John was born Aug. 7, 1957, in Santa Paula and had been a lifelong Ventura County resident. He was a film critic for the VC Reporter for 30 years, Hueneme High School newspaper editor, first editor of the Oxnard College newspaper, member of the Online Film Critics Society and chief contributor to the DVD and Video Guide.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Frances.

John is survived by his father, Eugene Larsen Sr.; brother, Eugene Larsen Jr.; sister, Susie; and nephew, Eugene IV.

A luau in celebration of John's life will be announced.

Arrangements are under the direction of Conrad-Carroll Mortuary, Oxnard.

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

Published by Ventura County Star from Jun. 9 to Jun. 12, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for John Larsen

21 Entries

Steve Westberg

June 23, 2007

Wow, this is something I can't belive.
John and I and my wife Carolyn did a lot of things together, shared many meals, many more fun times too.
Whenever the going got tough or it seemed you couldn't accomplish what your goal was, John would always say, "Don't worry Steve, things will work out if you let them".

You are my friend and I love you John, have a peaceful journey and I'll see you at the garden gate by and by.

Rhonda Hatton-Lovin

June 19, 2007

I also went to high school with John. It seems so unfair to have such a terrific person taken so early in life. God has a plan for us all, and even though we may not always know what that is, John is in the Lord's house.

Terry Westberg

June 18, 2007

Good night sweet Prince!

What a horrible loss for your family. I am so very sorry.
I have some great memories of John. I met him through my brother Steve and was around during the E.T. "Hollywood" Premier the Fox Oxnard gave and it was a blast. When John had a birthday party and we put him on a luau platter with an apple in his mouth, I got to be the hand reaching for a piece of fruit. Then the Halloween party where John was dressed up with The Alien coming out of his chest... and darn it if I didn't lose my death certificate.
When John touched something he seemed to make it magical.
I read every review and followed John's career throughout as I am also a 1957 baby and County native.
We will all miss John more than words can say!

With Love,

Ron Randolph

June 14, 2007

My condolences to Gene, Gene, Susie, and JR.

John was one of a kind, a good friend, generous to all, and will be missed by all. What else can I say?

Ron

Bret Hooper

June 14, 2007

My deepest sympathies to the Larsen family. I work in the Production Dept. of the VCReporter/Ventana office. John and I were the last hold outs from the original publication under Nancy Cloutier when it was known as "The Ventura County & Coast Reporter". In the past 14 1/2 years of my time here I've seen a lot of faces come and go but one constant, reliable and always welcome face was Johns. In all of the changes that have taken place with the publication, I could always look to John as my link to the past and remember what our lives were like here before everything went digital. His last visit to the office was two Thursdays before his death. He treated the entire VCReporter/Ventana staff to a Mexican style buffet lunch which he had catered from a local restaurant and set up in our meeting room. There was more food than all of us could handle. Being a good host, John waited until everyone in the office had enjoyed their meal and returned to their work areas before helping himself to a plate. I took that moment to stop in and say to him "Thank you for thinking of us." to which he replied, "Your welcome." I didn't know it at the time but those were the last words we would speak to each other. A few moments later he was out the door with a smile and good-bye to those in the front office, and we never saw him again. On hearing of the passing of the only other person on staff who could remember how it used to be, I couldn't help but feel a little alone and can only imagine how it must be hitting you, his family, who knew him for so many more years than I. John was in every way one of a kind and I doubt I'll every meet anyone like him again. All my best wishes to the family.

Rosie & Patrick Merryman-McConnell

June 13, 2007

To the Larsen Family;
Please accept our sincere condolences for John's passing. This is a great shock! John was so generous in providing a professional DVD he made for our class as well as music of our era, and vintage movies we gave out as gifts for our 30 year class reunion in November of 2005. Patrick and I went to School with John and even though he will be missed by all, he is in a wonderful place! God Bless you John Larsen we will never forget you!
Patrick & Rosie

mary dyer

June 13, 2007

I too, am a long-lost(in Arkansas)cousin. Andy was my favorite cousin growing up. We always had a lot of fun together. When we were kids he was the biggest Carol Burnett fan. One year he made a clock of her face for her birthday. We took it to a taping of her show;she had him come up on stage to give it to her. He was so excited;it was the greatest time ever! Ya'll should see the 8mm home movies of the family. From what I have read that ya'll have written about him it sounds like he didn't change a whole lot. He was wonderful then too, although we haven't talked in years, I've thought of him often. I will now think of him more often and with the fondest of memories. Love to his family, Mary Dyer

Bob Pavon

June 12, 2007

To Gene and Genie, your long lost cousin Bob Pavon here. (Millie Longs son) I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Andy (John). Andy and I had so much fun when our family came to visit. I remember one time when he and I went to see the re-make of King Kong back in the 70's. Oh my GOD..He LOVED it!! Thats all he could talk about for weeks. I also "stared" in a home made horror movie he was shooting. I can't remember what it was about, but I was covered in blood and got in trouble when I walked into the house and Mom and Fran saw me. LOL My your family find comfort in knowing Andy was loved and will be missed by many. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. GOD Bless. BOB PAVON

Joyce Davis

June 12, 2007

my deepests sympathy to the family of such a great person, we went to school together and he helped me a great deal in journalism class. 3o years later he was a huge part in the success of our reunion

Shawna Clay

June 12, 2007

To the Larsen family: We are saddened to hear of your loss and our condolences go out to the family. My sister and I went to High School with John and on our 30th class reunion, (he was not there) but he gave all of us ladies a princess charm bracelet and brought tons of videos for raffle prizes. It was great! He always participated and contributed. He was a funny man, great writer, & one of the most kindest man you will ever meet. He will be truly missed.

