We called him Big John, a term of endearment that described his large physical stature, and a name that came to appropriately capture the size of his spirit.
Born March 16, 1922 in Logan, Utah, to Charlotte and Rube Larsen, John Anderson Larsen passed away at his home Monday, November 15, 1999. John was a fighter who early in life committed himself to standing for truth. He fought to preserve freedom, serving his country in the U.S. Coast Guard in the South Pacific Theater during World War II aboard the ship Cambria. His last battle came during a four and one half year fight against cancer.Learning was one of the great loves of his life. He earned his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Utah. He was a masterful educator, teaching in the public school system and later becoming an administrator, serving as an assistant principal at West High School and later as principal at both Olympus High and Granite High in Salt Lake City. John found great joy in many pursuits, including Scouting (especially Woodbadge training), the out-of-doors, golf, participation in the Sons of Utah Pioneers and needlepoint art. The greatest treasures John possessed were his family and his testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
John married his sweetheart, Lois Manwill, April 8, 1946 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. The two met while both were serving missions in the Eastern States Mission several years earlier. Opportunity for church service came regularly throughout John's life. He served for 25 years as a guide on Temple Square, for many years as bishop of the Valley View 2nd Ward, as first president of the Holladay North Stake, as president of the Oregon Portland Mission, as a Regional Representative, and as president of the Jordan River Temple.
He is survived by his eternal companion, Lois; six children and their companions, Dennis (Kay), Sandy; Deanne (Gary) Hanson, Midway; Brent (Tineke), Highland; Julene (Richard) Romney, Salt Lake City; Bryant (Sheri), Alpine; and Shaun (Heidi), Austin, Texas; brother, Louis (Theresa), Riverton; sister, Berneice Robbins, Salt Lake City; sister-in-law, Shauna Larsen, Orem; 27 grandchildren, Robert, Kari, Aaron, Lori, Mary, Angie, Kellie, Tyler, Adam, Elizabeth, Brent, Anna, Stephan, Joseph, Richard, Taylor, Miles, Brittany, McKay, Charlotte, Megan, Whitney, Jordan, Jessica, Lauren, Dane and Lindsey. Preceded in death by his parents; brother, J.R.; sister, LaFay; grandson, Eric.
His family would like to express appreciation to the many family members, friends and caregivers who were there to support him during his illness, particularly those from Care Source Hospice.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 18, 1999, 1 p.m. at the Valley View 2nd Ward, Holladay North Stake Center, 4395 South Albright Drive (2145 East), Holladay. Friends may call Wednesday, November 17, 1999, 5-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Thursday at the church, 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the LDS Church Missionary Fund.