Lawrence H Larsen

"Nig"

Lawrence H. Larsen, 87, passed away peacefully at home, Friday, May 30, 2014. Services will be Monday, June 16, 2014, 10:00AM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Fruitland, Idaho with Graveside services following at Parkview Cemetery in New Plymouth, Idaho. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette. Condolences may be made to Lawrence’s family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.

Lawrence was born Oct.22, 1926 in Emmett, Idaho to Victor Herbert Larsen and Helena Katherine Bremmer Larsen. Lawrence was the third of four children, a sister Evelyn and two brothers Leroy and Martin. His senior year attending Emmett High School Lawrence was drafted into the army so his Mother Lena walked with his graduating class to receive his diploma. Lawrence proudly served his Country during WWII. Returning home he continued his education on a basketball scholarship, graduating from the College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho where he later received his MA in Education. Lawrence was recruited by Philadelphia to play pro-basketball but declined the offer in favor of starting his career in teaching and coaching and making a home in this area for his family. In 1948 Lawrence married his wife of 66 years, Mary Jeanette Fitzsimons of New Plymouth, Idaho. They were blessed with three children, Cindy, Eric and Courtney. Lawrence began his career as a teacher and coach in Adrian, Oregon then later teaching and coaching in Emmett, Idaho; Cottonwood, Idaho; Central Point, Oregon and Athena, Oregon. In 1961 he returned to Emmett, Idaho as the first Principal of the then new Parkview Junior High School. In 1964 he returned to teaching and coaching, joining the staff at New Plymouth High School until he went to Treasure Valley Community College as the Adult Education Director. The summer of 1968 he accepted a position with the Ontario, Oregon 8C School District as the Migrant Education Director for Malheur County, remaining in that position for twenty years until his retirement. Lawrence, a quiet and gentle man loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. His belief in our Lord always gave him strength and courage and as he was embraced with the love of his family he passed quietly and peacefully. Lawrence is survived by his wife Jeanette Larsen; daughter, Cindy Dolton (Mike), New Plymouth; son, Eric Larsen (Dolores Defuentes) Weiser; son, Cortney Larsen (Karyn Servatius) Meridian; 8 Grandchildren; 18 Great-Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother Victor and Lena Larsen; sister, Evelyn Crank, Emmett; two brothers, Leroy and Martin Larsen, Emmett.

The family would like to thank the staff at Meadow Brook Assisted Living for their loving care of their Dad and Grandfather.