North Logan, Utah: Ray Christian Larsen, 88, passed away on April 7, 2005 due to conditions associated with kidney failure.

He was born on January 14, 1917 in Greenville, Utah (now known as North Logan) to Oliver and Lenore Burns Larsen. He graduated from South Cache High School in 1936. He served most of his mission in Holland from 1938 to 1939. Then, because of the rumor of war and the start of WWII, he was sent back state side to finish in the North Central States Missions, headquartered in Minneapolis.

After a short stay at home, he was called to action through his National Guard Unit. Inducted to duty within 2 months from being home, it was time to leave again. His future was put on hold as he went to San Luis Obispo, CA, and then Hawaii for training and then on to Taiwan, Saipan and the South Pacific Theatre. He served as a First Class Private in Battery “C”, 145th field artillery from 1941 to 1945.

When he returned home, his father talked him into working with him at the University for a while. Then a job offer to work for the railroad in Ogden enticed him to move away again. After a short stay, he decided to come back and be closer to his family.

A new boom of mobile homes and their popularity, found him employed at the Anderson Coach Co. From 1958 to 1966. Doing various things as wiring, insulation, paneling, painting and trimming. As the industry slowed, hours were harder to come by and he again looked for work. This time finding employment in Ogden again, he went to work for the Ogden Defense Depot where he drove a forklift and was a storage Facilitator. He would travel back and forth to work from Logan and did so from 1966 to 1984, then he eventually retired after 22 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Merle Joy, and a nephew, Thomas Lynn Nielson. He is survived by his sisters, Margaret Jorgensen, Annie Fay Larsen, and Shirley Joan Nielson, along with all of his several nieces and nephews.

Ray practiced early to bed and early to rise, which proved beneficial to his work in Ogden. He was usually in bed by 8:30 PM and up at the crack of dawn at 4:30 AM. He was quick to tell a story, remembering names, places, times and events with ease. He enjoyed sports, his favorites were baseball, basketball and football. It seemed he never had a particular team as a favorite, but seemed to root for the underdog.

He was intrigued by modern transportation and mostly the evolution of the automobile, he was proud to have vehicles considered reliable. He was always willing to offer a ride to those in need. So busy, never finding time to marry, he remained single, always fearful that he would outlive his friends and buddies, this fear eventually came to pass. He was the oldest living member in his ward for a while.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethics, his love for the simple life, and his dedication to the care of his very large yard. For those that knew him, they will miss his remarkable sense of historic time lines and fascinating details to the stories he loved to tell. “We will miss you. We could always count on you and knew you would be there when we needed you”.

The family would like to express their appreciation and thanks to Dr. Salisbury, his assistant Louise Tobey, Dr. Callister, and their talented and caring staff members. Also, many thanks to the Hospice nurse, Rose Haslam and her staff.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 11, 2005 at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center St., in Logan. A viewing for friends and family will be on Sunday evening from 6 to 8 PM at the Allen-Hall Mortuary and prior to services at the mortuary from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery.