Obituary of Harold L. Larson

Harold was born to Swedish immigrants, Erick and Cora Larson, on March 19, 1938. He was baptized on April 13, 1941 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Tacoma. He grew up on Adams Street and was very proud of his Swedish heritage. Harold spent every waking hour playing baseball in the streets, sandlots, and Franklin Park. At Jason Lee and Stadium High School, Harold became known for his no-hit, no-run, pitching games. With Harold’s God-given talent, he put his heart and soul into pitching, which culminated in his senior year of high school when he received a contract to play with the St. Louis Cardinals professional baseball team. He was a 2004 Pierce County Hall of Fame inductee. Harold coached his son Jeff’s baseball team for many years, inspiring many boys with discipline and love of baseball, and enabling their consistent championship seasons. Harold’s exceptional drive and effort also enabled him to progress from entry level to area supervisor for Maryatt Industries (Cintas), from which he retired in 1994. Harold was deeply blessed with Helen’s faithful companionship, which included rides around town and trips to the Oregon Coast. Harold and Helen married at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Tacoma, in 1988 and renewed their wedding vows at home in 2009. Harold and Helen joined Mount Cross on May 22, 2004. Harold expressed constant gratitude for Helen’s devotion and loving care during his times of illness. Appropriately, Helen was with her beloved Harold when he passed away on June 3, 2011. Harold was very proud of all his children. His daughter Jennifer Cowcher, and son Jeff Larson preceded him in death. Harold’s brother Arnold also preceded him in death. Harold is survived by his daughter Karen (Ed) Arozarena, step-children, Dennis (Malinda) Mitton, Randy (Kris) Mitton, and Jennifer (Gary) Gonzalez, five grand-children, Liza Cooley, Ryan Cowcher, Joey Arozarena, and Alex and Natalie Larson, and many other step-grandchildren and step great-children. His brother Ray (Marilyn) Larson and sister Linda (Doug) Durant also survive him, as well as several nieces and nephews. Blessed be the memories of Harold L. Larson. Memorial service to be held 2:00 PM Saturday, July 9, 2011 at Mount Cross Lutheran Church, 8902 40th St. W., University Place, Washington. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center, 253-566-1008.