Celebrating Larry Ding's Life

**GoFundMe creates suggested donation amounts that we cannot edit/remove, but truly any amount big or very small (or even just leaving kind words or sharing your favorite Larry story) is thoroughly appreciated.

We encourage all friends and family to share any photos, stories, or memories of Larry through this website: https://www.forevermissed.com/larry-ding/about

Dear friends and family,

It is with deep sorrow and heaviest hearts that we share the sudden passing of my dad, Larry Ding. For those who knew him, he wasn’t just a dad—he was a beacon of kindness, adventure, intelligence, and genuine love. He leaves behind his deeply loved wife, my mom Linh, and his kids—Lance, Camie, and Emily. He is also survived by his mother, Ruth; his siblings—Mae Lon, Claudia, and Boise; and countless cherished friends.

My dad’s story is one of living life to its fullest. Growing up in Orange County (Newport), he was drawn to the outdoors from an early age. By 9, he was already winning fishing tournaments, playing tons of beach volleyball, and grilling fish tacos for swarms of high school friends right by the water. His talents took him to Brown for two years, where he studied, with scholarship, Music/Violin. He eventually transferred to Stanford (he missed the ocean), and finished his Bachelor's in Human Biology. He then started his Masters at Stanford, studying Marine Biology, where for over a year he scuba dove almost every day at John Hopkins Marine Station. He later attended med school at UCI, all while holding tight to his love for the ocean and nature.

After finishing medical school at UCI in 1994, my dad interviewed for Residency with Dr. Scott Lamb who convinced him that Corpus Christi has the best fishing -- so he accepted his PM&R Residency in San Antonio, towing his boat Well Craft with his Bronco all the way from California to Texas. It was during this time in residency that he met my mom Linh, a pharmacist at the VA Hospital in March 1996. My mom says that my dad brought constant joy, excitement, and humor into every day since then. They were engaged by November 1997 and married in May 1999. Together, they proved that true love is real and can last for decades. In 2001 they had Lance, then in 2002 was Camie, and then in 2010 came Emily. My dad loved us all more than anything and would spend all his money to get us the best gear and vacations but would wear the same $10 shirt for years.

Dad taught us to ski, surf, cook, play tennis, roller-skate, dive, mountain bike, camp/backpack, love God (and countless facts about so many facets and dimensions of our world) with a contagious enthusiasm. He marveled at all the simple, good things in life and lived every day filled with so much gratitude, generosity, and selflessness. One of my favorite memories was my dad insisting we set out to surf and ski on the same day -- a true SoCal adventure that perfectly captured his playful spirit.

Beyond his love for adventure, my dad was a compassionate doctor whose patients felt his care and warmth deeply. He wasn’t just a healer of bodies but also a comforter of souls, always eager to pray for each patient. His Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life, intertwined with his love for his family and his community.

In honoring his memory—and in lieu of any future flowers or gifts (though we deeply appreciate those already sent)—we’re asking for donations to three causes that meant so much to my dad. We are raising funds for Casa De Mi Familia (a children's home in Tijuana that Larry and family would spearhead volunteer trips for), Ocean Conservancy (to protect the waters he cherished and promote sustainable fishing practices), and Standing Stone (a NPO for ministry mentorship).

If my dad ever shared a kind word, a memorable story, or simply a moment of warmth with you, please consider celebrating his life by contributing to these causes. Every donation helps carry forward his legacy of love, adventure, and care for both people and our beautiful natural world. Thank you for being a part of his life and for helping us transform his memory into a lasting tribute.