Allen Howard Larson

We said “Good Bye” to Dr. Allan Howard Larson September 9, 2016; by his side were Julia, his wife of seventy years, and his daughter Linda. Howard was born of Canadian parents in Oriskany Falls, New York, on June 23, 1921. He was raised in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, Canada.

During World War II, he joined the United States Navy Air Corp, serving in the Aleutian Islands. Through the G.I. Bill, he obtained the degree of Doctor of Optometry, opening his practice in Merced in 1955. Involvement with the community began with the Junior Chamber of Commerce continuing to the Senior Chamber Boosters, Elk’s, Kiwanis, American Legion, Military Officer’s Association, Castle Museum, Club Mercedes, Masonic Lodge, Playhouse Merced (as landlord and sponsor), Castle Duck Club, Merced Golf and Country Club (past member), the Historical Society, the companionship of the coffee group, and his challenging Senior Center bridge group. Howard’s delight was real estate investments with property acquired in Merced, Mariposa, Santa Cruz, and San Mateo. He, along with partner’s Elmer Lorenzi and Don Stewart, made further investments within Merced.

Family and friends will miss an outgoing, vibrant, tenacious, amusing individual. Howard leaves his wife, Julia and five children: James (predeceased by Kathi), Alice (Dan), Linda, John (Peg), and Donald (Kathy); as well as seven grandchildren: Davey, Julia, Eric (Koceri), Phillip, Jordan, Andrej, Coleman (Janelle), and Caroline, plus three great-grandchildren; a niece, two nephews, and many cousins in Canada.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2016, 11:00 A.M. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home located at 1490 B Street, Merced. Reception will follow after the services at the Merced Golf and Country Club located at 6333 Golf Road Merced. Burial will be held at a later date in Mariposa, California.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations out in Howards name to the Merced Historical Society or the Playhouse Merced.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.