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David Larson Obituary
1928-2015
Dave died on August 11 at the age of 87.He is survived by Joan,
his wife of 62 years,
four children:
Eden Dabbs
Ann Hefferman
Stephen Larson
Elin Larson,
and six grandchildren.
He grew up in Lansdowne, PA, and after graduating from high school he served with the 11th Airborne Division in Japan.
He graduated from Dartmouth College and Harvard Graduate School of Design.
Dave and Joan moved to California in 1956, where they lived in San Francisco, Burlingame, and later in San Mateo.
He worked for the architectural firm, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill in San Francisco, and was senior design architect for Davies Symphony Hall, the Opera House addition of 1976, and the Stanford Law School. Following 30 years with SOM he joined the firm of Heller & Leake as a senior design architect.
After retiring he continued working as an architectural illustrator.
A lover of music, Dave learned to play the cello at age 40. He was a member of the Peninsula Symphony for 26 years, and played in pit orchestras for many local musical theater productions.
He had long and happy life, and a passion for the creative process and liberal causes.
At his request, there will be no service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Larson
Robert Parr
August 9, 2022
Will always remember Dave as a great neighbor, friendly, jovial.
Christina Wenner
August 10, 2020
I hope that all of you have found it easier as time has moved forward. Cherish your memories and hold both your folks in your hearts.
Alex Parr
August 9, 2020
Dave was our next door neighbor. I was supposed to be an architect so I truly enjoyed seeing his work...from the boat being shaped in the basement not far from the ping pong table to the Louise M Davis Symphony Hall! I didn’t become an architect but he did inspire me to buy a banjo and that will be what I will carry on from David Hathaway Larson.
October 4, 2015
I got to know Dave when I worked at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in the mid-1960's when I graduated from UC Berkeley. I use to return to the design studio after dinner and find Dave working on a design problem. He was doing serious work and I was there only to do case studies of earlier SOM work to improve my understanding. By the time we left work, we were the only people on the 15th floor of the Crown-Zellerbach glass tower. It was the beginning of our friendship, until we lost touch in the early 1990's.
Through out those missing years I would think of him, the way he worked, his quick way of visualizing a design, and bringing it to reality through his graphic skills. He brought me through the Davies Syphony Hall during the construction phase, I showed him my new architectural practice and first job, etc.
I have continued looking for him up to this morning through i-Phone Safari, which lead me to this Obituary, but glad to learn he remained creative in many ways in his work-retirement years.
Tom Lee
former colleague, SOM years
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Lisa, Claire and Kristen Smith/Kaliban
August 26, 2015
Our glimpse into David Larson comes solely through his beautiful daughter, Eden. Her sensitivity, intellect, heart, compassion, humor, and resilience are, in part, a testament to her father. Sending peace that surpasses all understanding to the Larson family.
Christina Guptill-Wenner
August 24, 2015
I have a very distinct memory of a warm friendly smile and a very loving family. I only visited with Ann once but I was impressed by those feelings. What an amazing legacy.
August 24, 2015
Dear Larson Family: Our sincere condolences on the death of your dear husband father and grandfather. We often think of you living next door to us. Jerry Murphy remembers all the owners of that house from the beginning. We currently have a single mom and her darling little boy, who is three years old, living there. Your house is well very well remodeled without losing it's outside character. We remember moving to Burlingame and, on finding our from our Michael who befriended Steve, that this house was for sale, ended up living in it for 50 pleasant years.
We wish you all good health and many blessings. We are gratetful for ours. With much love. Olga and Bob Parr
August 24, 2015
Dear Larson family---Dave was a second dad to us as kids. I have great memories of Sea Ranch and Yosemite with him--driving us in the VW bus to Coyote Point to ride Steve's mini-bike---A flood of memories come back. All the instruments he made..watching him serenading the neighborhood from the back porch playing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" on his banjo, the unreal jack-o-lanterns he carved...While I mourn with you on his passing, I also celebrate his life. Hugs and love from here-
Mike Parr
August 23, 2015
Joan and family, I talked to John Larson and gave him our sympahties and Rosa and I send our sympathies to you and your family.
Rosa and Bob
Sue Dougherty
August 23, 2015
I am feeling your sadness Joan, Ann, Eden, Steve, Elin..Your family has always been so dear to my heart...with many childhood memories. Joan and Dave were very close friends with my parents Bill and Elayne Dougherty, and they loved them well. Peace be with you all.
August 23, 2015
The Larsons have been such an important family to my family...Dave and Joan were great friends with my parents. My love to you Joan, Ann, Eden, Steve and Elin. Dave was a wonderful quiet talented and loving man..and he will be dearly missed. Peace to all.....Sue Dougherty
Karen Duffy
August 23, 2015
Dear Joan:
I am so very sorry. Dave was a special person, and I know, your best friend and the love of your life. My dearest wishes go out to you.
Love, Karen Rollin Duffy
August 23, 2015
My deepest sympathy Ann on your family's loss. May you and your family remain strong during this difficult time. May art and music continue to provide you an outlet to heal.
Oscar F. Gil
Robin Modlin
August 23, 2015
Sending my condolences to the Larson family. Dave was a wonderful man. Joan and Dave together were a sweet team of kindness and intelligence. I can still hear their laughs as they discussed current affairs and politics with my parents, Bill and Elayne. They were such dear friends. Dave was an artist in many ways and an inspiration to both Bill and Elayne. My love to Joan as she continues to live in the embrace of her children.
Jennifer Lish
August 23, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing.
Joshua Graae
August 22, 2015
I never got to meet your father, Ann, but I know he was an amazing man. And without him, we would not have you, and without you, I would not have had the family that I have now. Thank you David, and Ann. All our love to the Larson family. - Joshua, Kitty, Fyn & Amabel.
August 19, 2015
I was looking online, trying to find a former volunteer, then colleague, Elin Larson, and came across this, which looks to be her father's obituary. My condolences to your family Elin, your father sounds like a remarkable guy. May his memory be carried on in your hearts, and minds..
Susan Barber
Mission Hospice & Home Care
Volunteer Coordinator & Community Education
August 15, 2015
With deepest sympathy to the Larson family for your loss. May the memories of a long life, well lived, endure forever.
Trish & Betty Lou Taylor
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