RODNEY LARSON Obituary

Rodney Larson Rodney John Larson was born on September 11, 1915, and passed away March 28, 2013. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his brothers Arn, Jerry, Don, and Fred. He is survived by his wife Selma Larson, daughter Carole (Jim) Nagan, son Jim (Therese Piecynzki) Larson, daughter Judy Larson (Gary MacDonald), and brothers Lloyd Larson and David (Pat) Larson. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren, Jeremiah LeGrue, Jessica LeGrue, Erica Larson, Nigel Larson, and Zachary MacDonald, 7 great-grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews. Rodney was born in Ceylon, Saskatchewan on land homesteaded by his parents, Oscar and Astrid Larson. His family moved to Tacoma in 1922, and Rodney has lived here ever since. He often told stories about his early years in Saskatchewan and his adventures as a boy in Tacoma. Rodney graduated from Lincoln High School and Pacific Lutheran College (PLU). He served in Europe during WWII in the Army Medical Corps. He taught school in University Place, and after the war he taught and served as principal at Ruston School for 27 years. He then became principal at Manitou Elementary School and retired in 1978. He was loved by his staff and the students. Rod and Selma enjoyed many hours fishing on lakes, Puget Sound, and out of Westport. They also enjoyed exploring the waters of Puget Sound in their first boat "Hot Rod". He learned the art of woodworking from his father, and enjoyed many hours in his shop building items for their home in University Place. Their lives have always been filled with cats, dogs, and horses. Rod also was an avid sports fan, attending and listening to Husky, Mariners, and Seahawks games. He spent many hours enjoying Books on Tape provided by the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL), where donations can be made in his memory. Donations can also be made to the Pierce County Humane Society or to a charity of your choice. Services will be held at the Chambers Creek Chapel at New Tacoma Cemetery at 1:00 PM on Thursday, April 4, 2013. Please visit www.newtacoma.com.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Mar. 31, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for RODNEY LARSON

11 Entries

Marieke Edwards

April 21, 2013

In May 1947 our family immigrated to the United States from Holland and settled in Ruston. Mr. Larson and his fellow teachers welcomed us with open arms. We have such fond memories of those formative years at Ruston Grade School.......grades one through eight. Not only was Mr. Larson the principal but also our 7th and 8th grade teacher and basketball coach! Truly a man of "many hats" in the school. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he has touched throughout the years as an educator. Our sincere condolences to the Larson families. Rest in peace Mr. Larson. Marieke Gerlings Edwards, Anneke Gerlings Jensen and Jay (Jaap) Gerlings

willie stewart

April 16, 2013

Thank you for your leadership at Manitou.

Willie Stewart.

Kay Varner

April 13, 2013

Oh the many wonderful,touching and sometimes funny stories my dad, Ernie Peterson shared with my husband,Jerry and me about Rod, his fellow worker, friend and fishing buddy! The stories helped us to know that he was our good friend as well. Thank you, Selma, for the times you welcomed us into your home and other occasions we were together. It was a pleasure to get to know Rod, even better, for the great guy he was. Love and sincere condolences, Jerry and Norma Kay Varner

Deb McAdam

April 5, 2013

May you rest in peace with love and prayers to your beautiful family. You left a lasting impression in many lives through the years including your precious daughter Judy. May god bless.

Patty Maruca

April 4, 2013

I have fond memories of working with Rod when he was principal at Manitou Elementary. His manner with both students and staff was always fair and encouraging. He will be missed.

Lloyd silver

April 2, 2013

Sincere Condolences Selma, brother Lloyd and all memebr of the famulous Larson faimly that i had the pleasure of growing up with as kids in what is know today as the Hilltop.

Clan Larson, too many to count,::o) lived on the hill by the reservoir and the Silvers across the street on the corner of 21st and Ainsworth.

Wonderful memories of good fun together.

Guds velsignelse fra en olod venn!

Lloyd silver

Sofia Hernandez

April 2, 2013

Mr. Larson, you were the principal at Ruston when my dad, uncles and aunt attended and mine from 1970-74. Always kind and that has been a positive influence on me.

Jill Krech (Froehler)

April 2, 2013

Many fond memories of Ruston School and Mr. Larson, who was a great principle and a great basketball coach to our girls team. Rest in peace and thanks for the memories and your years of service.

Carol Gartner (Ameline)

April 1, 2013

You will always be a very fond memory of my Ruston School years. May you rest in peace Mr. Larson.
Carol Gartner (Ameline)

Bob Strobe

April 1, 2013

I enjoyed Rod as a fellow principal and friend. I remember Rod as a great principal who always seemed to have a smile and something positive to contribute.

Bob Strobe

March 31, 2013

Thank YOU for your service and for keeping our Country free. Wish we had other individuals who loved our Country enough to serve to keep our FREEDOM!!!

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