David Roy Larson; a more awesome husband, father and friend you’d have to search long and hard to find. He always said “I love you” when you left or hung up on the phone because you never know … We said our last “I Love You’s” on Sunday, Feb. 11. David died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Monday, Feb. 12, 2018.

Born in Balton, Minnesota, on June 21, 1939, he was full of life and adventure; he was a horseman, rodeoed and drove log truck and long haul in and around the states and ended up working for Gene Trip Trucking which landed him in Missoula. In 1972, he met the love of his life and wife of nearly 44 years, Beverly Ann Larson, while flirting with her at a truck stop where she worked. She says, “he just wouldn’t leave me alone.” Their blended family totaled eight children.

In 1973, Dave and Bev set out on a big adventure; moving to Alaska with all their possessions in the back of a single cab, red Ford pickup. Where they made their home for the next 20-plus years in Fairbanks, Alaska. David worked on the TransAlaska Pipeline, including construction of the Yukon River bridge as well as shift work (four weeks on/two off) in Prudhoe Bay for Kodiak Oil Field Haulers. He was a Teamster for Local 959 and logged over 1 million miles in his driving career. In preparation of retirement Dave and Bev bought property on the Blackfoot River, they retired in the mid 1990s and proceeded to build the home on the River they dreamed of … although sooner than any of us wanted, his wish to die in that home was granted by God.

In later life, his mission was to put smiles on other peoples faces telling stories and jokes. His story often had a deeper meaning or life lesson; you caught yourself reflecting on hours, days or even weeks later. His stories sometimes sounded like BS because they seemed too far fetched, but then you’d meet the person he'd been with and they told the same version, soon you realized holy cow, the old man did all that stuff. His jokes were legendary, how one man had such a great memory for them and so many other details was amazing.

He made a deep impression on all those who spent time with him. He was a listener and you could trust your deepest thoughts, fears and secrets with, without judgement but sometimes a little gentle guidance, not so much that it turned you aware, just enough to help keep you on the rails.

David was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Lucille Larson and his siblings Donna VanMeveran, Lynn Dobbelaere, LaVonne Dobbelaere, George Larson and Dick Larson. Surviving loved ones include his children Terry Miller, Randy Larson, Todd Larson, Sue Larson, Royce Conlon, Roy G. Wills, Patsy Hamilton and Victoria Godkin; grandchildren Jason and Jenna Miller, Jacquie Pina, Chas and Jamie Wardle, Kelly Keays, Christie Shoemaker, Mario and Daniel Candera, Justin Conlon, Jordann Conlon, Madeline and Kendall Wills, Rochelle Petri, Nani Hamilton, Stefanie Bingham Bridgette, Brandon and Lacy Godkin, 28 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Dave was also blessed with a long list of “adopted” children and grandchildren, those who have filled his life and gave support in recent years include Tammy, John and Mick Clark, John and Keleen Roseboom and Bill Weimer.

Rest in peace Old Man, you’ll be missed and are leaving a hole in the hearts of a lot of people. We love you!!!

Service will be held at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Bonner on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m., followed by a celebration of life/potluck at Poor Henry’s in Clinton at 4ish, bring a story or joke to share and a dish if you can.

In lieu of flowers please send donation to the National Rifle Association.

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