Howard R. Larson

Howard R. Larson, 81Howard died peacefully at his home in Olympia surrounded by his wife and children. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and the greatest stories ever told. He lives on in our hearts forever.Howard was born to Ole and Emma Larson January 4, 1929 in Seattle. He and his siblings Gordon, Russell, Helen and Dick grew up on a small countryside farm on Beacon Hill. The original home is still there and now overlooks Interstate 5 and the bustle of modern day Seattle. It is hard to picture the serenity it once was, a little farm down a dirt road''_.''?back in the day''? as Howard would say. Howard liked horses and used to ride all over rural Seattle. His father Ole was a teamster and in the early days drove a team of horses to deliver meat for Frye Packing. It was through his father that Howard took an interest in meat cutting. He was initiated into the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workman of North America'?s Union Local No. 81 on December 5, 1944 at the tender age of 15. His first job as a meat cutter was at Pike Place Market. His skills were later passed down to his boys when they started hunting and Howard taught them how to properly dress, cut and preserve the meat. Howard served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. His brothers, Gordon and Dick gave their lives for their country, so Howard was never sent to war. He served his time on U.S. soil, enabling him to return to his family. Howard met Shirley in January 1948 and they were married on April 7, 1951. In August 1952 they welcomed their first child Nancy Jean. Howard established a nursery and began doing landscaping around Seattle in 1954. That same year in October, their first born son, Richard Kenneth joined the family, followed by another son, Craig Ole in December 1957.In 1960 with three children and another on the way, Howard began building a new home for his family in Auburn. It was a lot of work and the end result was beautiful, but more changes were in store. In August 1960 Glenn Norman was born.In addition to running his nursery and landscaping business, Howard also leased some Christmas tree fields. During the holiday season he opened a sales lot and sold trees. Remember the 60'?s when pastel flocking was all the rage? Yep, Howard did that too ''' he sold trees flocked in pink, white, and baby blue.In November 1963 Mark Allen was born. That year Howard began working in Olympia on a project with Realty Incorporated (the company that also developed Lake Tapps and Lake Cushman). The project in Olympia was the development of a housing community and golf course now known as '''Scott Lake.''? He worked alongside co-workers Jerry Bassett and Bill Parson building the golf course and developing the community park, lots and roads. Through this work, Howard, Jerry and Bill became lifelong friends. Upon completion of only six of the first nine holes, Howard decided he would like to buy the golf course. He liked the rural beauty of the area and thought it would be a great place to raise his growing family. So, he did it! When he put his mind to something, he made it happen. He bought the golf course and moved his family to Scott Lake in 1965.In February 1967, their youngest son Eric Thomas was born.During the golf course years, Howard met and made many life long friends. He hosted many events at the golf course and at their lakeside home. It was here that he began involving his kids and teaching them the importance of hard work. Beginning at early ages, the kids worked in the club house and on the course, mowing, changing sprinklers, moving tees and cups. Howard and Shirley taught every facet of golf course operation and maintenance to their kids. Howard also taught them to golf and they became the youngest members of the Men'?s Club and Woman'?s Club, playing weekend competitions, tournaments and fund raisers.Howard was best friend and confidant to many and always first to lend a hand to someone in need. He was the life of the party. The greatest stories ever told, were told by Howard. He could capture an audience and keep them in stitches for as long as they could stand it. He and Shirley were fabulous cooks and hosted many events at their home on the lake. If there ever was a party to attend, it was at Howard and Shirley'?s.In the early 70'?s he bought land in Quartzite, Arizona and developed an RV park for snowbirds. He later sold the park, but today it remains a very popular winter destination for many.Howard sold the golf course in 1979 and immediately took off on another venture. He started working for his good friend and golf partner, George Weiks, who had land to develop. Some years prior, Howard had purchased some acreage and obtained a permit to mine gravel on the site. It was during this time working with George, that he turned his attention to that property and began mining gravel for use in road building. Howard worked with his sons Richard, Craig and later Glenn logging, clearing right-of-ways and building roads. Through Howard, his boys learned to drive and operate equipment at an early age. Around 1980 Howard and Shirley revisited their love of plants and trees and began raising ground covers and other nursery stock at their Scott Lake Home. They enjoyed the time outdoors and were happy to share their knowledge of plants and trees with others. Over the years, Howard owned several boats. He loved to take his boys and go to Westport Salmon fishing. Later in life, his love of fishing drew him back to the Straits of Juan De Fuca where he rehabilitated and operated Snow Creek Fish Camp, once again with the help of his kids.Howard was a man of many talents, but by far his biggest accomplishment and greatest joy was his family. He involved his kids in everything. He could be tough at times, but always with a little twinkle in his eye. He was a loving husband and caring friend. He had a big heart and big smile. He touched the lives of many people. He was the kind of guy you can just never forget. Rest in peace Hob.Howard was preceded in death by his parents Ole and Emma, brothers Gordon, Dick and Russell. He is survived by his sister Helen Harding (Ray), wife Shirley Larson, daughter Nancy Rawlings (Rod), sons Richard Larson (Nancy), Craig Larson (Patti), Glenn Larson, Mark Larson (Autumn), and Eric Larson, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and cousins. Arrangements under the direction of Smart Cremation, Redmond, WA.