Gary Larson passed away March 11, 2011 at his home with his family by his side after a short but valiant battle against Leukemia. Gary was born November 12, 1945 to Bernice and George Larson in Sedro Woolley.

He attended Mount Vernon High School graduating with the class of 1965.

Gary married his high school sweetheart Sandi Dellinger on September 1, 1967.

Gary began his mechanical career when he started working at Carlson Cadillac in 1969 as an apprentice mechanic. Gary always had a passion for cars. In the early 70's Gary and his brother Gerald built their 1956 Chevrolet BelAir two door hard top. After hours and hours of hard work the car was race ready, where they entered it various drag races in Washington and Canada.

Gary's passion for cars grew and so did his dream to have a business of his own. Gary saved and sacrificed to purchase tools and opened Larson Auto on May 1, 1985. Gary loved working on cars. He took pride in every automobile he worked on. Customers often recognized how spotless his shop is along with the impeccable reputation of the quality and workmanship. His ethical practices earned him the business of the City of Burlington, Burlington Police Department, the Washington State Patrol, The Skagit Casino, along with many many supportive and loyal customers.

Although his business was important to him his first priority was his family. They have many memories of camping at Beachwood, Lake Chelan, Crescent Bar and many years of hunting and lots of BBQ's with Gary at the grill.

Gary is survived by his wife of 43 years Sandi; their two children; Crystal and her husband Brian Sayer, Scott Larson and his wife Connie. Along with their grandchildren; Zach Larson, his girlfriend Kayla Hill, Noah, Nathan and Hannah Sayer, Cody, Drew and Emily Larson. His mother Bernice Larson, brother Gerald Larson and his wife Robbie, sisters; Georgia Thomsen, Barbara Walcott, Patricia Reed, Delora Johnson and her husband Jim. And numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorial service for Gary will be held Saturday March 19, 2011 at 11:00 am at Hawthorne Funeral Home, 1825 East College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 where a reception will follow.

The family would like to extend their sincere thank you to Dr. Bruce Mathey, Dr. Stephen Pedersdorf, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, U of W Medical Center, Skagit Hospice and many Drs and nurses who have taken such amazing care of Gary. With a very special thanks to his favorite nurses at the U of W Medical Center, Danielle and Cara. And many heartfelt thanks to our loyal customers and friends for their prayers, cards and well wishes.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Skagit Valley Herald on Mar. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for GARY LARSON

21 Entries

Jill Lawrenson

March 23, 2011

Dear Sandi and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Gary's battle. I know it's a great loss to all of you! ~ I remember fondly times shared so many years ago ... memories are never lost! Love and prayers to you and your family!

Aaron Thomsen

March 21, 2011

Aunt Sandi,

I am so glad I got to spend time with Uncle Gary last month.... even though it was just minutes I was so happy to see his sense of humor never left him and he still seemed filled with passion. As so many have posted, I have good strong loving memories... so many from my strawberry summers and everything that came along with them. Hugs and love to you and the family.

Aaron

March 21, 2011

Sandi, We are sorry for your lose, please accept our condolences, our love and support to you and you family.
Dick & Juanita

March 20, 2011

Sandi,
Words alone can not express what I am feeling. I love you, and I love Gary very much. We grew up together and I have so many wonderful memories of our childhood. I also have many great memories of the times(the years) that the cousins and friends hung out together. I am so thankful that we got to enjoy having you and Gary joining us for "cousins day" at the casino. Gary was so much fun, even as the horrible leukemia wrecked havoc on his body. His humor was still there. I will cherish those moments. I also will cherish the day before he passed, as I was able to tell him that I loved him while I rubbed his back and kissed his bald, beautiful head. Gary was a special person. I will miss him. My love and my heart go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
I love you
I am here for you
Judy

March 19, 2011

Aunt Sandi,
My thoughts are with you and your family. Uncle Gary was a wonderful man and you both hold such a special place in my heart. Please know how much we love you and are thinking of you all.
All our love,
Kim, Dakota, and Henry Cooper

March 19, 2011

The Larson Family,

As I sit here in Iraq I think of the sadness that I know each and everyone of his friends and family feel and that I too feel knowing I will not see him when I return. That grief however, is nothing compared to the amount of happiness he radiated through each and every person around him. He was very proud of his family and working for the community. He was a "people person". I will always remember him for his hard work, big smile, big hair and great singing voice (xmas '96 "12 days of xmas). O.K. just kidding about his singing but I will also remember him for his humor. Gary lived life to its fullest as many of us wish to do and he certainly will be missed. Many condolences.

Sincerely,

~James Summers

Tim Widtfeldt

March 18, 2011

To sandi and family,

I'm sorry to hear the news of Gary passing, he was such a calm easy going man. every time I needed a hand or had a question about anything mechanical he was always eager and wanting to help, as I when he needed a hand pushing cars in and out of his shop I was always willing to help.I really liked his '56 chev and always new when it was out! I just was hoping one day he would give me a ride in it,nope just a wash job! I will never forget when he would tell me "about the old days" his face would light up with a smile and get all excited. the neighborhood won't be the same without him. I'm sorry for your loss and he will be greatly missed !

