Lorin Duane Larsen, the friendliest man in West Valley City, joined his beloved wife, Dorene, on Thursday, March 15, 2018, at the age of 89. Duane was born April 7, 1928 in Silver City, Utah, to Stephney Wells McAlister Larsen and William Wallace Larsen. He married Dorene Throckmorton October 12, 1948 in the Manti Temple. She was the love of his life and they were inseparable until Dorene passed in February 2017.
Duane was a loving and devoted husband and father who willingly dedicated his time to his family. He loved all sports and if he wasn’t coaching many of his children in baseball and basketball, he was working as a baseball umpire. He played in many all-church tournaments and served as the sports director for the church programs where he officiated many games. As a coach, an official, and all he did in life, he was a friend to everyone. Wherever he went, he was sure to run into someone he knew, or someone who knew and recognized him. And even if you didn’t know him, you could expect to receive a smile, a hug, and feel like a life-long friend by the time your visit was done. After retirement he worked as a school crossing guard serving on 3600 W. He would enthusiastically smile and wave at every car that traveled down that road. He cheerfully served the community there for more than 15 years and touched countless lives. He received two awards for his crossing service and was fittingly named the “Friendliest man in the city” by West Valley City after receiving numerous positive messages about his contagious smile and friendly wave.
Duane was a man whose talents and influence extended far beyond sports and serving his community. He had a spectacular tenor voice and sang with many groups. He loved signing barbershop harmony and received several awards for the quartets he sang with. Together, he and Dorene sang many duets in church; a popular request being “The Holy City”. His love of acting is what brought Dorene into his life, and he carried that love of theater throughout his life as he participated in roadshows and plays.
His love of the LDS church was evident by his willingness to fulfill various callings. He served with his wife at the Jordan River Temple for many years. He also served as a Bishop and counselor in the bishopric, with a humble and compassionate spirit. But his love for his fellow men was never limited by religion. He was a man who would give you the shirt off his back and then some. He loved all people unconditionally.
He is survived by his 10 faithful and adoring children; Lorene (Grayson) Butler, Jill (Robert) McCleve, Barry (Ann) Larsen, Dianne (Robbin) Workman, Becky Larsen, Kay (Sandra) Larsen, Doryanne (Dave) Hall, Kyle (Natalie) Larsen, Cory Larsen, Troy (Mary) Larsen, 42 treasured grandchildren, and 87 cherished great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Academy Park Ward House, located at 4605 Westpoint Dr. West Valley City, Utah 84120. The family will receive friends Friday, March 23, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at Valley View Funeral Home, located at 4335 W. 4100 S., West Valley City, Utah 84120 and on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the ward house.
