passed away peacefully in Tucson, AZ on July 12th, 2020. Roy was a child of God, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He was a hard-working, honest man, with a generous smile that he shared with everyone he met.
Roy was born in Duluth, MN in 1928 and graduated from the University of Minnesota in Electrical Engineering. Serving in the U.S. Army, he was stationed at Fort Huachuca, AZ where he made life-long friendships and was introduced to an elementary school teacher in Tucson, Carol Landberg, who soon became his wife of 55 years, until her passing in 2011. Together, they lived in Sierra Vista and Tucson where they raised two boys, Paul and Peter. Roy was a program manager at Bell Aerospace and held multiple roles at Hughes Aircraft Company until his retirement in 1989.
Singing brought Roy much joy throughout his life. As founding members of Calvary Lutheran Church, and later Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Roy and Carol were faithful choir members who delighted in the friendships and fellowship this provided. More importantly, they spread the Gospel through the many mission trips their choirs took across Canada and Europe, including then communist countries. Roy also sang with the Tucson Community Choir, which included the annual Handel’s Messiah performances; one of his favorites. Roy served as president of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for several years, participated on many councils, and always enjoyed attending the weekly Men’s Bible Study.
After Carol’s passing, Roy moved into the Villa Hermosa Senior Living community, where he continued his singing and leadership roles, and devoted time to researching and writing a comprehensive history of the Larson clan, tracing it back to 1513 in Sweden. He developed many friendships there, looking forward each day to meals with Hal and Stan, and especially Nancy Nelson.
The last several years were medically challenging for Roy, but against the odds he continually persevered. Villa Hermosa assisted care-providers and the support from family and his many friends provided the encouragement he needed to rebound time and again until ultimately succumbing to bladder cancer. A Special shout-out and recognition must go to Sharon Byrd for her tireless personal commitment of ensuring that his medical and personal needs were always met.
Roy is survived by his children, Paul (Deborah), Peter (Debra), and his grandchildren Brian (Laurie), Daniel, Michael, and Allison. He was preceded in death by his parents, Swan Olaf & Gertrude, and siblings, Harry, Robert & Alice.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a public Celebration of Life is not currently planned. However, if desired, donations can be made in his memory to Tucson Lutheran Social Ministries of the Southwest, 1231 N. Norris Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85719.
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