Richard Carl Larson was surrounded by family as he went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017.
Richard was born Jan. 27, 1933 to Carl and Nora (Miller) Larson. He had one sister, Billie. Richard graduated from Nooksack Valley High School. After graduation he worked various short-term jobs before being employed at Georgia-Pacific for six years.
Richard married his high school sweetheart, Karen Dahlgren, on Nov. 17, 1951. Together they had six children. Richard was a lifelong member and longtime treasurer and deacon at Sumas Advent Christian Church.
In 1961 he had the opportunity to take over the family dairy where he raised Holstein cows and kids. Richard became a part of the Pay Pack Club, a group of Sumas farmers who bought farm equipment together, sharing the cost. He was on the area Rural Water Board for many years.
After retirement, Richard enjoyed family get-togethers, traveling, fishing, golfing and going on morning walks and for coffee with his Sumas friends. He was known for being loyal, loving and always hopeful.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Nora Larson; sister Billie (Larson) Van Diest; and brother-in-law Jim Van Diest.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Karen; children Debra (Stephen) Jones, Dick (Barbara) Larson, David (Carmen) Larson, Diane (Jeff) Bolin, Sally (Tom) Marion and Dennis (JoAnne) Larson; 24 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, in Sumas Advent Christian Church with Carl Crouse officiating. Memorials may be sent to the Sumas Advent Christian Church, 125 Front St., or your favorite charity.
You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
