel Fazekas and gramps for Blanca Saracho of Upland, California and his favorite dog Lady . He also is survived by a host of friends throughout the United States including the rodeo circuit. Those wishing to honor his memory may contribute to St. Anthony Catholic Church in Upland or Osceola Public Library in Osceola Nebraska. Arrangements by Emmerson-Bartlett Funeral Home in Redlands, California. Larry's letter to all his family and friends~ To my dearest family, freinds & Lady, so many things I'd like to say. But first of all, just want you all to know, that I arrived okay boots and all. I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there's no more tears of sadness: Just eternal LOVE. Please don't be sad just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I'm with you all every morning, noon & night. Sorry for no good-byes. That day I had to leave (GOD was calling) when my life on earth was complete. God picked me up w/my rope and boot-straps, hugged me and said: "Larry I welcome you" "It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, Doug, Blanca & Ariel. They'll be here later on. I need you here so badly, you are part of my plan. There is so much that we can do, to help our mortal man." GOD gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch & care for you all. And when your in bed at night & after a long days work. GOD & I will be closest to you...in the middle of the night. When you think of me on earth, and all those loving years and Holidays. Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no Buffington roses/flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you all that GOD has planned. If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is ended. I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are rocky roads ahead of you & many hills to climb; But together watching over you all we can do it by taking one day at a time. If you can help somebody who is in sadness Then you can say to GOD at night...'my day was not in vain. And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile. Knowing as I passed along the way I made others smile." So if you meet somebody who is sad and down; Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go. When you're walking dow the street remembering me with my rope I'm walking in your footsteps only hald a step behind leaving my boot marks behind. And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be FREE. Remember you're not going...you're coming here with me to eternity. "Cowboy Forever" Rosary will be held on Friday, July 22, 2011at 10:30am and Funeral Mass will start at 11:00am at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 2110 North San Antonio Ave., Upland, CA 91784. Private burial at Osceola Cemetery, Osceola, Nebraska