After a brief battle with cancer, Douglas Joseph Larson, aged 84, passed away peacefully at home. Born to Carl and Bessie Larson, whose home was located on Apricot Avenue, in Salt Lake City. The Larson home was small and humble, but hummed with the activity of a large family. Doug was the ninth of 12 children.
In 1956, Douglas graduated from West High school. During his senior year, he served as a Stake Missionary, which would be the first of many years dedicated to LDS service missions. Doug received a Bachelor’s of Science from Brigham Young University, and a Master’s of Arts from Arizona State. Because of his immense love for the Lord and His gospel, Doug devoted his life to sharing and teaching gospel principles. He worked for the LDS Church Education System where he wrote books and manuals, and he also taught seminary for 30 years.
Douglas Joseph Larson married Susan Rosetta Christensen in the Salt Lake Temple on May 01, 1989. He and his “Eternal Love” met and were engaged after 6 dates, married after 2 months, and shared a life together for 32 years. Doug adored his wife, Susan. He held her close to his heart, and together they enjoyed a life of companionship, happiness, and love.
With his sweetheart at his side, Doug’s missionary service continued. For 12 years he served as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple, and together, they served missions in Tonga, BYU Hawaii, and Portland, Oregon.
Doug was blessed to have 4 wonderful sons, Mark (Cindy), Michael (Tammy), Boyd (Julie), and Daniel (Laura). He also sincerely treasured those who later became part of his family, including 4 daughters (in-law), 22 grandchildren and spouses, and 12 great grandchildren. Doug adored his family. He enjoyed the time spent with them swimming at his pool, on family vacations, or just visiting around the table at birthdays or Sunday dinner.
Aside from his family, Doug also had a deep passion for chocolate milkshakes and woodworking. He was a brilliant craftsman whose creations included a steam engine train, numerous intricately detailed bowls of all shapes and sizes, many chess and checkers sets, cedar-lined blanket chests for his granddaughters, and, for a friend dying of cancer, Doug designed and crafted a beautiful pine wood coffin.
Doug loved and dearly missed those who went before him, including his son Mark, 4 brothers, 4 sisters, and many of their spouses. As for the many of us left behind, including his 3 sisters, (Annette, Ceceile, and Bonita) Doug will be remembered for his sparkling blue eyes, gentle smile, and tender heart. And a few of us will also remember his goofy grandpa sense of humor.
Doug loved the Lord. The meaning of his life was to serve and the extraordinary beauty of his heart was plain to see… to serve those in need. Finally at rest, we know that his work here is done. Doug received a new calling, a calling he could not refuse. This mission began with a tearful good-bye by those left behind, and was followed by a wonderful reunion with those he has not seen in a long while. Until we meet again, we love you.
Services will be held at the Valley View Stake Center, 2245 E. 3900 S., SLC. A viewing will be held Thursday, Sept. 16 from 6-8pm. A viewing will be held on Sept. 17 from 10-10:45am with funeral services to follow at 11:00am
Internment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Drive, SLC.
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