Dale Larson Obituary

Dale LARSON Heaven is a livelier and happier place since Sunday, August 10, 2008, when Dale Larson opened his eyes there. He is now enjoying grandparents and uncles who got there first, but is sorely missed by his wife Arlene, son Keil, parents, in-laws, sister, nephews and niece, and a host of friends and associates. Dale was born in Saginaw, Michigan, July 5, 1949. He missed being a firecracker by 1 day but never let that stand in his way. He grew up in Port Huron, Michigan, attended Eastern Michigan University and received his Masters in Education at Oakland University. He taught school in Port Huron, Michigan, and moved to Washington in 1980, where he taught in the Monroe School District and then in several elementary schools in the Lake Washington School District. He last taught 5th grade at Horace Mann Elementary. Dale was very active in Boy Scouts, serving as Scoutmaster for 3 years for Troop 573. In one of Dale's proudest moments, son Keil received the Eagle Scout award on June 8, 2008. Keil awarded his Eagle Scout mentor pin to his Dad. Dale kept busy with a number of hobbies in addition to family, work and scouting. He was a talented woodworker, fisherman, skier, musician, and astronomer. Viewing will be at the Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home in Bothell, Thursday, August 21, 2008 from 2pm to 8pm. A memorial service will be held at Eastside Foursquare Church, Friday, August 22 at 2 pm, 14520 100th Ave. NE, Bothell, WA 98011. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in behalf of Dale Larson's name to Chief Seattle Council, Boy Scouts. PO Box 440408, Seattle, WA 98114.

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Published by The Seattle Times from Aug. 19 to Aug. 20, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Dale Larson

13 Entries

Josh

September 1, 2022

Mr. Larson was my 5th grade teacher at Margaret Meade Elementary. I had a rough time settling in as we just moved to the area. It was my first time in public school. I was disorganized, talked in class and couldn't focus. Parent teacher conferences seemed like a weekly occurrence but he never gave up and always spent time with me. I'll never forget, at the end of each day he would stand by the door as we all funneled out offering a high five or a hug knowing full well there was a kid out there that might need that hug. That kid was me. What a kind, caring a lovely human. You will be missed.

Laura Knudsen

September 14, 2008

Mr. Larson was an amazing teacher and person - I had him during my time at Margaret Mead elementary school about 11 years ago and I will always remember him!

Stephanie Wilkins

September 1, 2008

My son Alan was lucky enough to have Mr. Larson for his 5th grade teacher at Horace Mann (he is currently going into 7th grade). At the beginning of the year, Dale gave a little speech about how he was "big, loud and scary," which the kids got a kick out of.
Alan started out the year giving Mr. Larson some headaches by acting as the class clown and causing many goofy disruptions. I'll never forget the November parent/teacher/student conference (not all teachers want the students to be part of conferences; Dale always did). We were expecting maybe a behavior action plan, a disciplinary warning, or at least a little lecture.
Instead, Mr. Larson very kindly and plainly explained to Alan that his peers viewed him as a leader, and many of them would follow his example when it came to classroom behavior. He told Alan that it was entirely up to him whether he wanted to be a positive or negative influence. What a simple yet amazing gift of empowerment to give a student! That conference was very much a turning point for Alan as a student - he respected Mr. Larson so much and really took his words to heart.
Thank you for letting me share how much Mr. Larson meant to our family - he helped to shape our son into the student and person he was meant to be.

Kirsten Dillhoff

August 22, 2008

Mr. Larson was my teacher at Margaret Mead Elementary for 5th/6th grade. Dale was a great support for me, and still leaves a strong impact on my life. I am sorry that he is now gone, it is tragic he is no longer around to be in the inspiring teacher to others, that he was for me.

August 21, 2008

I was never lucky enough to meet Dale, but I was blessed with knowing his son and becomging good friends with Keil throughout highschool, and even junior high. Seeing how much Keil cares about his dad, shows me that he MUST have been a great guy. God needs loving, and caring people like your dad Keil... it's unfortunate that he took your dad, but you are strong, and I know that. Deepest condolences,

xoxo -Courtney McHenry, and Family

Alex Casanas

August 21, 2008

Mr.Larson was my best teacher that I ever had, like my mom said, teaching me to be courteous, to pay attention, and not mentioned by my mom, how to solve any problem with simple problem solving. It was very special when he came to my crossing over ceremony, and it won't be the same without him in Boy Scout meetings. He was one of my favorite guides and mentors in the BSA. He will be sorely missed by all that got to know him, and it just won't be the same without him.

