Lee Larson, 94, passed away on April 3, 2013 in Portland, Oregon. He
was born on January 30, 1919, in Seattle, Washington. He was raised
there and attended the University of Washington, graduating with a
Bachelor of Science degree. He then served his country during WWII
with the U.S. Army Air Corps in the Aleutian Islands. After the war,
Lee began his career as a high school teacher and counselor. He also
joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves, retiring as a Major after 20 years
in 1967.
Lee married Ruth (Olson) on April 4, 1943. They have shared 70
wonderful and supportive years of marriage together. Lee was well
recognized as a great role model, and also as a loving husband and
father. He was very attentive and respectful to his family and all
those around him. He spent 35 years in secondary education, including
10 as a math and science teacher in Burlington, WA and 25 as a teacher
and head counselor at Benson HS in Portland. Lee was also a very
active leader in the Covenant Church. He enjoyed staying in touch with
both young people and adults, and was never “stuck in a decade”. He
always made sure to listen, understand, and often learn from the
people around him, no matter their ages.
Lee is survived by his wife, Ruth Larson, of Portland; children Robert
Larson of Portland, Christy Fair of Gig Harbor, WA, James Larson of
Happy Valley, and David Larson of Albany; as well as 8 grandchildren
and 8 great-grandchildren. Lee will be laid to rest privately at
Forest Lawn Cemetery in Gresham, and a memorial service will be held
on Tuesday April 9, 2013 at 1:30pm at Powell Valley Covenant Church in
Gresham.