Harold Theodore Larsen

Harold Theodore Larsen, age 95, passed at home on June 5th. He was born in Tacoma, WA on June 29, 1930, to Inga Berntsen Larsen and Ludwig Alfred Larsen. The youngest of six children, he grew up during the meager years of the Great Depression and would live in thirteen houses before the age of eleven when the family purchased a home of their own.

Harold attended Stadium High School where classmates dubbed him “The Crooner” for a voice as smooth as Bing Crosby’s. Harold loved music and throughout his life performed for numerous events, singing on the radio, in groups, and in a gospel and barbershop quartet.

After graduating from high school, Harold attended Augsburg Lutheran College in Minneapolis. There he met Arlene Marie Hoard who would be his best friend and the love of his life for fifty-seven years. Marrying after their freshman year they started a family. With one year of college under his belt, Harold taught school in a one room North Dakota school house. They returned to Minnesota where he served three rural Methodist churches, dashing each Sunday from one congregation to another to deliver three sermons. Eventually Harold and Arlene made their way to Seattle where they bought their first home.

Despite the demands of a growing family, Harold held on to his dream of serving as a pastor. For eight years he worked full-time at the Navy Yard and Boeing while taking a few classes. In 1960 he graduated from Seattle Pacific College. In 1961 the family moved to Chicago where Harold would continue his education. He graduated from North Park Theological Seminary in 1965 with a Master of Divinity.

During thirty years of ministry Harold served Covenant churches in Seattle, Lake Stevens, Duluth MN, Kennewick, Redmond, Creston B.C., Ishpeming MI, and Lockport IL. After retiring in 1995 he served as Interim Pastor for congregations in Aberdeen, Tacoma, and Monroe.

Harold loved all Seattle sports teams and wore their jerseys proudly. He was happiest outdoors and in later years, rarely left home without a camera clutched in his hand. He had a love for camping, travelling and always finding a new adventure. He had a curious mind and sought new experiences and new knowledge. He was a compassionate pastor and had heart for the needs and suffering of others.

The greatest passion in Harold’s life was his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving and supportive father to six daughters. He had five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren who he cherished. In their many years together Harold and Arlene adored a myriad of cats and dogs who are almost certainly with them now.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene. He is survived by daughters Lynn Higbee (Larry, deceased), Kari Larsen, Roxanne Larsen Nelson (Mike), Diane Westbrook (Jim, deceased), Kristen Larsen (Chris Hardy) and Julianne Larsen (Alan Mitchell). He is also survived by a host of precious family and friends who carry his memory.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Harold’s name to The Food Pantry and General Store Clothes Closet that supports persons in need without cost.

The General Store and Food Pantry
Community United Methodist Church
130 Church Lane
Port Hadlock-Irondale, WA 98339