William Beck

March 18, 2011

I met Gary several years ago through his business. We would probably talk more than we should have about different things, but I always appreciated his personal attention. He always had a constructive outlook... and even if we were able to find something solid to complain about... he would find a "hopeful" way to look at things. He said he appreciated working on the cars I would bring to him... since they were so much older... they didn't have all the fandangled computer stuff to deal with... and he said it was a "fresh change".. it always made me smile seeing him. One time I thought he put the wrong oil in my truck... I took it back to him and he didn't argue one bit... just apologized and said he would make it right... he put the other oil in for me and smiled again apologizing for the mistake... that evening while checking my records, I realized that Gary actually didn't make the mistake...that it was actually MY fault. I showed up the next morning and showed him that I found out that it was actually MY mistake... and... even so, Gary did everything to try to make me feel okay about it...saying it "wasn't any big deal"... but I made it right with him. Since my time in the military, I haven't found trust with a lot of people... but I completely trusted Gary after that. Took him donuts a time or two on a couple of cold mornings that I found myself out...and he was right there with a smile, ready to get busy with the day. He'd tell me how proud he was of his kids... how is son was doing so well on the team ... and he only discreetly suggested sometimes about how he would like to get away with his wife more... and how patient and supportive she was with him and his work. The last thing between us was a lousy deal I got with a 49cc scooter... Gary offered to work on it in his spare time... I was concerned about investing any more money into the repair of it... and he just told me not to worry about it...that he was taking it on as a "hobby"... but I know he was just really wanting to help me out. That's the way Gary was...and that's how I will always remember him. I visited him up until the time he was going in for treatments... I saw that he was spending more time with his family. Gary was a wonderful man and I will always feel honored to have known him.

Tim Widtfeldt

March 18, 2011

Chris Gutierrez & Family

March 18, 2011

Larson Family,
We are saddened to hear of your loss. We feel so fortunate to have known Gary through his children and grandchildren, and also through his business. We can see his kind and honest influence reflected in each and every one of you. Bless you through this time, our prayers are with you.

Grant Marsh

March 18, 2011

I was taken back buy the news that Gary passed away. I am really sorry and saddened, he was not just a mechanic but a friend. A few years ago Gary and Sandi had me work on there house, while He and Kenny worked on my camaro. I have a lot of good memories that just won't fit on here. My thoughts and prayers are with you Sandi you both have ment more to me than you know over they years. Will for sure always remember laughing with Gary and the nieghbor known as 'crack'

Ron & Nancy Eliassen

March 18, 2011

Sandi and Family, We were sad to hear about Gary. He will be missed.

Ron and Nancy Eliassen

leanne boer-bjorling

March 17, 2011

I am so very saddened to hear of Gary's passing. He was such a gentle, kind and caring man. I first met Gary many years ago when I first bought my 1987 Lincoln Continental....named Penelope. No matter what the issue..large or small..and at times with very little notice..he would find, conquer and fix any problem...getting Me and Penelope. safely on the road again. He was truly one of a kind .

Steve Hiatt

March 17, 2011

Gary's passing hits me quite hard. Having gone from 6th grade through High School together and having shared a good friendship, I'm very saddened to hear he is gone. My thoughts and prayers to the Larson family who took me in during my younger years as one of the family. Gary had great integrity, and was well loved by family and friends.

Margie Webster

March 17, 2011

Dear Sandi - so sorry to hear of Gary's passing away - I remember the old times at the Kopper Keg and how Gary and Kenny worked on my one car forever. My condolences are with you and your family.

Larry Sparks

March 17, 2011

Gary was always ready to help you and his customers list is a small example of his intregrity. I wish that I had opportunity to know him better!

Robin Blair

March 16, 2011

Dear Larson Family,
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was such a nice man; a kind of person that you remember forever. May he rest in peace and may the memories you have of him help bring you all peace in this sad time.

Wes Seymour

March 16, 2011

To all of you in the Larson family my heart and prayers go out to you all. I got to know Gary through his brother Gerald and I really can't tell how glad I was that I got to know him. Not only was a gentleman but he was also a gentle man.

March 16, 2011

Dear Sandi and family, So sorry to hear about your loss. Gary will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers always with you always. Pam Robertson and family

Jamie Abernathy

March 16, 2011

Sandi & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privalige to meet Gary at my old job (Fairhaven Market) He was a AMAZING customer and will be missed by many. After I left the market in May 2010, I have not seen him and I wish I had.
Jamie Abernathy

March 15, 2011

We only knew Gary as our mechanic, having been taking our cars there for over a decade. He was always willing to have a look when we had a problem, honest, fair, hard-working, and yes his shop always looked to be in tip-top order. I believe a person can only be those things when they have a good heart. The community will miss him, but not more than his family. And to them I extend my condolences. May you find comfort in his memory.

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