Dana Phillip Larsen

He was born in Kennewick, WA to Shawna Ann and Donald Robert Larsen on November 6, 1953. Dana grew up in Burbank, WA with his five younger brothers. While growing up, he found a passion for music and the great outdoors. He learned many instruments such as drums, upright bass, guitar, bass guitar, and piano. In 2003 he released his studio album he wrote, produced and mixed on his 50th birthday entitled “The Last Sunset.”

During his senior year in high school he was in Stage Band, Orchestra, Choir, Main Band, and Marching Band. Dana, his cousin, and their friends formed rock bands throughout their high school career. As if that wasn’t enough to occupy his time, he also spent time on the high school sports teams. He played basketball, football, and ran track. Dana received scholarships to college for music, but instead enlisted in the United States Navy after graduation. He was in the Naval Academy of Music and was assigned to the USS Kennedy during his service.

Dana graduated from Pasco High School in 1972, served in the Navy, and then went on to graduate from Washington Technical Institute second in his class with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Prior to graduation, Honeywell recruited him for employment as an Aerospace Engineer at Boeing. Dana worked on all major airplane programs such as the 737, 747, 757, 767, 747, 777, and the 787 during his lifelong career with Honeywell for 40 years before his retirement.

During his career, Dana traveled all across the world and the United States. He went to places like Egypt, China, France, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Dubai, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Brazil, and Europe.

Dana had two sons with ex-wife Carole Anne Gartley. They were Michael Geoffrey born July 1, 1977 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and Christopher Robert born November 18, 1981 in Seattle, WA.

He was preceded in death by parents Shawna Ann and Donald Robert Larsen, and son Michael Geoffrey Larsen.

He leaves behind all five brothers, Randall, Scott, Shawn, Mark, Dustin as well as his cousin’s Richard, Charles, Ron, Jack, Nancy, and Nicki. He is also survived by five nieces and nephews Leslie, Samuel, Nicholas, Kirstin, and Luke. Also left behind are his grandnieces Reagan (12) and Korra (10). Dana’s son Christopher and his wife Katherine Mary-Jeanette Larsen along with his granddaughter Sydney Rose (11) reside in Rutland, MA. Also left behind is his beloved dog Missy Too.

Dana’s true love in life was music. Anyone who knew him, knew this to be an absolute fact. He loved playing for friends and family and having impromptu jam sessions whenever he could. The world lost a genius, friend, brother, father, and grandfather. They don’t make them like Dana anymore.

The funeral service will be held at Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206 on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. All friends and family are welcome to celebrate Dana’s life.

Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206.