On September 26, 2021, hearts were broken as a family said goodbye to the best husband, father, and grandfather ever known. Lawrence (Larry) Kenneth Larson was a man you could always count on no matter what it was or who you were. He always had a way of touching a person’s heart that would bring you a sense of comfort and peace. His love for the Lord shone through every aspect of his life and everything he did.
Larry was born in Boise, Idaho, on September 21, 1943, to Ruth Kafer Larson and Robert (Bob) Larson, right before his father left to fight in World War II. Larry and his mom spent the first years of his life living with family in South Dakota before coming back to Boise when his dad returned from war.
Larry went to Garfield Elementary School, East Junior High, and graduated from Borah High School. He then attended Boise Junior College before moving to the Oregon Coast to work for the civil service and later for Weyerhauser. While he was there, he met his beautiful wife, Judy Slinger, in Coos Bay, Oregon. They met at a mutual friend's wedding and were inseparable. Larry and Judy were married soon after. They lived in Coos Bay the first year of their marriage and then moved to Boise where he started his long career with Intermountain Gas Company. Larry became the quintessential father and family man shortly after that when his first daughter, Kristy, was born, followed by Cari and, finally, Kevin, making their family complete.
Larry was the father every child dreamed of. He was kind, loving, playful, protective, disciplinarian (when needed), mentor, and caregiver. He always pushed his children to do and be the best person they could be. He made sure they took pride in everything they did. He showed them how to love and be loved through his own marriage and his love of serving others and the Lord. One of the best lessons he taught them was that even if you fail on your first try, don’t stop trying, it may not turn out the way you expected, but it will turn out the way it was meant to be. Larry also taught them to have fun in everything they do, whether it was work or play. He loved to play, laugh and tease with his family and friends. He would bring everyone together and bond over a simple card game, horseshoes, cribbage, golfing, etc. Larry would always be the first to join in and was always willing to try something new. He supported his kids in everything they wanted to do, whether it was playing the piano, becoming a ballerina, or dreams of becoming the next famous drummer. He was even the first to volunteer when one of his children wanted to play soccer and he had no idea how to play the game, but the team needed a coach so he decided to learn. He was always cheering his kids on no matter what they chose to do.
Larry loved his wife, Judy, and enjoyed traveling, walking, and the companionship they had together. The two of them were inseparable from the day they met and walked through life hand in hand. Their love and kindness for each other shone through. They worked hard to keep their love alive over the 55 years they had together. As each year passed their bond grew stronger until the time they had to say goodbye.
Larry was a perfectionist in everything he did. He loved working with wood and taking care of the yard. His motto was “if you are going to do a job, do it right.” You saw that in his beautiful yard after he mowed and made sure all the wheel lines were perfectly straight. It was a beautiful place for play and relaxation. He loved spending hours chatting with friends and neighbors. His smile and laughter were always contagious. His eyes always had this magical twinkle. The twinkle will be missed the most.
Larry and Judy made their homes in Boise, Star, and in the last several years shared their time between their homes in Yuma, Arizona, and Cascade, Idaho. They were members of Whitney Friends Church and Boise Friends Church.
Larry was preceded in death by his father, Bob, and just last month his mother, Ruth. He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters and sons-in-law Kristy and Kevin Sligar and Cari and Joe Thomas, and son and daughter-in-law Kevin and Nicole Larson; grandchildren Ruby, Avery, Robert, and Savannah; brother and sister-in-law Lindy and Carolyn Larson and sister Melanie Larson; brothers-in-law Jerry (Irma) Slinger and Ron Slinger; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held on October, 16, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel, 5400 W. Fairview Ave., Boise, ID 83706.
In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.
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