Marilyn McQuilliams

August 21, 2008

My husband, Dennis, and I have known Dale and his wife, Arlene, for many years. We always enjoyed his nice smile and his great sense of humor. We know how proud he was of his son, Kiel, receiving the Eagle Scout Award this past June, since we had experienced the same pride with our own son several years ago. Being a substitute teacher, I sometimes compared notes with Dale. I am sure that he was an excellent and caring teacher in the classroom. We send our sympathy to Arlene, Kiel, and to the rest of his family and friends. He will be missed greatly by all of us.

Ruth Burrus

August 20, 2008

I knew Dale over several years through his wonderful wife, Arlene. Whenever I would run into him he was kind, gentle and genuine. His sense of comfort with who he was always impressed me and I knew he that would make him a great teacher. What a model for the students! He also was a great husband. He and Arlene always had such affection for each other and I never heard a bad thing said about him when we were having 'girl talk'. I didn't have the chance to see him with Keil but I knew that nothing could have brought him more joy than having a child. For Keil to have made Eagle Scout this year had to be the crowning glory for Dale as a father and mentor. I remember him being willing to go above and beyond for students in such amazing ways as teaching driver's ed! What could say more about a man than that he enjoyed doing that? There is a great gap in the atmosphere now that Dale is gone. We can only hope to honor him and his memory by incorporting some of his kindness and gifts into our lives, to share with those who will not be so lucky as we who got to meet and know him.

Carrie Casanas

August 20, 2008

Dale Larson was my son's 5th grade teacher at Horace Mann two years ago. He left such an impression on Alex and me. I loved the fact that he taught his students to strive for quality work for each individual. He taught respect for each other and for yourself by teaching kids to actively, really listen and simple courtesy like shaking hands and saying thank you. He was so committed to the success of his students in the class room and in outside activities. It was very special to Alex that Mr. Larson came to his crossing over ceremony to Boy Scouts. My youngest son is entering 5th grade this fall and I was looking forward to him getting to experience learning from Mr. Larson and its so unfortunate he won't be able to continue his work with the kids. He had so much to offer and offered it every day. Truly special. I'm very excited to see he that he was able to see his son attain Eagle - I'm sure that was HUGE!

Steve & Annie Ludwig

August 20, 2008

Dale Larson was our daughters 5th and 6th grade teacher at Margaret Mead Elementary. He played a key role in Tiffany's development during those impressionable years. His version of teaching was hands on, get involved, above and beyond! He has always been spoken of and remembered fondly in our home. The future generations will miss out in not having Dale Larson as their teacher. God Bless the family. Know that there are many of us out here that are sending our prayers and best wishes to you.

Dennis Nicholson

August 20, 2008

Dale and I were best friends through out high school and college. We played football together are Port Huron Northern High School. We attended the BoyScout National Jamboree at Valley Forge in 1964. Over the years we lost contact but my gentle friend will always be in my heart.

Stacey Hopkins

August 19, 2008

Mr. Larson was my 5th grade teacher at Margaret Mead elementary school 18 years ago....
I was in a play that year with the Missoula Children's theatre which put on plays starring local children on the eastside. I remember inviting Mr. Larson to the play not quite expecting him to come....But at the end of the play, when we all did our bows, he was there; a bouquet of flowers in hand for me. I've never forgotten that and I never will. What a special man. I'm sure there are hundreds of stories out there from past students who have also felt personally cared for by him.
Thanks for making me feel special. :-)

Dan Wurz

August 19, 2008

His kindness, understanding and inspiration will always be with me. I knew Dale as my daughter's teachers at Margaret Mead Elementary where he was a giant to all as a great teacher of life, parent's friend and the greatest example of how much difference a teach can make in so many lives. He taught me as well as my daughter and I am forever thankful for both.

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