Obituary: LARSON, HARRIS

Harris Dean Larson1928 ~ 2012A good man who made others better by just being in their presence passed away early Tuesday morning, May 15, 2012 from a brain aneurism. Harris Dean Larson was born in Moroni, Utah on Aug 3, 1928 to Harris Bailey and May Larson. His life was one of integrity, honesty and service to others, characteristics he demonstrated every day and taught to his family continually. He had a great love for his wife of 66 years, Vonda Ivory Larson, having married on June 8, 1946 and sealed in the Manti Utah Temple. They were truly childhood sweethearts, considering each as "boyfriend and girlfriend" since they were six and seven years old. A master at his trade of masonry and construction, Dean, along with his sons could take credit for some of the most beautiful brick buildings in St. George, Salt Lake and throughout the state.Dean was lifelong and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving as a Seventy, High Councilor, Bishop and most everything in between. He honored his priesthood and his leaders, accepting any assignment with a willing heart and enthusiasm. His love for the Savior was apparent in everything he did and taught, always doing the right thing for the right reason. Dean is survived by his loving wife Vonda, who has been exemplary and tireless in her efforts to care for him over the past year as his health began to fade. He is also survived by his seven children: Linda (Richard) Prince; Carl (Kalynn) Larson; Larry (Jeri) Larson; Diane (Bob) Prince; John (Jennifer) Larson; Sheila (Dennis) Traveller; Wendy (David) Hemingway. Dean and Vonda are grandparents to 30 grandchildren and 55 great grandchildren. He will certainly be missed by his siblings: Bert (LaJune) Larson; Connie (Vaughn) Thomas; Barbara Barton; Patsy Cox; Paul (Kathy) Larson; Glenna (Charlie) Riddle; Carolyn (Russell) Brooks; Linda (Roger) Ketchum. He is proceeded in death by his parents, a son-in-law Stephen Flegal and a grandson David Dean Flegal.Funeral services will be held at the Bloomington Stake Center, 200 W Brigham Road in St. George, UT on Saturday May 19, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Visitations will be held on Friday, May 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, UT and on Saturday, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services at the Chapel. Interment will be in the Tonaquint Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435)673-4221. Please visit website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences.