VERNON LARSON M.D.

Vernon O. Larson MD Passed away on June 6th at the age of 88, the son of Oscar and Elvera Larson. His early education was in a one-room schoolhouse in Rathdrum, Idaho. He studied pre-med at Washington State, putting himself through school by logging in northern Idaho. He then attended medical school at the University of Washington. He was drafted into the military, and sent out to sea as the ship's doctor, yet the only person who got seasick while at sea was the doctor. He did his residency in diagnostic and therapeutic radiology at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and Medical Center in New York City. He returned to the Pacific Northwest to practice radiology, and formed a partnership with Dr. Kenneth Gross, which later became Diagnostic Imaging Northwest. He practiced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology in Tacoma and Pierce County for 31 years. He served as chief of staff at Allenmore Hospital, and was a board member at Lakewood General Hospital and Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. He chaired the Tumor Board and the Radiation Safety Committee at those hospitals for many years. He was a member of numerous medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, the Pierce County Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Society, the Washington State Radiological Society, the Pacific Northwest Radiologic Society, the American College of Radiology (fellow), Tacoma Surgical Club, and the American Cancer Society. An avid tennis enthusiast, Vern began playing in his 40's, and over the years reached high rankings in the Pacific Northwest and nationally in the 55-80 age groups in both singles and doubles. Other interests include family, photography, and bridge. He is survived by his loving wife Kit of 66 years, four children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by an older brother, Roy. There will not be any public service at his request. Memorial gifts may be sent to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center: 1100 Fairview Ave N, Mail Stop J5-200, Seattle WA 98109 (www.fredhutch.org), or the charity of your choice.