Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Bruce Larson Obituary
DURHAM - Bruce Ransom Larson of Durham passed away on Feb. 23 in a tragic car accident less than a mile from his home.
Bruce was born on Sept. 28, 1938, in Townsend, Mass., to Edwin and Doris Davis Larson. As a child he attended Townsend public schools and later served in the U.S. Army. He graduated from Fitchburg State College with a BS in Education and graduated from Suffolk Law School in 1971. Bruce then moved from Reading, Mass., to Candia, with his family, Beverly Wilkins Larson and sons Barry G. and Brian P. Larson. He was a practicing attorney for his entire career.
In 1983 he received an N.H. Associate Judge appointment by Gov. John Sununu and served as a district court judge until retiring in 2008.
In 1984 he married Deborah Rufner, and together they had a daughter, Britt Larson.
Bruce spent his retirement living in Durham, where he loved living on the seacoast and continued to pursue his lifelong interests in ocean sailing and woodworking.
He was a loving father, successful attorney, and good friend to many. His dry sense of humor will be remembered by all. His family will miss him tremendously.
Bruce is survived by his sons and their wives: Barry and Jill Larson of Fairlee, Vt.; Brian and Karen Larson of Madbury; and his daughter, Britt Larson of Maineville, Ohio. He is also survived by his granddaughters, Emma and Betsy, of Madbury, and grandsons, Jordan and Brayden, of Fairlee, Vt. He leaves behind his two brothers, Lee Larson and Douglas Larson of Townsend Mass.
A seaside memorial celebration of Bruce's life will be held in June.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wiggin-Purdy-McCooey-Dion Funeral Home, 655 Central Ave., Dover, N.H. To sign our online guest book, Please go to www.purdyfuneralservice.com
Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Larson
JoAnn Samson
February 21, 2019
I was just talking about the great kindness of Judge Larson last week, and his wonderful caring and way with talking with people, especially those who were in significant life troubles. I am so glad I worked in cases with him to help children and families I can't believe it has been six years since he passed. I am planning to see him in heaven!!
I wrote originally about the car he gave me when mine had broken irretrievably. It is said that your presence is here when people remember you! I will remember him as long as I live. I wish there were wonderful judges like him today! Don't know who sent the "remembering Bruce Larson" email to me today, but I feel like God touched me today with memory of him!
March 9, 2013
Many fond memories of Bruce will remain with me from high school days all through my life.Bruce was a great guy and it was an honour to know him. My deepest sympathy extends to the entire Larson family. Rudy Maki, West Townsend Mass.
Larry Timonen
March 6, 2013
I loved that red Olds he drove in High School. We undergrads looked up to him, and wanted to be like him. He was "The Man", then, and now. Rest in Peace.
Chuck Tapply
March 5, 2013
Bruce has been my good friend for 60 years, inspired by our love of boats and cars. I sold him my first sailboat, and then he proceeded to get me more involved and "hooked". We have remained friends over the years and I have many good memories and stories which continue to make me smile. I was looking forward to another visit from him here in FL soon, and I had planned to convince him to relocate here and enjoy the sunshine. I am still in shock, and My heartfelt condolences go out to his family. I share your grief, and I will truly miss him.
Tracey Jolicoeur
March 5, 2013
I worked for Bruce a million years ago. He was a kind and fair boss. What a terrible thing to happen. May he rest in peace.
Leo Callahan
March 4, 2013
Good morning, Counselor.
Callahan calling. I hope you're comfortable "up there" with the rest of Life's good people.
I can just see you now: sitting in a cushy easy-chair, feet up, in front of a wide window with a splendid view of the Heavenly City. I just hope there's n piped-in rap or rock music playing.
I gotta tell you, Brewster, I wasn't ready for you leaving us. No one was. You and I still had lunch ahead of us- later this week. There were still a lot of laughs to be had- especially over all of the political absurdities and buffoonery going on down there in DC. I never did tell you this before but I loved hearing you laugh. It was a unique sound and never failed to put high-octane felicity into my day. I'm going to miss hearing that sound.
I gotta tell you, too, that the day we spent at the Endicott Museum down in Salem still occupies space on my Top Three List of "Things I Did on the Spur of the Moment". You drove that day. Remember? Got us off the Interstate to meander those North Shore back roads. I had never before been in that neck of the woods. 'Twas delightful. Great scenery. Easy on the eyes and mind. And making that drive was your idea. Thanks for coming up with that.
There's more. Much much more but I won't enumerate. I'll just say "Thanks for being who you were. Thanks for being a friend. Thanks for plugging enjoyment into every conversation we ever had."
You'll be missed- by family, by colleagues, by friends- and especially by me.
And if you get a chance, ask The Lord if I can come up there as a resident. Tell Him I need a good laugh with you. He'll understand.
Cheers and best regards, Brewster. My memory will always be stuffed with the moments we shared. Leo
JoAnn Samson
March 3, 2013
Judge Larson was always a kind and caring man. I remember especially a time, many years ago, when I arrived at court late, having borrowed a car to get there after my own old truck had been declared unfit to drive or repair. He took me aside privately after the case was done and offered me the car which had been his father's, which had been sitting in his front yard with a "for sale" sign on it. I had very little at the time. He gave me that car, without payment, and I was then and have been forever grateful for his generosity and humanity. I did child protection cases before him for a number of years and so greatly respected how he dealt with all people who came before him. He is in heaven now, I am sure. What a soul he had! I know he is greatly missed by his family and loved ones and by many, many people who had the privilege of learning from him and being the witnesses of his great compassion! So sorry for his family and the way he went out from us! May God bless and comfort you.
