Warren Larson's Obituary
WARREN A. LARSON
Delivered into this world by a mid-wife in Old Town (Tacoma) on July 18, 1923 (recorded as July 20th, thus prompting a week long party every year) to Swedish immigrants Nels Martin and Betty Larson. They named their ninth and last child Warren Harding Larson (changed by Warren, as a young man, to Arvid) -- Harding was not a president he would have chosen to be named after. He crossed the bar peacefully on September 30, 2009. He served his country during World War II in Africa, Italy, Germany, and France. Warren lived his life with zest and little regard for limits and his own mortality. As a young man he fished with the boats out of Old Town: the water and boats became his passion. In the early 1950's he built a Gill netter he dubbed the Cindy Lynn that had stove problems and exploded off Vashon with him aboard. His second Gill netter the Johnny K, purchased in the early 1960's, met a similar fate. Warren put Gill netting aside. He became a tugboat man and worked in all capacities including Captain for Olsen, Tacoma Tug and Barge, Foss, Puget Sound Tug and Barge -- later Crowley's. An occupation he reveled in and produced more stories than one memory has a right to and, throughout the years, relived them often. In the 1960's Warren heard about a Freeway house that needed moving. Another challenge. So began his landlord/carpenter/remodeler part-time job. Twelve rental homes later, he and his wife "the Boss" had fulfilled their "American Dream". His semi-retirement days were spent at Pleasure Craft Marina in Gig Harbor communing with other boat Fanatics and adding new gadgets to his 36' Monk, Betty Lou. Not to be left out of the boat naming, Sam's contributions came as Warren's last boat, Alibi Ike. Warren was tickled and proud to be an "honorary cop" and "chief cook and bottle washer" for WACOPS conferences held throughout Washington that he attended with his son, Sam. He was awarded an Appreciation plaque for his contributions.
Warren leaves behind his wife of 60+ years, Betty LaPlante Larson, three devoted children, Lynn (Dale) Wahlund, Cindi Kruckeberg, and Sam (Denise) Larson; grandchildren: Eric, Kelly (Cathy), Jessie, Olivia, Lizzy, Aaron, Sonia Wahlund, Tim (Nichelle) Kruckeberg, Cody and Addie Larson; one great grandchild Michelle Wahlund; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Roy and Joanne LaPlante. Thank you, Sam, Denise, Cody, and Addie for your loving inclusion of Dad in your family activities. Roy, thank you for being you.
Funeral services will be held in the Mountain View Valley Chapel on Monday, October 5th at 3:30 pm followed by a reception in the Celebration of Life Center. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Franciscan Hospice Care.
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