Gary D. Larson, 76, of Leeds, ND passed away Friday, June 10, 2022 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at the Leeds Lutheran Cemetery followed by a meal at the Leeds Community Center from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Leeds Public School Athletics Department: P.O. Box 189 Leeds, ND 58346.
Gary was born February 10, 1946, to G.D. (Bud) and Phyllis Larson in Devils Lake, ND. He graduated from Leeds High School in 1964 and attended UND where he received a degree in History and a double minor in Education and Meteorology.
Gary taught History and coached basketball in Tioga from 1968-1973 (which was his true passion in life) before returning to Leeds to start farming where he remained for the duration of his life. All total from birth to death Gary was involved in farming on some level for 60 growing seasons. To fill the void teaching and coaching left, he substitute taught at Leeds High School for 22 years and started a program called Quest designed to support the mental health and well being of high school students. Our dad loved three things above all: His children, being a teacher and a coach, and the pursuit of lifelong learning.
Growing up with a former teacher and coach like our dad was basically a front row seat to the university of kick-assery. He was a voracious reader of history, philosophy, psychology, science, and classical literature and when he substitute taught any of our History classes growing up he riveted us with his storytelling abilities. Not to allow this obit to get too intellectual (per our dad’s demands) it’s important to note that he also taught us the fine art of swearing and how to fart and successfully blame it on someone else. He was also convinced that quiche and the color pink was an assault to manhood and so stayed away from both for the duration of his adult life.
He was a standout athlete in high school and played basketball in a competitive city league until the age of 46. His love of sports led to a lifelong commitment to part-time coaching, contributing equipment and athletic gear to the high school athletics programs, and sponsoring Eagles tournament teams.
He was an NOAA Independent Weather observer for over 25 years. He loved sunsets during harvest and sunrises during the colder months. He instilled a great love of hunting and being outdoors in all of us.
He is survived by his sister, Jean (Rio) Himle; brother, Rick Larson; 4 children, Blane (Vickie) Larson of Maple Lake, MN, Brock (Sharlene) Larson of Bismarck, ND, Gannon (Breanne) Larson of Leeds, ND and Joelle (Luke) Baehr of Randolph, WI; 8 grandchildren, Shelby Larson, Kelvin Larson, Maggie Larson, Gavin Larson, Camie Larson, Grant Larson, Gunnar Larson, and Ian Larson.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, G.D. (Bud) and Phyllis Larson; granddaughter Christa Larson.
He was a tough old man, and he will be missed.
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