1936-2018
Thomas Christian Larsen was born in Appleton, Wisconsin to Christian and Gretchen (Roesch) Larsen in 1936. His formative years were spent in classic boyhood fashion enjoying Boy Scouts, baseball and the outdoors. Tom graduated from Appleton High School in 1954. He went to Lawrence College in Appleton and graduated with a BA in 1958. His first job was with Thilmany Pulp and Paper where he traveled the Southern states as a sales representative. He came to Washington State courtesy of Uncle Sam when the reserve forces were called in 1961. He was honorably discharged in 1964 from the US Army. In 1962 he began working for Carpenter Paper Company in Seattle. After many years in management, he returned to sales and retired after 35 years with the company. Tom enjoyed the sales aspect of the paper business as it provided intimate contact with his customers and an opportunity to address their needs.
In 1963, he married Barbara (Peterson) Larsen. They have one son, Erik. Prior to their son’s birth Barb and Tom could be found sailing and racing their boat in Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. Winter weekends found them skiing in the mountains of the West.
Tom was the consummate volunteer. He was a soccer coach for his son and other young boys in Redmond, WA. His Boy Scout experiences and volunteering began early and continued throughout his life. Tom held this organization in high regard. The Boy Scouts of America recognized his years of service with one of the highest awards in scouting, the Silver Beaver Award. He actively served with the Seattle chapter of the Kiwanis during his time in Redmond, WA and was named Seattle Kiwanian of the year in 1982.
As a volunteer in Port Townsend, he helped build many homes for Habitat for Humanity. Tom understood the importance of having a place to call home and home ownership. He was willing, at any time, to lend a hand. He also chauffeured the elderly and sick to regional doctor’s appoints with the ECCHO service.
Tom was a devout man of faith. His reverence for the word of God guided him through life. He served in many capacities at Grace Lutheran Church in Port Townsend and previously at Faith Lutheran Church in Redmond. These capacities included being an usher and serving on the church council. Every Friday he could be found with the Men’s Bible Study Group at Grace Lutheran.
In the early 1970s, Tom joined the Crystal Mountain Volunteer Ski Patrol. After retiring from the Ski Patrol, with 25 years of service, he was given a lifetime ski pass. As a true Norwegian, skiing was his passion. He frequently road tripped the West in search of the elusive powder day. During the last week of his life, at 81 years, he was skiing.
Tom’s other interests included travels to Scandinavia and other European countries. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. After moving to Port Townsend, his interest in HO railroading was renewed. He dedicated a whole room of his home to this pursuit. In his later years he took up genealogy to assure that the Larsen lineage would be preserved. He was known for his depth of knowledge on most any subject. He had a thirst for knowledge and devoured information.
The true measure of this man is not in all that he did, but in how he touched so many and inspired them to be better versions of themselves. This is a legacy that transcends time.
Thomas is survived by his spouse Barbara Larsen of 54 years; son Erik Kristian Larsen; sister Barbara Larsen (Leo); niece Kara Larsen (Seth); and cousin Thys Johnson (Nan).
Remembrance contributions can be made to any of the following organizations that Tom held dear: Grace Lutheran Church, 1120 Walker Street, Port Townsend, 98368; Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 658, Port Townsend, WA 98368; Boy Scouts of America, 3120 Rainer Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98144
