Louis "Gerry" Larson's Obituary
Louis (fondly known as Gerry) was welcomed to heaven into the arms of Jesus September 3, 2013. He was born in Tacoma February 15, 1937 to Louis and Evelyn Larson.
He leaves his loving wife of 53 years, Sylvia; Son, Dean (Tammy), Grandson, Daniel, Son, Raymond (Rhonda), Grandchildren, Brandon, Wesley, Tessa; Brothers, Peter (Coreen), Steven (Elaine), Sister, Jane Chantler (Greg) and many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Gerry was blessed to have been born into a family that loved and worshiped Jesus. His parent’s love, kindness and discipline were the foundation that shaped their children.
His father’s quiet creative diligence and his mother’s love of gathering many so often to the home as she hosted them with the delights of her Swedish cooking affected the way her children loved to be with people.
At the age of 9 Gerry became aware of a building anger within in response to a few bullies who were making life miserable for him, making him want to fight back.
One Sunday the pastor began speaking specifically to the children on the subject of sin and a Savior who came to die for our sins and to forgive them if we ask Him. If we say that we’re sorry He would forgive them, come into their heart to live and make them His very own child forever. The light of understanding opened his young eyes to the change he needed. He came forward to pray with the pastor for Jesus to forgive him and come into his life to stay. His whole life changed. The anger and fear was replaced with patience, peace, joy and love.
He spent much of his early years in a waterfront home in Gig Harbor enjoying boating, swimming, fishing, skipping rocks, viewing marvelous sunsets, changing weather patterns accompanied by squawking geese and distant mystical cries of the loon.
The back side of the property was a whole different story-anything but quiet! His older Pete as well as his dad were into raising animals – (horses, goats, bulls, chickens and pigs – who, by the way, often escaped their pen to enjoyed eating the neighbors flowering begonias!) Gerry was very much enlisted in this farming endeavor. Fences had to be built, barns had to be erected and painted, chicken coops were made ad constantly cleaned, as well as their eggs constantly collected and the animals themselves daily had to be fed and cared for. Gerry was a little wary of the larger beasts – the bulls and horses. One in particular a horse he was assigned to feed, had his fear psyched out and frequently moved his rear to try and pin Gerry to the barn wall. His cousin, a confident young equestrian, would always cone to his rescue. One swipe of his whip and order was restored.
The family faithfully attended a church in Rosedale. His father played the organ. Gerry and his brothers were very active in youth programs. The church choir director latched onto Gerry and his brothers and cousins to sing in the choir. She was a fantastic teacher and encourager of the talents of the youth. She taught them how to read music and be a part of some of the greatest music ever written.
Music was a huge part of the family. Both father and mother, as well as sister Jane, played the piano. Gerry loved singing around the piano with his brothers, sister and cousins as his dad accompanied them. The melodies and harmonies must have drifted through the windows, over the waters, while the birds clapped their wings!
Gerry attended Peninsula High School where he was very active in the school choir. He even signed up for a drama class. He was chosen for minor character in a school play – the butler. Somehow his name was left off the program. He was so dramatic and disguised that everyone asked, “Who was that???
After graduating from high school in 1955, he went on to attend the College of Puget Sound in Tacoma where he earned his B.A, degree in 1961. He began attending Central Baptist Church in Tacoma where he met and married his wife Sylvia in 1960. They shared a common faith and love for praising God with singing. They taught Sunday School and worked with the youth. One of the joyful reminiscent revelations was for Gerry to realize that that a young boy in his sixth grade class named Greg Chantler would one day be his pastor and brother-in-law!
Since Gerry and Sylvia had no children born to them God graciously gave them two wonderful adopted sons, They brought the joy and challenges of being a family. Each brought unique, special gifts and personalities.
Gerry has had many varied types of employment. In the early years of marriage he was involved in insurance sales and customer claims services at California Blue Shield and Lincoln National Insurance Company while living in the San Francisco area. He retired in 2005 after 25 years serving the State of Washington DSHS department in medical claims.
Gerry’s life passion was people – knowing, helping, serving and loving them. He will be greatly missed!
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. Remembrances may be shared at www.mountainviewtacoma.com
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