Larson, David L. (1926-2008)

LARSON, CHARLSON, HOLLAND, STEEVE, CAMPBELL, BONANNO, LINDAHL, ISVIK

Posted By: Colleen J. Ossman (email)
Date: 1/8/2009 at 14:13:59

South Hamilton Record News, Jewell, Iowa Oct 2008

David L. Larson, 82, passed away from lung cancer on Friday, October 17, 2008 at his home with his family at his side. He was born April 25, 1926 in Ellsworth, IA. He was the son of Oscar and Selma (Charlson) Larson.

He graduated from Drake University with a Degree in Music and Education. He taught in Iowa and in 1955 moved to Garden Grove, CA, where he was a music teacher at the local high school. He became involved with the Theater Associates of Orange County where he served as the orchestra director for many musicals. He later had his own dance band, "The Moonlighters". He was also involved in construction and did carpentry work at Disneyland prior to its opening. He crafted furniture and toys for his family and friends and designed and built homes.

In 1966 he moved his family to Escondido where he became the Vic-Principal at Orange Glen High School. He later transferred to San Marcos High School when the district split. He retired in 1981 as the Assistant Superintendant of Business Services and Transportation. He taught Blue-print reading at Palomar College. After his retirement he moved to Hawaii where he built three houses. He returned to Escondido in 1987 and was again involved in construction. When the project was over he then worked as a building inspector.

David was in the Army during WW II and served in Japan. He was a member of the VFW, Elks, Lions Club International, Toastmaster, and AFS. David was famous for his one-liners and they brought on much laughter. He enjoyed playing music for fun, cards, bowling, golf, motorcycle riding, and especially camping in his RV. He loved traveling around the USA visiting historical sites, cruising, family picnics, and his two great joys reading and listening to his old time music. He loved animals and talked to them. His pets love him. Although retired he was always ready to assist friends and family with projects.

He is survived by his wife Flo; daughters Georgeann (David) Holland, Debra (Rolf) Steeve, Royce (John) Campbell, Cathleen (Gary) Bonanno; sons David Larson, Mark (Rebecca) Larson, Fred Lindahl III, Gerald (Valentina) Lindahl; 12 grandchildren; two grea grandchildren; brother Clifton (Shirley) Larson; sister Beverly (Arling) Isvik; sister-in-law Esther Larson; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 31, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the Poway-Bernardo Mortuary Chapel in Poway. Interment will follow at Dearborn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to San Diego Hospice and Palliative Care, 4311 Third Street, San Diego, CA 92103-1407.