DONALD GEORGE LARISON

1932 - 2011

Donald George Larison passed away peacefully Monday, May 23, 2011 at home following a serious hemorrhagic stroke on May 15, 2011.

Don was born to Jess Martin and Beatrice June Larison, in Oakridge, Oregon, on December 10, 1932. He was the couples' first child of three sons and one daughter.

In the spring of 1951, he graduated from Pleasant Hill Union High School in Pleasant Hill, Oregon. He was an outstanding athlete in Baseball, Basketball, Football and Track.

In 1953 Don joined the Army. After completing his basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, he shipped out for a tour of duty in the Korean War, arriving in Pusan, Korea October 7, 1953. He returned from the war December 29, 1954.

Donald G. Larison was awarded the United Nations, National Defense and Korean service medals for serving his country.

Don worked in the logging industry from 1954 to 1956. He then joined the Air Force and was stationed in Europe. In Germany, Don married Roberta June Chase in 1957. Their daughter, Patty, was born there in 1958. Their son, Donald Earl, was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon in 1960. Don and Roberta divorced in 1964.

Don became one of the best tree fallers in the Pacific Northwest and part owner of Larison Logging with his brothers, Harry and Doug. On his birthday in 1976 he married Charlotte Anne Stark. Along with Charlotte's son, David Dean the new family moved with Don's logging jobs.

Don's logging career was cut short by a devastating accident September 7, 1977. Don was pinned by a large log which crushed much of his left side. He was flown by helicopter from Goldbar to the Everett hospital. He was in very bad shape, requiring numerous surgeries and months of intense recovery. He exceeded all doctors' expectations including walking again and regaining use of his left hand and arm.

In 1978 Don, Charlotte and David moved to their new Sedro-Woolley property, Prairie Farms, to start over after the stress of Don's accident. The land had to be cleared and the family lived in a small travel trailer in the beginning. The challenge of building up that property helped Don recover his strength. That land would be his home and business for the last 33 years of his life.

He collected old guns, loved all animals, panned for gold, enjoyed a good auction and worked on his tan all summer. He also kept detailed journals of daily activities and weather events beginning in 1978, producing thousands of pages of valuable local information and history.

Donald G. Larison was preceded in death by his father, mother and son.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Charlotte Larison; his two brothers and sister, Doug, Harry and Nancy Larison; his daughter and her spouse, Patty and Randy Lawrence; his grandchildren, Philip and Robin Lawrence; five step sons and their spouses, David Dean and Selene Finrow, Robin Dean, Ronny Dean, Bobby Dean, Rick and Penny Dean; and extended family.

There will be no memorial services as Don requested to be cremated and laid to rest on a mountain side with a good view. Once a logger always a mountain man. We send him home with love and respect.