DONALD ERIK LARSEN

1933-2017
Donald Erik Larsen passed away unexpectedly on December 5, 2017 in Gibsons, British Columbia at the age of 84. He was born in Junction City, Oregon to Lars Christian Larsen and Sigrid Marie Knudsen. He was the youngest of six children, and is survived by his oldest brother, Alfred, and sisters, Dorothea Adaskin and Margaret Mills along with brother-in-law, Donald Mills and sisters-in-law, Greta Larsen and Inger Larsen. He was predeceased by brothers Otto and Wilmer, sister-in-law Cecilia Larsen and brother-in-law Murray Adaskin.
He is also survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn, and their two sons: Eric and his wife, Colleen, and daughter Sorina of Belmont, California; and Dirk and his wife, Cindy, and children Evangeline, Henry and Theo of Gibsons.
Don graduated from Lincoln High School in Seattle and Grandview College in DesMoines, Iowa, before earning a BA in Sociology from the University of Minnesota. He went on to Indiana University where he received an MA and then to Yale University for a PhD. in Sociology. Don taught in the Sociology Department at The University of Alberta in Edmonton from 1964-1969 before moving to the University of Calgary, Alberta where he was a founding member of what is now the Cumming School of Medicine. He became a Full Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences, retiring in 1990 as a Professor Emeritus.
Don loved the Rocky Mountains. With his family and friends he hiked and backpacked for many years. He also did downhill and cross country skiing. Later, he took up golf and had many wonderful rounds with Carolyn, friends and family although he never achieved the perfection he sought!. Don was an avid sports fan, cheering on his favorite Stampeders and Flames. Don and Carolyn enjoyed travel, spending one sabbatical year in London, England, another going around the world, among other adventures. Maui was also a special place for the family for forty years. Many happy times were spent there.
In 2014, after 45 years in Calgary, Don and Carolyn moved to Gibsons. He enjoyed being close to family, meeting new friends, the scenic west coast, and the warmer climate. Don was known for his quick sense of humour, playfulness, kindness, and optimism. We will miss him every day and he will always be in our hearts.
A gathering to honor Don's life will be held in the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation, PO Box 1343, Sechelt B.C., V0N 3A0.