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Robert Larsen

1929 - 2014

Robert Larsen obituary, 1929-2014

BORN

1929

DIED

2014

Robert Larsen Obituary

Bob was born to Ellen Louise Wagg and Jens "James" Larsen in Juneau, Alaska. Growing up in small-town Juneau, Bob made many lifelong friends. The driving skills honed during shenanigans on the backroads of Juneau from the age of 13 and a flair for self-promotion earned him the nickname "Drag," a name old friends called him his whole life. Bob was drafted into service after high school and did basic training at Fort Richardson and Ladd Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska. Early work in construction and truck driving led him to seek employment indoors at the Anchorage Westward Hotel, which was the major hotel in town at the time. Rising from bellboy to sales manager, he loved being in the middle of the action, especially when visiting dignitaries passed through. As a self-taught boogie-woogie piano player and blues fan, Bob was especially proud to have booked a room at the hotel for one of his heroes, B.B. King. He did this in an era when some hotels were refusing to serve people of color, which was an additional source of pride for him. The same charming, outgoing nature and relentless optimism that served him well in the hotel business helped him find purpose in trying to cheer and comfort others also in the twilight of their life. During Bob's four year residency at the Anchorage Pioneer Home he found meaning in reaching out to fellow residents. He recently said, "I have realized my job is to spread as much joy, love and understanding as possible." While always well-intended, he had little patience for those who "fell asleep in their soup," and refused to do so himself. When the flagpole on the park strip blew down in September of 2012, he took it upon himself to advocate for a replacement. (Apologies to any municipal employees who found themselves on the receiving end of his rants.) He was awarded the 2014 Legionnaire of the Year for Post 9 in part for his efforts to bring attention to the flagpole replacement and the new Veterans Memorial. Bob is preceded in death by longtime partner, Mary Nichols; and ex-wife, Carol Larsen. He is survived by sons, Mark of Anchorage and Alex Larsen of Los Angeles, Calif.; daughter-in-law, Jeanne Larsen; and granddaughters, Molly and Frances Larsen. Juneau relatives include cousin, Finn Larsen, and family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the Anchorage Pioneer Home, located at 923 W 11th Avenue. Feel free to bring a photo or a story to share.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Dec. 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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Susi Gregg Fowler

January 8, 2015

Drag's friendship with our dad and mom meant a lot to them and extended to our generation. What a faithful friend he was to Dad after Mom died, calling him in Juneau regularly, first from home and then from his new home at the Anchorage Pioneers Home. When Dad moved to the Juneau Pioneers Home, they continued to have phone conversations, maintaining the friendship they'd had since school days. Drag would also call my siblings and me to make sure we were providing the right kind of jazz and blues for Dad to listen to. His voice on the phone always brightened Dad's day. My husband and I live in a house Bob's dad built, where Drag first lived. That connection tickled both of us. Of course, Boogie Woogie will always make me think of Drag! My condolences to all his family and those close to him. He'll be missed--and he'll be remembered.

Bob Larsen and Kerry Hilaire playing boogie woogie together!

Tamera Hilaire Prutsman

January 1, 2015

My dad, Kerry, worked with Bob at the Anchorage Westward and they became lifelong friends. Oh, the adventures they had! I remember how much fun they had playing boogie woogie together on our piano. After my dad died, Bob was a faithful friend to my mom and kept in touch by phone for decades.
Always full of joy, hope and enthusiasm, Bob was a contagious ray of sunshine in every room he entered!
The world is a better place because of Bob's life! Rest in peace, dear friend.

Sandra Earle

December 28, 2014

Farewell and Happy Trails to my beloved brother-in-law. You took us under your wing when, as complete innocents, we showed up on your doorstep. You & Carol helped us get our start in Alaska and we are forever grateful for your support and encouragement. Without your help we might now be sitting in an East Coast office instead of fishing on Kodiak Island. Thank you for your love, great boogie- woogie rhythms, wacky shopping adventures, lively spirit and, most of all, my nephews & great nieces. Our love goes with you.

Dean Zinck

December 24, 2014

Have fond memories of Bob and Carol, our families were great friends.

Debra Westdahl, LMSW

December 24, 2014

Bob was always wonderful to see everyday whether he was mischief or spreading joy a smile was always on our faces! We miss you so much Bob!

Dennis Davidson

December 23, 2014

I worked for many years with Bob @ the Westward, he was professional and always pleasant to guests and fellow staff alike, seeing him @ the Anchorage Pioneer home on occasion, his humer and good nature was always on display, he will be missed by the many friends who knew him. My condolences to his family.

Judy Mueller-Jett

December 23, 2014

Bob and my brother Billy were quite the team on the front desk at the Westward. Forever Friends now in heaven.

Randy Becker

December 22, 2014

Bob always wore a smile and appreciated his positive outlook. Love ya bud. RIP

John Gruber

December 22, 2014

The Gruber and English family will always remember his kind friendship to our family and the great story's about our grandfather Jack P, English and of Bob's life growing up in Alaska,rest well my friend we will miss you.

Graham Macdonald

December 22, 2014

I came to rent from Bob over many years and his never say die attitude will continue to inspire my life.
Rant on Bob.

Al Koch

December 22, 2014

Bob was always a kind and true gentleman that I had the pleasure to know over many years as a member of the Anchorage SKAL Club. Hooray for Bob, you will be missed by many sir.

Alex Larsen

December 22, 2014

Thank you dad for providing inspiration education and support all these many years. Go with God...

Wayne McCaulley

December 21, 2014

My first meeting with Bob was during a Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce "good will trip" to Anchorage in 1965. He came to the airport to drive us to the Anchorage Westward. I got to know him better through Skal International and travel industry functions. Sorry to say that I lost track of him when he left the hotel in Anchorage. RIP Bob. You were a gentleman.

Jean Parsons

December 21, 2014

Bob-my friend since 1956 - always smiling and a joy to hear on the piano. We spent many great times listening to Bob Darch playing ragtime and I hope they are still tinkling the keys wherever they may be. You will be remembered, Bob.

Dick Garvin

December 21, 2014

We'll miss Bob and the fun we had through the years, starting with the days at Juneau High, the Anchorage Westward and SKAL Club. The stories we could tell.

George Shaw

December 21, 2014

From an old Juneau High friend & neighbor.
Sorry to hear of "Drags" passing

Rolin Dow

December 21, 2014

I worked with Bob behind the front desk at the Westward for several years. What a great time had. He was always smiling.
He was a great guy.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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