Richard A. Larson

Wolfeboro, NH – Richard Larson (Dick), 93, of Sugar Hill Retirement Community died peacefully at home with his daughter at his side on August, 6, 2013. Born in Chicago on November 14, 1919 he was the son of Charles and Clara (Nies) Larson. Growing up during the Depression years, Dick thought college was not to be. His high school math teacher encouraged him to apply and helped him receive a full academic scholarship at Armour Institute (now Illinois Institute of Technology), making him the first in his family to attend college. He continued to work in his father’s printing business, played football, captained the swim team, and was president of his fraternity for two years while carrying a full-load of engineering courses. After graduating from college in 1941, Dick began his career with General Electric in the manufacturing and engineering training program. This was interrupted by enlistment in the Navy during World War II. Because he was color-blind, he was dismayed that he could not go to sea to serve his country. However, there was an upside to being stationed in Oakland, California as he met “the love of his life”, Janet Kirby, there. They were married in her parents’ home on Mothers’ Day 1945 in Kansas City, MO. When the war ended, Dick resumed his career with GE and Dick and Jan spent most of their time in Schenectady, NY; Caracas, Venezuela; and Pittsfield, MA. Dick retired in 1982 as Support Material Manager in the Ordnance Division at the end of the Trident Missile I Program. He and Jan moved to their vacation home at Eastman, in Grantham, NH where they enjoyed an active life and Dick golfed, skied and played tennis. They moved to Sugar Hill as Jan’s eye-sight failed and to be closer to family. Dick was always actively involved in his community. He served on many committees at church and was a long-time and frequent soloist in the choir. He was a fund-raiser and served on the boards of several social service programs, was an avid gardener, and loved music, especially symphony, opera, and Big Band. However, his greatest love was for his family. Dick was predeceased by “one, special lady” in August, 2002. He is survived by his son, David Larson of Burlington, VT; daughter, Carol Hounsell and her husband, Douglas, of Gilford, NH and their two children, Christopher Douglas of Tahoe City, CA and Kirby Elizabeth of Boston, MA. One of Dick’s greatest joys was being able to attend their college graduations and to watch them move on into adult life. There will be a celebration of Dick’s life on August 23, 2013 at 11:00 in Anderson Hall (Brewster Academy) Wolfeboro, NH. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to: Central New Hampshire VNA and Hospice, 780 North Main St. Laconia, NH 03246 or to the New Hampshire Association for the Blind, 25 Walker St. Concord, NH 03301. Baker-Gagne Funeral Home & Cremation Service is handling arrangements.