Joe Lanza
March 1, 2013
Bruce (Judge Larson) will be missed dearly. I've worked with Judge Larson in court many times. He was kind and gentle, treated everyone fair, and never lost his temper. As the morning session would come to a close, he would always ask where do you want to go for lunch today. We enjoyed many lunches together where we would chat about anything and everything. My deepest sympathy to the Larson family. God bless you Bruce.
Joe Lanza
Laurie Bosse Gormley
March 1, 2013
I am so sorry to hear the tragic news about Bruce. I used to work for Bruce in Londonderry and he was just the most generous, loving and giving man. He was like a father to me. I have tried to find him over the past few years to no avail, awful to find him this way. He will be truly missed. Love you Bruce may you rest in peace.
James Santerre
March 1, 2013
Rest in Peace Bruce as you Sail off to that very special place in the Heavens.
Jim 56
February 28, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Chris & Marge Harding
Bob Moses
February 28, 2013
Thoughtful, courteous, respectful of everyone in the Court and fair,all perfectly tempered by humor. A judicial persona to be emulated by those who remain on the job and for those who will follow. My personal and deepest sympathy to the entire Larson family.
Paul Brown
February 28, 2013
This is a note to Judy Lounsbury from Sheila Brown. Judy worked with Bruce in Northwood some years ago. I need say nothing more...paul brown
Hi Judy,
Paul told me you two emailed about Bruce Larson's passing. It was so tragic to hear and we are deeply saddend. We had remained good friends over these many years. For me, beginning in the mid ‘70s when he and his first wife, Beverly, lived in Candia. The last time I saw Bruce was some months ago when we three went to the Fremont Pizzeria for dinner one evening.
When Bruce would call the house looking for Paul, Bruce always took the time to have a conversation with me. He had a way of filling every conversation with his unique sense of humor and wit. He made me laugh and feel that he was genuinely interested in what I happened to be doing and what I had to say.
Bruce was one of a kind... an extraordinary human being, and I consider myself so blessed that along his life journey, Bruce let us be a part of his rich life. Bruce knew what was important...family, friends and doing things that made you feel alive and happy (sailing :). I know he will be remembered as a kind, fair and compassionate human being.
We will miss Bruce immensely...
Kalie Couturier
February 28, 2013
You were such a great man. You will be missed terribly. Rest in Peace Bruce. Forever in our thoughts.
February 28, 2013
We will miss you Bruce. Many great childhood memories of the Larson and McKenna clans sailing around Little Harbor. Rest in peace Capt. Bruce...Sean McKenna
Dean Pratt
February 28, 2013
I can imagine Bruce using the clouds for sailing instead of the seas. Bruce was an incredibly talented person, skilled at sailing, cooking, woodworking, travel, law, music. Bruce, you will be missed.
Earle Wingate
February 28, 2013
He was a fair minded, humane jurist and a knowledgeable, humorous colleague. Shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden death. He will be missed.
Kitty Cummings
February 28, 2013
Thanks for the memories Bruce. Will always remember the fun times. You were a fine sailor,good cook and a wonderful host. A gentle man with a marvelous sense of humor. You will be missed by your loving family and friends. Sail on.
James Dole
February 27, 2013
R.I.P Bruce. It has been many years, but I still have the fondest memories of the family reunions at their home in Candia. The Dole family will miss you. James Erastus Dole (Jed)
Nick Couturier
February 27, 2013
Rest in Peace Bruce.
Denise Couturier
February 27, 2013
My sympathy goes out to his family. Bruce will be surely missed. I have worked for Bruce for many years. He over came so much and was ready to travel to warmer climate to enjoy his retirement! He will be surely missed.
February 27, 2013
My heartfelt sympathy to the Larson Family.My husband, Herb Wilson was a classmate of Bruce. I remember meeting him a few times. A good man.
Barbara Wilson
February 27, 2013
Bruce, May you rest in peace
Dave Huse
Diane (Lillstrang) Quigley
February 27, 2013
My condolences to Bruce's entire family. I remember him as a fun loving guy. I'm a former classmate from Spaulding Memorial School in Townsend MA.
Virginia (May) Jones
February 27, 2013
My sympathy to Bruce's family. May he rest in peace. (A former Townsendite and 1956 graduating classmate.)
Joe (Jody) Hayden
February 27, 2013
Brian and Barry,
I have fond memories of your father and sorry to hear of your loss. I remember his caring nature, his pipe, and his assertion that he could use the turn-around lane on highway 93 because he was not officially told that his vehicle was not "authorized" as stated in the sign "authorized vehicles only."
February 27, 2013
I remember him as a man with humor. I had connected with him a few months ago and he was so full of life and sounded happy. He will be missed.
Patty Cole
Circuit Court Administration
Pat & Jayme Hansen
February 27, 2013
Bruce will be missed. I had the pleasure of working with him at Rochester District Court. My prayers are with his family. He will be missed.
February 27, 2013
Our sincere condolences.
The Homemakers Health Services
Chris Casko
February 27, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to Bruce's family. As a young prosecutor, Bruce was the first judge I appeared in front of and did so on a weekly basis the first 2 and 1/2 years of my career. I always found him to be a kind, fair-minded and even tempered judge. He treated everyone in his courtroom with respect. He was a pleasure to be around and work with. I'm grateful for the time I spent with him. He will be greatly missed.
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in Bruce Larson's name
Memorial Events
for Bruce Larson
Funeral services provided by:
Wiggin-Purdy-McCooey-Dion Funeral Home - Dover655 Central Avenue, Dover, NH 03820
How to support Bruce's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Bruce Larson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
