Arland was born to Carl Edward Larsen and Mary Leone Ince in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 27, 1931 and is a grandson of Danish immigrants Nielsene Christine Sorenson and Jens Ingvor Larsen.
Arland served in the California Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He sang in the missionary choir as then, President David O. McKay dedicated the Laguna Beach Ward meetinghouse. Laguna Beach held a special place in Arland’s heart along with the Laguna Beach Ward. He has shared his love for Laguna with VeNae, their children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren.
Arland graduated from Granite High School and later the University of Utah. He served as a Special Agent in the United States Army Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) in New York City during the Korean Conflict. He returned to live in New York City in 1957 for training as a Merrill Lynch Account Executive. He retired from his 39 year Merrill Lynch career as a Vice President and Financial Advisor at the Salt Lake City office. He was a self-professed, “lifelong student of the markets” who loved his clients as much as his career.
Arland married VeNae Burgon on August 12, 1960, in the Salt Lake City Temple. They have four children all of whom brought great joy. Arland and VeNae were honored to support causes that furthered medical research and services. Arland was a longstanding member, including periods as an officer of Amicus (Board Member), Deseret Foundation (Treasurer), LDS Fitness Institute (Board Member), and the Intermountain Research and Medical Foundation. He didn’t seek attention, but he was honored by the organization as a Gold Caduceus Award recipient (1997).
Arland was an active member of the LDS church, serving with distinction in many callings. He developed life-long friendships in the process. He loved serving the young married students as Bishop of a University [of Utah] Ward. Arland also spent many years serving in the Salt Lake Temple. His testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ was the basis for how he lived his life and served others.
Living in Laguna Beach, Arland assisted VeNae during the last three years of her battle with breast cancer, which took her life in 2004. Arland married Clarann Carlisle Jacobs in 2005. They were very happy together and took special care of each other in their advancing years. Following Clarann’s illness and death in January 2017, Arland’s Alzheimer’s driven decline advanced. This cruel disease erased the mind of a brilliant man, but we know that Arland will never forget the many kindnesses, love and support shown to him.
Arland is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Janet, VeNae, and Clarann who was also predeceased by her son, Rusty Jacobs. He is survived by Carol (Ron) Jessup, Richard (Michelle) Larsen, and Leslie (Mike) Grass, 12 grandchildren, and 4 (soon to be 5) great-grandchildren; as well as Clarann’s daughter Kathy (Brian) Wonnacott and Rusty’s wife, Jana and their families. He is also survived by his siblings, Norene Kershaw, Glade, Brent and Weldon aka Joe Larsen.
A celebration of Arland’s life will be held at the LDS Fortuna Chapel, 4407 S. Fortuna Way (3695 East, Salt Lake City) at 11:00am on Friday, July 27. Friends may call on Thursday, July 26 from 6:00-8:00pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City) or Friday from 10:00-10:45am at the Fortuna Chapel.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful medical providers, caregivers, and dear friends, relatives, and neighbors that have ministered to Arland over these many years. You have demonstrated Christlike love and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, might we suggest you choose to emulate Arland by calling dear friends and loved ones on their birthdays, share pleasant memories, and find joy together in laughter. To those of you so inclined, please consider donating to the Intermountain Research and Medical Foundation.
