Jerrold A. LaRue

Jerrold A. LaRue died on June 23, 2008 in Santa Rosa at the age
of 85. He married his wife of 62 years Georgene soon after serving
in World War II.
He graduated in meteorology from UCLA and entered the Weather
Bureau at Peoria, IL. in 1951. At the National Meteorological
Center in Suitland, MD. in the early 1960s he was instrumental in
developing the forecasting of precipitation as percentages. He was
appointed meteorologist in Charge of the Washington, D.C. Forecast
Office in 1970. He was one of the founders of the National Weather
Association in 1975, it’s first President and was Executive
Director for five years. He retired from the National Weather
Service in 1980.
He moved to Sebastopol in 1980 where he built most of his home.
He enjoyed his garden, orchard and vineyard, playing bridge,
golfing and parties. He was a member of SIRS, Newcomers of
Sebastopol and was an usher for 25 years at Santa Rosa Repertory
Theater.
He is survived by his wife, Georgene; brother Jean Sterling La
Rue and his children; his daughter Christine, his son and
daughter-in-law George and Sandy; grandchildren Lane, Max and
Fletcher La Rue and Jeff, Danny and Mike Hodges; niece Suzanne
Rayburn of Cloverdale; and numerous life-long friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Memorial Hospice would be
appreciated. A small private memorial gathering is planned.