A Life Remembered

It hardly seems possible, but just a few weeks after losing my dad, Steele lost his dad. Harold Larson passed away on October 22nd. On this day the world lost a great man. Harold was not a showy man, he went about everything he did in a very quiet manor. He spent his life serving others and never asking or expecting anything in return. He never liked to be in the spotlight, but he certainly deserved it.

He was ALWAYS the "go to" guy! We would "go to" him when we needed help with plumbing, we would "go to" him when we had a question about our electricity, we would "go to" him when we needed advice on building retaining walls or laying tile, but in true "Harold Larson" form...he CAME TO us when we started building our home! He was there everyday bright and early. Many days he was there longer than Steele. I could be wrong...but when our home was done, I think Harold may have been even more proud of it than Steele was. One thing is for sure, we could never have done it without him. Harold wasn't just our "go to" guy...he was everyones "go to" guy. He gave of his time freely to all, but especially his children. He helped each one of his sons build their homes.

In recent years, Harold's health wouldn't permit him do all he would have liked to, but he was still able to enjoy time with his family and friends. Some of our most cherished memories in recent years were Sunday dinners with "Grandma and Grandpa." Although he didn't say much at the dinner table, his gentle laughter and quiet presence were always felt. In May, when our son Nick got married, "Grandma" worried that the reception might be too much for him. She knew Grandpa wanted to be there, so she brought him early, figuring they could leave if he got too tired or the crowd became too much. "Grandpa" surprised us all...he not only stayed the entire evening, but he had the time of his life! (I think Grandma was ready to go home long before Grandpa was!)
The world lost great man with the passing of Harold Larson and the void will be felt by many! He truly was one of the Lord's finest!

Big Brother Is Watching!

When I was young...he terrorized me,
When I was a teenager...he teased me,
When I was in my 20's... he tolerated me,
And now that I'm in my 50's... I find he teaches me.

These are just a few of the things I've learned from my big brother Bob!

- I've learned that his impish grin can still charm my mother.
- I've learned that hiding behind that impish grin is a very tender heart.
- I've learned that sports can bring out both the BEST and the WORST in him.
- I've learned that the quickest way to elevate his blood pressure is to mention another wedding.
- I've learned that time has improved his temperament, but not his singing.
- I've learned that even after 56 years he still loves to tease his sisters.
- I've learned that his hair isn't thinning... his mind is expanding!
- I've learned that his daughters melt his heart.
- I've learned that his family is his greatest source of joy and pride.
- I've learned that he is as good to my children as he is his own.
- Through watching him I've learned that grandchildren really are one of life's greatest gifts.
- I've learned that because he never had a brother, God gave him Allen.
- I've learned that no one feels like a stranger when they're around him.
- I've learned that he has earned the respect of his family, his friends and his fellow businessmen.
- I've learned that he shows great courage, even when he feels afraid.
- I've learned that we could always lean on him, even if he felt it might cause him to fall.
- I've learned that he has done more missionary work through his example, than any full time missionary could.
- I've learned that as he grows older, he reminds me more and more of my father.
- I've learned I'm lucky to call him my brother!

Thanks Big Brother for always watching out for me!