PEIK IRGENS LARSEN

Larsen, Peik Irgens March 13, 1972 – July 23, 2014 Peik Larsen lived many lives in his too few years. From his youth as a gymnast turned gymnastics instructor to an Alaskan King Crab fisherman, Peik (as he always said, "Rhymes with cake! Like Birthday Peik!") was also a chef in the North End's The Daily Catch, a JetBlue crew member and a manager at The Kendall Hotel. Peik was nothing if not enthusiastic, gregarious and gleefully funny. Most importantly, Peik was a loving husband to Emi Fujiwara and an extraordinary father to their 4-year old twin boys, Kai and Ren. In his eyes, the family was a perfect unit and he its commander-in-chief. Such was Peik's boundless love and energy for his squad that each day Peik posed a question: "What's our plan, boys?" He was a compass whose needle always pointed at adventure. At each day's end, Peik asked the boys what they most enjoyed. He taught them about the world and reveled in their shared experiences. He transformed the mundane into magic: bike rides were exciting expeditions, snow piles became 30' alligators and his richly-detailed bedtime stories captivated the boys. As a son, brother, husband, father and friend, Peik prided himself on being a strong role model. To that end, he put himself through college at the age of 35. Peik balanced fatherhood, a full-time job and his studies to graduate last year. This spring Peik landed his most cherished professional role: a sixth-grade history teacher in the very same Cambridge public school system from which he emerged years ago. Inexplicably, at the age of 42, Peik died at home in Belmont, MA on Wed., July 23, 2014 after experiencing symptoms similar to food poisoning. Medical tests to determine the cause of death are pending. For his family and all of those whose lives Peik touched, the world is more dimly lit without him. Peik was born in Da Nang, Viet Nam on March 13, 1972. He was adopted by Pam and Rikk Larsen of 84 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA on January 26, 1973. It is this family home where he and Emi would later be married on June 21, 2008. Peik was one of ten children, six of whom were adopted from different races and countries. In order of arrival, Peik's siblings are Tage 43, Jens 42, Anika 40, Kari 42, Siri 39, Britta 38, Nissa 34, Christian 40 and Trygve 28. In marrying Emi, Peik happily embraced five new people into his family: Emi's parents, Sarah and the late Gary Fujiwara, and her brothers, Chris, Robbie and Nick. It was Peik's big personality – so buoyant, unselfish and authentic – that made him the heart of this family. There won't be a Larsen gathering that will not suffer from his absence. He was a catalyst for the best things in life: joy, adventure, fun, good food, laughter and mischief. Peik will be there in spirit to inspire us when cooking a good meal; playing a ridiculous, nonsensical game; delivering a heart-felt, rambling toast; or riding that fine line between the completely inappropriate and the utterly hilarious. That was Peik's genius. Knowing when to speak the truth, when to pull a punch or when to surprise the heck out of you with a giant, grizzly bear hug. He was strong and loving and irresistible. Like some magical spice, everything was better with Peik. It won't be the same without you, Peik. But, we'll do our best to celebrate you by emulating your zest for life and generosity of spirit. And we will honor and remember you by embracing our lives and all of the people in them with the same grace, humor and good will that you did. Peik's memorial service will be held Wed, July 30th @ 11:00 am at First Church Congregational of Cambridge, 11 Garden Street. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: Attn: Fund FBO Kai and Ren Larsen, Cambridge Trust Company, 1336 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138.