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70 years of togetherness

On 2/19/2008

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Contributed by: Sandra Kagan on 1/26/2008

Terry and Larry Kagan will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Feb. 19. The remarkable love that they have for each other has sustained them from very humble beginnings to a rich, varied and fulfilling life together.

When they decided to marry, times were hard, and there was strong family objection to the marriage. Terry was so determined to marry Larry that she locked herself in her room, and refused to eat until her family relented.

The couple's life together started in Hanford, Calif., where Larry's job was transporting live chickens, in freezing weather, while Terry learned to cook, and save every possible penny.

They lived in a tank house with no plumbing, and even with Terry's careful frugality, they could only rarely afford to eat the 59-cent Sunday Special four-course dinner offered by the local restaurant.

In spite of the harsh conditions, hard work and little money, they had what they wanted - each other.

In time, due to Larry's drive and his innate sense of business, he eventually created his own commercial real estate investment and development firm. He developed numerous shopping centers, was active in the rehabilitation of downtown San Francisco, and built the condominium building in which the Kagans now reside.

Later, Larry came to the attention of Dr. Armond Hammer, and became president of Occidental Petroleum Land and Development Division. During that time, he developed two cities -one in Southern California and another in Hawaii.

Terry and Larry chose the San Fernando Valley in which to raise their children, and built their own home there.

They became involved in community activities, with Terry becoming president of the San Fernando Valley Chapter of Women's American ORT. She also started a Girl Scout Troop, and served as a docent at the Page Museum, the Los Angeles Natural History Museum, The William O. Douglas Outdoors Center, as well as worked as a tutor for elementary school children.

Much to the delight of her family, Terry still plays tennis twice a week even as she approaches her 90th birthday.

As a father, Larry instilled his love of learning in his children. He was active in Cub Scouts, and also became a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner.

He and Terry traveled throughout the world, combining his love of big game hunting and deep sea fishing with trips to Africa, Europe, Asia and Israel. On one of their trips, due to their philanthropic work, they were honored guests of the Queen of Denmark as well as the Prime Minister of Israel.

The Kagan family feels very blessed to be part of the lasting love that Larry and Terry share. Their two children, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and numerous friends will gather to celebrate the incredible occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary.

With love for each other in their eyes , both Terry and Larry agree how lucky they have been to have experienced such a remarkable 70-year journey together.

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Submitted By: Jackie Houchin

posted on 1/31/2008 @ 4:16:15 PM

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What a wonderful story of love, hard work and determination. I congratulate them! I would've like to know why Terry's family was against the marriage, and what cities Larry helped to establish in Hawaii and So. California. But even without those details, I feel I know them. And, for heaven's sake, Terry does NOT look like she's almost 90!!!!

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Sandra Kagan

Valley Village , CA

Sandra Kagan has posted 1 story and 0 comments since joining on 1/26/2008. Sandra Kagan 's average story rating is 5.

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