Carl Everett Larson

Carl Larson left planet earth for his latest adventure on 9/22/2024. He was born the son of migrant workers, Carl Frederick Larson and Grace Bernadette Rowe in Verdun, Nebraska on February 5, 1939. The circumstances of his childhood were more than challenging, but Carl always considered himself lucky. He grew up with strong family bonds, a sense of community, and a love for learning.

While attending Payette High School in Idaho, the president of the student body approached him and said, "Are you the new kid? You should join this class." That debate class set Carl on a course that defied all odds. During a high school debate competition, an academic scout was very impressed with the young man, and he received a full scholarship to Idaho State College (now Idaho State University) and graduated in1961.



During college, Carl met and married Georgie. He received a Graduate Fellowship, and attended graduate school in Pocatello, Idaho, where his first child, Myron (Mike) was born. After receiving his Master's degree, the family moved to Lawrence, Kansas where Carl received his Ph.D. in Human Communications and his first daughter, Laurie, was born. He taught at KU in his first teaching position from 1963-64, then at Bowling Green University in Ohio, from 1964-66. Next came a teaching position at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 1966 to 1969. His last child, Darlene (Doe) was born there. The family then moved to Denver where Carl taught at the University of Denver from 1969 to 2001 serving later as the Dean of Social Sciences.

Throughout his career, Carl was often recognized for his outstanding teaching and mentoring. He was a nationally recognized social science researcher, leading multiple research studies and evaluations, authoring seven books and several articles, and contributing to many other publications. His 1989 book Teamwork: What Must Go Right/What Can Go Wrong, co-authored by his friend and colleague, Frank LaFasto, was Sage Publication's best seller with new copies still being sold 35 years after publication.

Carl also provided consultation on teamwork, leadership, and collaboration. His expertise in these areas and others was sought by organizations, companies, corporations and government agencies. His dedication to truth and honesty, and his desire to improve the quality of communication within groups, led to helping individuals and teams reach their full potential.

Carl did love his work, but in the early 1990's, Carl developed another, stronger love. He met his second wife, Catherine "Kitty" Sweeney while she was attending graduate school at DU. They shared many adventures, marrying while on a sailing trip with friends in Florida, viewing castles on the Rhine and visiting villages in Fiji.

Carl had many personal interests. He loved playing pool and was often considered a true pool shark. He enjoyed fly fishing, traveling, playing poker, and spending time in the casinos, wherever he could find them. He was a movie buff, particularly enjoying film noir; his favorite was "Chinatown". He said that if he could choose another career, he would have been a detective.

An avid music fan, Carl was a man of his era. From Frank Sinatra to classic 50's rock to folk from the 60's, and pop-rock from the 70's, he found great solace in a good song. His friends, family and colleagues describe him as brilliant, gentle, kind, generous, funny, and humble. He patiently listened to people talk about their problems, hopes, and ideas, but was ready with a sharp tongue if someone made disparaging remarks about those who were disadvantaged or marginalized. Social injustice was not to be tolerated.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Ronald Martin Larson, his sister Norma Jean "Jeanne" Gallegos, as well as his stepson, Christopher "Topher" Sendroy.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine "Kitty" Sweeney, his children Myron "Mike" Larson, Lauretta "Laurie" Larson (Sharon Jae), and Darlene "Doe" Peterson (Ed Peterson), grandchildren Taylor Taillefer (Paul Nina Larota) and Spencer Taillefer, and great-grandson Ryan Ramon Molina. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Suzanne "Suzie" Sendroy (Axel Viaene), and Melissa Terrill (Dan Terrill), and step-grandson Wesley Terrill.

Donations in Carl's memory should go to:

University of Denver

Attn: Pioneer Leadership Program

PO Box 910585

Denver, CO 80291-0585

Website:

https:www.givecampus.com/campaigns/40406/donations/new?designation id=86010043&