The Clay Twins,
Shawna & T.

Sonny Grenier

June 11, 2007

I am sorry to hear about the passing of John. I went to high school with him and we served together on the high school newspaper team. I remember even in high school John had a knack for writing about films. I specifically remember him writing about "The Way We Were".

I was newspaper editor and when I graduated mid-term John was then the editor and continued through his Senior year.

Through the years I have often gotten a kick out of seeing John's name in the paper. I have also heard him on the radio.

My condolences to his family.

Joanna Lindsay

June 11, 2007

I am a long lost cousin of Andie and Genie. Sorry to say we have not kept in touch all these years. Since we did grow up thru our childhood years together. I'm so sorry for your loss. May God Bless You.

Jack Carlson

June 11, 2007

When I hired John to work at Video Depot in 1984, Port Hueneme, I learned I had hired the most qualified employee, ever. His encyclopedic knowledge of thousands of movies was an asset. A customer would come into the store, talk to John about a movie they wanted and after hearing the most minute piece of information, John would provide the name of the movie, the actors and a summary of the plot. The customers loved him.

But for me, it was John's wild and bizarre sense of humor that I really appreciated. He always saw the humorous side of anything.

A more loyal, trustworthy and diligent employee does not exit. John was one of a kind. May his soul rest in peace.

Vicki Swenson

June 11, 2007

The Larsen Family:

You know John and I were best buddies, and talked daily on the phone. We would call each other on the commericals during American Idol, and critique what we saw and crack each other up. He always made a special plate for me when he made his famous enchiladas and spaghetti! I could go on with all the fun we had, and I'm honored to have a dear friend like John. John, I miss you dearly.

Tom Lawrence

June 11, 2007

Susie,

I was sorry to read about the loss of your brother. May God bless you and your family.

Sincerely,

Tom Lawrence

Richard Buchalter

June 10, 2007

John and I worked together for 5 years , from 1986-1991 at the Video Depot in Port Hueneme. He and I became friends and we shared many a "personal" and "business" experience together over that time period. Sadly, John and I lost touch the last 10-15 years and the last time I saw him , appropriatly enough, we ran into each other outside the movie theatre on Johnson Drive. That was about 10 years ago.....He was smart, funny and very loyal in the years we worked together. I am sad that he is gone although I know that he left behind a "legacy' in his film reviews...etc. My condolences go out to the family and if you read this Susie , please reach out for me.
Sincerely,

Richard Buchalter

Shane Steelman

June 10, 2007

I met John in the mid 80's when we both worked at a local Hueneme video store. I immediately appreciated his wit and penchance for 'dark' humor, and was always in awe of his knowledge of film. Humor and trivia aside, John proved to be a great friend as well, one that I feel honored to have known. To this day, a few of John's witty quips spring to my mind during converations. I have him to thank for my love of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, along with many other films I never would have watched without his urging. But what will linger most with me is the unrelenting passion John displayed as he followed his bliss in life. I'm giving the opportunity to have known such a genuine and unique individual within my lifetime a 'priceless' on the ole' Larson Scale.

Andrew Foltz

June 10, 2007

To the Larsen Family,
I've known John for over 30 years, although our paths didn't cross as much as they should have, John was always there to help in any way he could and glad to do it. John was also very instrumental in our recent Hueneme High 30 year reunion, even with his heavy workload John always came through. John will be missed deeply but will always be remembered. Truly a friend indeed.
May your family find strength during the coming days and celebrate John's life to its fullest.
In Friendship,
Andrew Foltz
Class of 1975

Teri Reid

June 9, 2007

I was quite saddened to learn of John's untimely passing. I knew him from high school and beyond, as we shared the same profession. Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.

Janet Ritza

June 9, 2007

Many prayers for strength to the Larsen Family.I went to HHS with John and he was one of the few that impacted my life. He was the character in Drama class that kept me going. The Drama King! Last year he sent me a Christmas Video that included His Family which was Great; He was proud! John is one person on this earth which made a differance for the better,He is one that will be missed by many. May God Bless all of you. Truly, Janet Ritza

Dan Kiehnle

June 9, 2007

The last time I saw John before we graduated was in about 1974 or 1975. He let us sneak into the Fox theatre in Channel Islands to see The Exorcist. See, he worked at the theatre and had that particular power that theatre workers have; the ability to allow select schoolmates in to see movies once in a while. We weren't really close, but he was a good guy and I liked him. In the last few years, I'd communicated with him via email, trying to get a decent high school reunion off the ground. As most high school reunions go, there's a lame band playing ancient hits too loudly and typically in a lackluster fashion. Conversation for more than a couple of inches is out of the question. There are sad balloon centerpieces and too much to drink and sometimes a dinner that seems factory-made. John had a different vision for our reunion and was excited about seeing it through. Unfortunately, his vision never got much attention and the aforementioned reunion took place. It's too bad, because it would have been fun.

John, good luck to you wherever you've gone. I wish you a safe journey. You'll be missed.

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