LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Shatara Kai aka Lawrence (Larry) Edward Gradek died April 1, 2019, at his home in Witter Springs, California.

He was born Jan. 9, 1948, to Sophia Anastasia (Grys) and Edward John Gradek of Gustine, California.

Growing up, he was closest to his cousins Ed Grys and Bob and Bill Gradek.

Kai was a graduate of Palo Alto High School in 1966 and completed his Bachelor of Science degree at San Jose State in 1970. He then went on to earn his master’s degree at the University of Washington in 1972.

He held many jobs during his lifetime including: Director of Rainbow Lodge in McMinnville, Oregon; veal farmer in Amity, Oregon; social worker at Dammasch State Hospital in Wilsonville, Oregon; and his own counseling private practice in McMinnville, Oregon.

He was married twice; his first marriage was to Linda (Queirolo) Redman and his second was to Jule (Utterberg) Gradek with whom he had one daughter, Anna.

Kai was a gifted man whose gardens always wowed those who were lucky enough to see them in person. He loved working with his hands and was willing to help anyone who needed it.

He had a big heart, a passion for learning, and was always reading and researching this and that on “the net,” as he called it.

When he wasn’t spending time with his daughter and her family in Oregon, he was on his motorcycle enjoying the warmth of the sun and long open roads. He even spent two years in Cozumel, Mexico, enjoying the laid back lifestyle of the island.

His connections to God and Spirit are a key part of who Kai was. Those closest to him know that as he passed over he is OK and in a better place full of light and love.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sophia and Edward, and leaves his daughter’s family, Anna Gradek, Tramaine Payne and two grandsons, Trayden and Paxon; stepchildren, Troy and Paige Petersen; along with four additional grandchildren, Taylor, Cole, CJ and Zac.

His ashes will be spread in Witter Springs at the family ranch on May 18 at 11 a.m. Those wishing, but not able to attend, are asked to find a moment of peace and prayer at that time.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.