Obituary for Daniel James Larsen
Daniel J. Larsen passed away peacefully on August 2, 2020 as the sun rose over his beloved view of the water from his Whidbey Island home of 15 years. He was surrounded by his family during his last moments. Dan considered Whidbey Island his second home, spending his summers on the beach since he was a child.
Dan was born to Arthur Larsen and Gerda Thorsheim Larsen on May 28, 1945. He was born at Swedish Hospital and grew up in Ballard, Washington. He attended Ballard High School and graduated from Seattle Pacific University where he met the love of his life, LeAnn Fogg Larsen. Dan and LeAnn were married on July 19, 1969 and shared 51 loving years together. They resided in Shoreline, Washington with their two sons. It was important to Dan that he create memories for his family surprising them with summer trips, teaching them how to crab, fish and dig for clams on Whidbey Island and raising them in a Christ centered home. Dan began his career with his father, uncles, and cousins at Duwamish Shipyards in south Seattle. He later moved to work at Fishing Vessel Owners where he was part owner and Comptroller. He retired in 2012, however he remained an active member of their board.
Dan and LeAnn shared a passion for golf and traveling. He was a member of Useless Bay Country Club where everyone knew Dan and often benefited from his bakery deliveries. His favorite trip was to Norway as well as this family’s annual vacation to Hawaii. Dan will be remembered for sense of humor, his fondness of bakeries and all thing Norwegian. He had an uncanny way of knowing everyone’s name and bringing people from all walks of life together. Dan loved spending time with his family and close friends and will be greatly missed by those that knew him.
Dan’s faith and relationship with Jesus Christ grew stronger the last few years of his life. It was important to Dan that he live in a way that exhibited his faith by his generosity and love of people. Dan’s love of God brought comfort and peace in his final months. In his final weeks, when asked where he would like his bed to be, Dan would respond “Heaven”.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Gerda Larsen, and his sister Luana. He is survived by his beloved wife LeAnn; sons Michael Larsen of Austin, Texas and Jason Larsen of Bothell, Washington; their spouses Jenny and Emily; and 5 granddaughters Abbie, Hailey, Brooke, Madeline and Mackenzie as well as 8 nieces and nephews. An online celebration of life will be held in the upcoming weeks. A small private seaside service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been made with the assistance of Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dan’s name to the Island Church of Whidbey or to a Glioblastoma brain cancer research foundation of your choice.
Dan was born to Arthur Larsen and Gerda Thorsheim Larsen on May 28, 1945. He was born at Swedish Hospital and grew up in Ballard, Washington. He attended Ballard High School and graduated from Seattle Pacific University where he met the love of his life, LeAnn Fogg Larsen. Dan and LeAnn were married on July 19, 1969 and shared 51 loving years together. They resided in Shoreline, Washington with their two sons. It was important to Dan that he create memories for his family surprising them with summer trips, teaching them how to crab, fish and dig for clams on Whidbey Island and raising them in a Christ centered home. Dan began his career with his father, uncles, and cousins at Duwamish Shipyards in south Seattle. He later moved to work at Fishing Vessel Owners where he was part owner and Comptroller. He retired in 2012, however he remained an active member of their board.
Dan and LeAnn shared a passion for golf and traveling. He was a member of Useless Bay Country Club where everyone knew Dan and often benefited from his bakery deliveries. His favorite trip was to Norway as well as this family’s annual vacation to Hawaii. Dan will be remembered for sense of humor, his fondness of bakeries and all thing Norwegian. He had an uncanny way of knowing everyone’s name and bringing people from all walks of life together. Dan loved spending time with his family and close friends and will be greatly missed by those that knew him.
Dan’s faith and relationship with Jesus Christ grew stronger the last few years of his life. It was important to Dan that he live in a way that exhibited his faith by his generosity and love of people. Dan’s love of God brought comfort and peace in his final months. In his final weeks, when asked where he would like his bed to be, Dan would respond “Heaven”.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Gerda Larsen, and his sister Luana. He is survived by his beloved wife LeAnn; sons Michael Larsen of Austin, Texas and Jason Larsen of Bothell, Washington; their spouses Jenny and Emily; and 5 granddaughters Abbie, Hailey, Brooke, Madeline and Mackenzie as well as 8 nieces and nephews. An online celebration of life will be held in the upcoming weeks. A small private seaside service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been made with the assistance of Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dan’s name to the Island Church of Whidbey or to a Glioblastoma brain cancer research foundation of your choice.