Robert Curtis Larsen, 95, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born to George Franklin and Sarah Florence Brough Larsen in Sunnyside, Utah in 1924. Bob led a happy, active life with family, friends, and many, many, many building projects.
Bob grew up in the coal mining country of eastern Utah and was schooled in hard work with the idea that “you make it, make do or live without” in mind. This set a work ethic in place that carried him to the end. As a young boy he acquired the love of working with wood as his father brought home empty wooden powder boxes from which he made bird houses.
After serving on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific, Bob returned home to Provo, Utah. In 1947, while in college, he met and married the “girl next door”, Birdean Tippets, and they celebrated over 70 years together. He graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in electrical engineering and Bob and Birdean moved to New York and later in 1959 settled in Arizona.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Birdean; a son, Ralph S. Larsen, parents George Franklin and Sarah Florence Larsen; sister, Grace Harding (Claude); and his brother, Richard Lewis Larsen (Lois).
Bob loved his family and is survived by his children: Ken (Judy), Ralph’s wife Shari, Dave (Marvilla), Linda, Jim (Roxanne), Steve, 23 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, July 1, 2019 at Fairway Groves Ward, 5350 East McLelland Road, Mesa, Arizona 85205, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service starting at 9:00 am.
We are sad that our Uncle Bob has passed, but he has lived a long productive life. We will always remember his kindness and love for our family. We can all take comfort in knowing that Bob and Birdean are reunited as well as he is reunited with his parents, Richard and Grace. Much love to our Arizona cousins.
Sorry to hear this. Uncle Bob is the last of a generation and will be missed.