Remembering Lakewood Councilman Larry Van Nostran
Orginial Post at 9:48 a..m
Updated at 3:48 p.m. Saturday
By Brian Hews
Long time Lakewood City Councilman Larry Van Nostran has died, Los Cerritos Community Newspaper has learned.
Lakewood Sheriff’s Lt. Minh Dinh confirmed the death of Van Nostran on Saturday morning in a telephone interview with LCCN.
“It is with a sense of deep personal loss and the recognition that a uniquely dedicated public servant has been taken from us too soon, that we mourn the death of long-time Lakewood City Council Member Larry Van Nostran,” said Mayor Diane DuBois.
Van Nostran, 79, passed away at home Friday night, with his wife Charlene by his side, from what city officials said was “a progressive and incurable lung disorder. ”
“Van Nostran had been released from the hospital a week earlier once the incurable nature of his ailment had been diagnosed,” a city spokesman said.
Lakewood City Councilman Todd Rogers took to his Facebook page on Saturday and told his friends that “A good friend and great councilman left us tonight. His passion and unabashed love for Lakewood will leave an indelible mark on our great community. I miss him already. May God bless Larry Van Nostran and comfort his family.”
On Saturday afternoon, Rogers told LCCN in an interview: “This is a great personal and professional loss. He was a great mentor to me as I ran for and joined the city council. He was a wealth of historical knowledge regarding the growth and past politics of our city and remained passionate about the community until his last breath. I spoke to him several hours before he passed and he demonstrated the same indomitable spirit that was his hallmark. He had a zest for life and was courageous to the end.”
Council Member Van Nostran was first elected to the city council following a special election in 1975. He was one of the longest-serving local elected officials in Southeast Los Angeles County and the longest-serving council member in Lakewood’s history with 37 years on the governing body.
He ran unopposed in the election of 1999, a first in the city’s history and served nine terms as mayor during his tenure on the council, most recently in 2011-2012.
Van Nostran was Lakewood’s representative to the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (JPIA), and he serves as president of the authority’s executive committee, a position he has held since 1990. Started in 1978, the California JPIA is the largest municipal self-insurance agency in the state. He was also the city’s alternate representative to the League of California Cities’ L.A. County Division.
This map shows the incorporated areas in Los Angeles County, California. Lakewood is highlighted in red. I created it in Inkscape using data from the Los Angeles County Website (Los Angeles County Incorporated Area and District Map (PDF). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Van Nostran founded the Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame.
According to a city website, Van Nostran was proudest of Lakewood’s “exceptionally low crime rate, abundant recreational opportunities, efforts by the city council to improve the quality of Lakewood schools, the creation and sustainment for over 30 years of the Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame.”
Official seal of City of Lakewood (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
“In each of his nine terms as mayor,” said DuBois, “Larry stood as a fierce defender of the community’s values and served as a leader of the city council in guiding Lakewood with wisdom and determination. I know that Larry’s greatest aspiration – and one he achieved – was to keep Lakewood safe, ensure its continuing prosperity and preserve its neighborhood quality of life. We will always remember Council Member Larry Van Nostran – indomitable, loyal, true, and brave. A great leader of Lakewood has been struck down, but his enduring legacy will live on.”
“I’ve known Larry throughout my entire career in Lakewood,” said Howard Chambers, who has served as Lakewood’s city manager since 1976. “For me, he was a mentor, an advocate and a friend. For Lakewood, he was a pillar of strength. In Larry, I saw a man who always fought the good fight, who never wavered in his convictions, and who lived and breathed the genuine spirit of his city each day.”
Van Nostran is survived by his wife Charlene, sons Dennis and David, five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Memorial service details are pending and will be made public later here at Lakewood Online.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Friends of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, 5130 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90712 or to Christ Presbyterian Church of Lakewood, 5225 Hayter Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90712.
COPYRIGHT. LOS CERRITOS COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER. REPUBLISHING GRANTED WITH PROPER ATTRIBUTION. 2012.
Check out additional articles by Los Cerritos Community Newspaper below:
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Lakewood lost it’s most dedicated public servant. He will never be forgotten or missed. RIP!
Farnam IverCare (ivermectin Paste) 1.87% for Horses, Anthelmintic and Boticide, 0.21 Ounces
$12.99 (as of April 29, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw 30 oz | Flowstate 3-Position Lid | Cup Holder Compatible for Travel | Insulated Stainless Steel Cup | BPA-Free | Cherry Blossom
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Comfort Colors Unisex Heavyweight Short Sleeve Tee, Style G1717/G1745. Multipack
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amooca Car Seat Headrest Hook 4 Pack Hanger Storage Organizer Universal for Handbag Purse Coat fit Universal Vehicle Car Black S Type
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Owala Disney Princess FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw for Sports and Travel, BPA-Free Sports Water Bottle, 24 oz, Rapunzel
$34.99 (as of April 29, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Monocular Telescope for Adults,12x50 HD Large Vision Monoculars with Smartphone Adapter Tripod,High Powered Monocular for Bird Watching Hunting Hiking Camping Wildlife,BAK4 Prism FMC Lens,Waterproof
$19.99 (as of April 29, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Titleist Pro V1
$54.95 (as of April 29, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Dog Teeth Cleaning Powder, Dog Dental Powder and Cats Breath Freshener, Plaque Off Pet Tooth Cleaning lab co, Bad Breath & Tartar Remover for Dogs, Dog Teeth Cleaning with Enzymes- 60-Day Supply -Mint
$21.99 (as of April 29, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
MAONO Wireless Lavalier Microphone for iPhone/Android/Camera/PC, Mini Lapel Mic with 48khz 24bit, Voice Filter, Noise Cancellation, 30h Battery, USB-C/Lightning Plug for Video Recording - Wave T5
$109.00 (as of April 29, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Drift Car Air Freshener - Wood Air Freshener - Car Odor Eliminator - Teak Scent Starter Kit
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
I just heard about the death of Larry. This is a huge huge loss of a dedicated public servant that can never be replaced. Thanks, LCCN for keeping our community up to date with information day in and day out. Larry loved your newspaper.
The Nightingale: A Novel
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Essentials x Sofia Grainge Mommy and Me Short Sleeve Pajama Set
$19.90 (as of April 29, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Glass Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking - 2 in 1 Olive Oil Dispenser for Kitchen Gadgets, Air Fryer, Salad, and BBQ - Black
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Farnam IverCare (ivermectin Paste) 1.87% for Horses, Anthelmintic and Boticide, 0.21 Ounces
$12.99 (as of April 29, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Nippies Nipple Covers for Women - Sticky Adhesive Silicone Pasties - Reusable Pasty Nipple Cover with Travel Box
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes, Daily Facial Cleanser Towelettes, Gently Cleanse and Remove Oil & Makeup, Alcohol-Free Makeup Wipes, 2 x 25 ct
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
eos Shea Better Body Lotion- Vanilla Cashmere, 24-Hour Moisture Skin Care, Lightweight & Non-Greasy, Made with Natural Shea, Vegan, 16 fl oz
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD (newest model), free and live TV, Alexa Voice Remote, smart home controls, HD streaming
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
All-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) – Our fastest Kindle ever, with new 7" glare-free display and weeks of battery life – Black
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
30x50 High Powered Binoculars for Adults, Waterproof Compact Binoculars with Low Light Vision for Bird Watching Hunting Football Games Travel Stargazing Cruise with Carrying Bag
$24.98 (as of April 29, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)