Slektshistorie - Våre familier

Obituary

In Memory of Theodore "Ted" Ward Larson December 7th, 1932 - February 21st, 2014 . Honor thy father… .
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Julius S. Larson and Petra Larson, née Presthus, both of Trandhjem, Norway; Ted was the last of ten children. He was preceded in death by all but one sibling, his sister Helen Strommen, who resides in Minnesota. . Ted had varied interests and talents, was a Veteran of the US Military, police officer and educated at the University of Arizona receiving his BA in Political Science with a minor in History. He had a big heart, a ready smile and an offering hand to help. Ted found pleasure in sharing special times with his loving wife, Catherine, as well as reading, gardening, home repair, woodworking, traveling, cooking, and catering to his sweet tooth. He dedicated much time to his spiritual devotion, loved the fine arts and had a passion for the symphony. Ted always enjoyed learning and made the best of every moment. . While living in Arizona, Ted met his future wife Catherine Millar and they married at their home in Vancouver, B.C., Canada on August 15, 1977. He and his wife remained living in Canada and always situated themselves near the open water they loved so much. His wife Catherine passed away on July 08, 2012. . Never one to ask for himself, Ted Larson will be forever loved and missed for the love and caring he gave to others. . He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Olson; his son, Graham Larson (Fiona), his three grandchildren, Abigael, Gordon, and Cameron; his daughter, Erika Gartrell (Joe), his granddaughter, Heather; his sister, Helen Strommen; his stepdaughter, Dorothy Meeks (William) and their four children Clifton Meeks, Emily Cox (Jason), Adam Meeks, Alexys Jack (Derrick) and their two children Thaya Jack, Clara Jack; and many friends. . A special letter of remembrance by Ted's only surviving sibling, Helen, follows: . Dear Graham, Erika and Rebecca…and all of you who knew and loved my brother Teddy, . In my world, his name was always Teddy, because of his sweet nature. My story is both sad and beautiful: Sad because we seemed to be separated by so many miles; Beautiful because love was a big factor, and we lived in hopes of "getting together soon." . Teddy was number 10 (the last child) in our large family. We celebrated when he came - such a beautiful, sweet little boy, and we wanted to name him well: so he became Theodore, (Greek origin) and means "gift from God." . No spoiled kids in our family. Father Julius was a Norwegian immigrant who attended business college and became an accountant. His plan was for us to get a job and help support our family. Mother Petra was also a Norwegian immigrant and a very good cook who always provided a dessert after every meal. . When our father died, Petra sent Ted (then 16) to live with my husband and me, along with our first child, in Ellensburg, WA. There Ted had a paper route and even learned to ride a horse. . When Ted and Dolores had their young family, we did see them on a few occasions, including visits to our home. However, time took over and we all went our separate ways, with always the hope of "getting together soon!" . We were at the wedding of Ted and Catherine in Vancouver. We last saw Ted and Catherine in 2008 when they drove down to Ellensburg to meet us at our old church's 100 year celebration. . I was very glad that with his Parkinson's, Ted was being well cared for at Morgan Place. My family and I were able to speak with Ted by phone, to hear his good nature and share our love with him. Staff people there were always very kind. . Ted now is in the heavenly choir singing with his beautiful voice. And I know that Ted and I, since I'm soon 94, will indeed be "getting together soon." . My appreciation to all who knew and loved my brother Teddy: Dolores - mother of his three lovely children; Catherine and her family; Ralph and his wife, who were close friends; and all those in the years between, including my children's memories of wonderful and handsome Uncle Ted visiting us. . My Love to all of you, Helen Strommen . We will miss our Father forever.