Dee Tanner Larson

1934 - 2015

Dee Tanner Larson
March 14, 1934 - January 2, 2015
A Resident of Santa Cruz
Dee Larson passed away after a valiant battle with brain cancer. He lived life as an honest man who valued hard work and family above all else. He had a very dry sense of humor and many life-long friends.
Dee was born at home in Squirrel, Idaho and after many childhood moves to accommodate his father's work, the family settled in Aptos. He attended local schools, graduating from Santa Cruz High. During high school he worked in the apple orchards and then later enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After serving in the Navy during the Korean War, Dee worked for the Santa Cruz City Fire Department. He was the resident expert on fire alarm boxes and attended and taught many classes. He knew the streets of Santa Cruz by memory and could tell you the closest boxes. He retired as a Fire Captain. To support his large family he also worked as a plumbing contractor – often trading his work for goods and charging as little as $5 to elderly customers.
Dee is survived by his children Terri Fette and Kathryn Larson, of Santa Cruz, Laura Larson of Reno, and John Larson (Maggie) of Boise. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and his brother, Jerdis of Oregon. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalie, and his son, Jeff. Dee spent many happy years traveling between the family cabin in Idaho, and his home in Santa Cruz. He leaves many hunting friends as well as dear friends from the Elks, Moose, and SIR organizations. In Dee's honor flags at City of Santa Cruz fire stations will be flown at half-staff on Friday, January 9th.
At his request, no services will be held. A barbeque in Dee's memory and scattering of his ashes will take place this summer. If you would like to be included at that event or wish to share your memories of Dee please visit his on-line obituary memorial page at www.scmemorial.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dee's honor to Second Harvest Food Bank, 800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville CA 95076.