Name: Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care
Address: Mesa, AZ

Ray’s service Wednesday November 14, 2018 was simply beautiful.  Capturing this memory for my Grandkiddos to recall someday….  

At the Mariposa Garden’s Chapel in Mesa, AZ:
Grant Larsen opened in prayer followed by the Chris Tomlin song “I Will Rise”.
Grant did the eulogy followed by the Lynyrd Skynyrd song “Simple Man”
My sister Kim Junge read from her heart and mine to give those that didn’t know him well a glimpse of who he was. 
Pastor George Barnes, Hi-Way Baptist church provided comfort and pointed to Chris in his brief message.  He ended by playing his guitar as we all joined in on “I’ll Fly Away”.  

At the National Cemetery in Phoenix, Az: 
Honors from the US Army included taps and the flag folding. 
Pastor George prayed and read Isaiah 41:10 
Then he led us in “Amazing Grace”

Simple and to the point, just how Ray AKA Papa would have liked it!  A few of us gathered at the house after the services reminded of how God provided amazing blessings throughout. He used some pretty special people along the way to support us and comfort us during this most difficult time.
God is good….all the time!    


My sister Kim opened with: 
The first in our family to meet Ray was my brother, sent on a recon mission by our father.  
He was to gather information on this man who wanted to marry his youngest daughter.  
He wanted to know everything including his shoe size (not sure why).  Their time together went well, very well, that first day together ended with the two of them on the couch and a six-pack.  
The report back to my father was: he rather see his sister living with Ray than married to Rick.  
(Rick was my husband- ouch)

Our folks met Ray just 2 days before their wedding.  My dad told the story of the night before the wedding finding Ray sitting on living room floor spinning a globe...  dad was sure Ray was planning his escape.  To ensure that didn’t happen, mom and dad went on their honeymoon with them (not kidding).  We were a “close” family.  They did have different hotel rooms.  

We all loved that man.  Mom said at that news of his passing, that she had lost a son.  

Earlier the song “Simple Man” by: Lynyrd Skynyrd was played.  
"Oh, take your time, don't live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
You'll find a woman and you'll find love
And don't forget, son, there is someone up above"

The definition of simple: humble, unpretentious, quiet, unassuming.  What a perfect song.  Ray was that simple man, lived a simple life, who had a simple home and simple tastes.  
He owned just one suit, that he wore only twice; first time was to my father’s funeral and the second Grant’s wedding.  (Sorry Leah)
Ray will be laid to rest in his cargo shorts and t-shirt.  Its not because that 29-year-old suit didn’t have one more wearing in it, but because that was this simple man’s favorite things to wear.  


Final Part III

Degenerative disc disease prohibited him from working and most activities but he found the most enjoyment with his grandkiddos.  He loved teasing them relentlessly and making them smile but mostly making them squeal.  He had simple tastes – favorite treat was vanilla soft serve ice cream.  

I thank God, for the time we had with George Ray Larsen, a simple man.  ‘He took his time and didn’t live to fast.  Troubles came and they passed. He found a woman to love. Most important he knew that there was someone up above.’  

I will forever love and miss my humble, humorous and kind husband who is pain free in glory!  

Ray is honored well by the love and support shown to his family – thank you.



Part II

Our first home was in Sunnyslope AZ, it was a simple house with no AC. There was a little Baptist Church near, where I started to attend with the kiddos and he would join us on occasion.  Pastor Fairchild asked if anyone would help with yard work.  Ray loved doing yard work and gardening was his passion so he volunteered.   It was in early 1996 that he sat down next to me in our home and with tears in his eyes simply said he wanted Jesus – he prayed and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Grant also accepted Christ and they were baptized together.  We later joined Hillside Baptist church and moved to a house in North Phoenix – with a pool and AC – we thought we were living in a resort!  First thing he did was teach Samantha to swim.  He said he would follow me anywhere and he did, next a home in Mesa, where we found a new church family at Hy-Way Baptist.    

We traveled some but he was simply happy to be at home.  He did love when we would take a long weekend to Oceanside and simply walk along the beach.  Ray was a dog person – Astro the basset hound followed by Fritz the Australian Shepherd then the two little Doc-sons: Dumbledore and Dobby his constant companions.  


My sister also read this on my behalf for those that did not know him well - due to word limitations this is Part I:

Yup it was love at first sight March 31st and we were married November 29th of the same year 1985.   We had a simple wedding at the justice of the peace, who less than a year later was de-judged for some reason, of course Ray jokingly asked if this meant we were no longer married – not a chance.  We couldn’t afford wedding rings but determined on our 10th anniversary we would get them, and did.  He worked hard locating water lines, making records (the actual vinyl) and painting guns (camo stocks were his specialty).  
Once I called his work and asked for Ray Larsen, the lady said “we don’t have a Ray Larsen employed here” – for a ½ second, I thought where has he been going every morning…then it dawned on me he went by Ray at home and George in the world. 

On our first date we talked about how we both someday wanted kids. No surprise when we had Grant and Sam – they were his joy in life.  He showed his love in simple ways – taking Grant to t-ball and little league (even filling in as a ref on occasion) and coloring Sam’s hair when she was a tweenager (his dad was a barber so somehow this made him qualified).  

He was always standing firmly behind me with quiet encouragement and support at every education and career opportunity.   He never wanted the spot light, he was happy to shine it on all of us.




Kristie,

I will keep you in my prayers and in my heart during this journey of grief.  Ray's service was so beautiful.  Grant, your sister and Pastor gave us a way to know Ray and the precious husband and father he was in your lives.  I am so thankful that your "simple man"  was full of love and adoration for his family. I love you, my sweet friend!  Hugs and prayers!!

Kristie
So sorry... just learned of your loss. Know I understand believe me 19 months next week. Blessings and God’s arms surround you and your entire family.
Prayers for strength and comfort. Hugs
Mary Jane Forsythe 

Dearest sister, Grant and Sammy.
We love you all so very much.  
We have nothing but wonderful memories of Ray.  
Looking forward to that day we are all back together again! 💕
Roger and Kim 

We are very sad to hear about George.  He was a great neighbor and a fun guy to know.  Let us know how we can help at this time.

Glenn and Linda Johnson

OBITUARY

George Ray Larsen

18 October, 1955 – 5 November, 2018

Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care

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