Larsh Kellogg Bristol 1952-2006

KELLOGG, BRISTOL

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 9/12/2006 at 20:14:31

Larsh Bristol

Larsh K. Bristol, 54, of Waukon, IA, died in an automobile accident late Friday night, Aug. 11, 2006, near his Mississippi River home at Heytman's Landing, rural Lansing, IA. Friends may gather and greet Larsh's family from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 and, as Larsh himself would most enjoy, there will be a time to share memories and stories of his life at 7 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Larsh Kellogg Bristol was born May 2, 1952 in Waukon, the son of James D. and Jeanne "Kelly" (Kellogg) Bristol. He graduated from Waukon High School in 1970 and attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie, where he received a degree in journalism in 1974. Larsh's career in journalism and photography began as a cub reporter on the daily newspaper in Las Vegas, NV and morphed into one huge exciting adventure.

These are just a few of the highlights: mountain ski rescues in the Teton Mountains while working on the paper in Jackson, WY; starting a local newspaper and photography studio higher up the mountains in Alpine, WY; jumping (with skis on) from helicopters with dynamite in his backpack in the search for oil deposits in the mountains and then skiing quickly down the slopes ahead of the resulting explosions; river adventure outfitter on the Snake River; living in the bunkhouse and riding with Wyoming cowboys to round up the immense herds of free-ranging cattle around Sheridan, WY; opening another photography studio and gallery in Sheridan; eventually leaving the wild west for his abiding love of the rivers, woods, bluffs, fields and vistas of northeast Iowa and the entire Upper Mississippi River Valley.

He continued his photography career and photo essays, beautifully illustrated in his books, "Iowa, Simply Beautiful", "Iowa, Simply Beautiful II" and "Iowa Impressions". His love of the natural artistry of light and texture and natural forms was legendary among all who saw his work.

But he also continued his life of many interests and high adventure. Motorcycling, kayaking, playing golf and raising horses on his farm in Waukon were just a few of his interests, as well as trips to Belize and Guatemala, documenting the residents there and the beauty of their civilizations.

His zest for life and all of life's experiences shared with others through his camera lenses and through his charm and laughter earned him the friendship of people around the country and the respect of all of his colleagues.

Survivors include his father, James D. Bristol of Waukon; his sister, Kappy K. Bristol of Los Angeles, CA; and cousins David and Rob Miller of Evansville, IN, Bill Seiler of McPherson, KS, Jim Seiler of Overland Park, KS and Paul L. Kellogg of Las Vegas, NV. He is preceded in death by his mother Kelly, who died in 1995.

Waukon Standard, August 16, 2006
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Weekend Traffic Accident Near Lansing Claims Two Lives.

A single-vehicle accident near Lansing in the early morning hours of Saturday, Aug. 12 claimed the lives of two occupants within the vehicle. Although the identities of the two victims have not officially been released due to the destructive nature of the crash, reports and actions of family members and close friends confirm that the victims were well-known area photographer Larsh Bristol, age 54, of Waukon and Lorraine Fullerton, age 48, of Decorah.

A preliminary accident report from the Allamakee County Sheriff's Office stated that at approximately 12:13 a.m. Saturday, the vehicle Bristol and Fullerton were traveling westbound in on Lafayette Ridge Road was traveling at a high rate of speed and failed to negotiate a curve near an intersection with Whalen Hill Road, approximately four miles south of Lansing. The vehicle slid into the ditch and struck an embankment, causing the vehicle to burst into flames. Efforts to officially identify the two victims were ongoing as of press time Tuesday morning, Aug. 15.

The accident remains under investigation by the Allamakee County Sheriff's Office and the Iowa State Patrol.

Obituary information has been provided to The Standard for Bristol and appears on Page 5 of this week's issue.

Waukon Standard, August 16, 2006