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Derek Mathieu Larson

Derek Larson Obituary

Larson, Derek Mathieu
20, of Glendale AZ passed away on February 14, 2011. Derek was a young man full of life and loved his electric guitar, skateboarding and biking. He had a twinkle in his eyes that could melt your heart. Derek lost his life due to a severe battle of drug addiction and has now finally found some peace and is no longer in pain. We will all miss you Derek but are comforted knowing you are with the Lord now and at peace. Survived by his Mother Staci Jo Fagan, Father Robert A. Larson, Big brother Justin Larson, Great Grandmother Doris Williams and Marie Brueggemeyer, Aunt Christy and Laurie, and multiple cousins. Memorial Service at Amazing Grace Church 7310 W Camelback Glendale AZ 6:00 PM A Derek Larson Memorial Fund has been set up through Wells Fargo Bank. Donations for the family can be made at any Wells Fargo Branch.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Feb. 20, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Derek Larson

28 Entries

Patrick Podojil

August 14, 2018

Loved this guy, saw him 17 hours before he died... Wish I could change everything. That day my bro and him were with each other... I separated them at Wal-Mart. Haunts me... Beer pong, skating at Rio Vista, Union.To this day 7 years later. Some of the best times of my life are with this man. Miss you everyday.

Susan Parra

February 25, 2011

It was so brave of your family to release Derek's spirit and acknowledge that it was drugs that destroyed the joy that Derek could bring to life. We pray that your family can find the strength and peace that you need after such a tragedy. You don't need to walk alone.

Graham

February 25, 2011

I lost my brother due to drugs as well. Stay close with your family and things will get easier. It might seem impossible, but just try to be open, and I promise things will get easier. R.I.P.

Brandon Montoya

February 22, 2011

Dear Rob,staci,and jay
Even thow I did not noe derek vary wall I still got to meet him one time it was a blast staying up all night playing video gams and talking it was really kewl to git to talk to him.i wish I got to noe him beater.even noe I did not noe him that wall I still called him my step brother and I all ways will.Next football seson my frist game and tuchdawn I am going to deadkat it to derek.i love and miss u alot u hold a speshol place fin my heart and mined and u all ways will bro. I am here fore u Rod,jay and staci if u need to talk I am here
Love,your step brother brandon

brandon montoya

February 22, 2011

dear Rob,staci,and Jay
even thow i did not noe derek that well i still got to meet him one time fore a short amont of time but i was still a blast staying up all night playing video games and talking it was really fun talking to him.If i cuad re live that day over and over agen i wuad.even know i onley meet him one time i still call him my step brother and all ways will.Next football seson my frist game and tuchdawn i am going to deatakat it to derek. I will love and miss you alot you have a speshol place in my harte and mined and you all ways will bro.i am here fore you Rob,Jay,and Staci if you need to talk i am here fore you.
Love,your step brother brandon<3

brandon montoya

February 22, 2011

dear rob,staci,jay
even thow i did not noe derek vere well i still got to meet him one time fore a varey short time but we still had a blast staying up all night playing video games and talking it was really fun taling to him,but i wish i got to see and git to noe him more,even thow i did not noe him i still called him my step brother and all ways will call him my step brother,and next football seson my frist tuchdawn and game will be detakated to derek, I will love and miss you derek matheu larson, i am here fore you Rob,jay,or staci if you need to talk i will always be here fore you.
Love,your step brother brandon

Tawny Bunce

February 21, 2011

Dear Aunt Staci, Uncle Rob, and Justin,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I
am praying for you all every night. I
miss him soo much, as does everyone.
He was a great guy. I remeber times
when we were all kids growing up.I
know that times are very hard, but
just know that i am here for you all,
and if you need anything just ask. I
love you all so very much!!! my
prayers are with you.
with all my love, Tawny.

Michelle Pauley

February 21, 2011

Derek was like a son to me. Our family's were like one. So many memories of the kids together. I will always remember Derek's beautiful twinkling eyes, his smile and his laugh. He would always say or do something to make me laugh. And can't forget the Candy! I miss him terribly and he will always be close in my heart. I found this poem that I wanted to share. May it bring some comfort to all us while we grieve and miss him so much.

Always my love, Mom #2

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2011

Aunt Laurie

February 21, 2011

Staci, J and Rob, your pain saddens so very many. Derek was a very kind sweet young man that touched so many hearts in Phoenix and Denver alike. We will miss him terribly and our prayers are with you. May God Bless and keep you. All My love forever,

Mary Podojil

February 21, 2011

Dear Staci, Justin and Mr. Larson,
I am Nik Podojil's mother...Mary. I knew Derek pretty well. I feel the pain for you and because the boys were such good friends I know I speak for Nik too when I say he will be missed. His commical side would make Nik and I laugh with his stories...Our love and prayers are with you.

Sherry Larson

February 20, 2011

Staci and Justin...There aren't words. But, my prayers and love are with you as they are for Rob. And for your Grandma.
May the God of all peace give you comfort in the days yet to come.
Love Always,
Sherry (Grandma Larson)

Johannah Tabor

February 20, 2011

Derek was the sweetest guy I have ever known. I will miss Derek Very much, and will think of him everyday. I am so thankful I got the privilege to know Derek. Justin, I am so sorry for your loss. I am always here for you to talk to, to lean on, anything, I am here. You have been a very good friend to me, and I am here for you especially during this hard time. I know Derek is in a better place now, I will keep him and you and your family in my prayers.

Sheree & Roger Robertson

February 20, 2011

Justin
We are so sorry for the loss of your brother, but know that he is at peace. Remember the good times with him and take care of yourself.
Sheree & Roger (Argent's grandparents)

Walt and Robin Horton

February 20, 2011

we are so sorry for you and Justins loss, we are here for you both and love you!

February 20, 2011

Ronda nasser

February 20, 2011

Dear Staci
so sorry for your loss at this time..prayers that God will give you strength for the days aheard...

Derek at the races in Denver

Robin Huttig

February 20, 2011

Derek, Justin and William WWF

Robin Huttig

February 20, 2011

Derek and William camping

Robin Huttig

February 20, 2011

Justin, Derek and William rocking out

Robin Huttig

February 20, 2011

Huttig Robin

February 20, 2011

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

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