Harvey Larson

Harvey Larson passed away suddenly on December 30th, 2017 at home in Atikokan, Ontario. He was predeceased by wife Senja (Nurmi) Larson in 2014, parents Walter and Elfva Larson, and grandson Ian Larson. Family members left to mourn: sons, Maurits Larson (Kathy), Randy Larson (Teresa), daughter Karen Loewen (Charles); 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Brother, Melvin Larson (Dora), sister Marianne Sundin (Lawrie), sister in law Laila Lee, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Harvey was born on March 16, 1931 in Bergland, Ontario. He was raised on the family farm and in the logging and tourist camps around Lake of the Woods. Harvey was raised to love the outdoors and consequently much of his early work involved logging, trapping and guiding in the area. He was a jack-of-all-trades and could fix just about anything. His family and friends often were the beneficiaries of his good works and frequently looked to him for advice.

As a young man Dad lived in Sioux Narrows Ontario where he met our mother. When Mom arrived to work at a local café, Dad bet the other young men that he could be the first to date her. It was a date that lasted almost 60 years. They married in 1954 and a year later their first child (Maurits) arrived. Family and friends were everything to Dad, and soon a daughter (Karen) was born, followed by son, Randy.

Dad worked in various jobs in Sioux Narrows including logging operations with his father, guiding on Lake of the Woods, and as an entrepreneur both as a taxi driver and a tow truck operator and mechanic.

In 1965, the family moved to Atikokan where Dad worked as welder at Steep Rock Iron Mines, and later following the mine closure, at Pro-Board Manufacturing until his retirement in 1996.

Dad loved his community and was an active participant in local hobby clubs including the Vintage Iron Car Club, the Atikokan Sno-Ho Club, the Fix-it Club as well as his local trade union and local political organizations. In his retirement, Dad and Mom would often travel the region in his 1954 Mercury proudly named Mr. Blue.

Mom and Dad loved the outdoors and enjoyed many years as cottage owners on Perch Lake. They loved to fish and enjoy the outdoors every chance they could often sharing their time with family and friends. Later, they enjoyed a smaller cottage at a property on Rainy Lake, which was the gathering spot for Mom’s extended family.

Over the years, they enjoyed time spent travelling with Mom’s sister Laila Lee and would travel the country enjoying some of the hidden spots of Canada. One of the highlights of their travels together, was a trip to visit Mom’s family in Finland and to see parts of Sweden where Dad’s family was rooted. The visits from family from Finland or with relatives in Canada were often highlights for both of them. Dad took part in as many of his family reunions as he could and treasured his time with the extended Larson and Nurmi families.

Senja was the love of Harvey’s life and in later years, he was an active and dedicated caregiver at home and during her stay in extended care. Dad’s steadfast loyalty to Mom was an example for all of us.

Dad was a man of few words but when he spoke we all listened. His some times crusty exterior was a screen for his soft heart and he could be counted on to lend a hand to just about anyone. He was our hero and mentor and we will all miss his sage advice.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service for all to attend will be held on February 17th, 2018 at 11am EST, at the Pioneer Centre, Burns St., Atikokan. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Atikokan General Hospital Fund.