Gordon Eric LARSON

Gordon was born April 28, 1940, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended high school there, then Iowa State University, transferring and graduating from the University of Oregon. He attended medical school at the University of Iowa and received his Doctorate of Ophthalmology at the University of Virginia in 1972.

Gordon's practice as an eye doctor was probably one of the last solo medical practices in Spokane. He loved the opportunity this afforded him to spend as much time with a patient as either of them needed. Whenever he performed cataract surgery, his assistant, Ann Fiebing, sent the patient a long-stemmed rose in appreciation of their trust in Dr. Larson and his staff.

He had an ideal childhood in Iowa; fishing with pals being the favorite activity. This led to a lifelong love of fishing which became his hobby and fly fishing his passion.

Gordon was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church, Flyfisher's Federation, Riverkeepers, Connoisseur Concerts, Spokane Valley Summer Theater, and Ski for Light International.

During four decades of volunteer service to Ski for Light, as a cross-country skiing guide for adults with visual impairments, Gordon received the President's Award (the organization's highest honor), along with the love and respect of hundreds of participants. SFL President Julie Coppens called him, "my wise, patient SFL uncle: always there, always encouraging, quietly showing others the way. He will be greatly missed."

He died at home from neuro-endocrine cancer on June 14, 2025. He was under the care of Hospice and greatly appreciated their skilled presence. He so enjoyed visits from friends and colleagues in his own, comfortable, beautiful home (his words) with his wife and family. He was 85.



He was preceded in death by his parents, Eric and Alma Larson of Fort Dodge, IA; brother, Paul Larson; sister, Sonja Stoneman; and brother-in-law, John Nolan, Fresno, CA.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Jean Nolan Larson; sons, Scott (Debbie Decker), Prattsburgh, NY and Patrick, Boca Raton, FL; his sister, Pauline Hartman (Terry) Des Moines, IA; sister-in-law, Carolyn Nolan, Fresno, CA; and granddaughter, Leigha Decker, Painted Post, NY.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane, 4340 W. Whistalks Way, Spokane, WA 99224.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Ski for Light, SFL.org, or to Spokane Valley Summer Theatre, SVST.org, or to UUCS.org.