Remembering Jack L. Larson

Jack L. Larson 90, a lifelong resident of Fir Island passed away on Friday, April 18. Jack was born in Mount Vernon on May 2, 1934 to Lawrence and Gladys Larson. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in the class of 1952. He attended Western Washington University before entering the United States Army as part of the Alaska Communications Section. Jack began his career at the Washington State Transportation Department in 1961. Jack was a part of building what is now Interstate 5 in Seattle Washington.

After retiring from the Department of Transportation Jack continued to work as an inspector and head for several projects in Skagit County such as the Cook Road exit and the La Conner roundabout. 

On Oct. 28, 1961 Jack married his wife of 62 years Diane Stewart in Mount Vernon eventually moving to the family home on Fir Island in 1975. On Fir Island, Jack was dike commissioner for Dike District #22 for many years. 

During Jack’s retirement he found great joy in working his family farm. Jack also enjoyed travelling with his wife visiting the east coast of the US and Florida. Jack’s most memorable trips were going back to his father’s home village in Sweden and his mother’s family farm in Norway multiple times where he met cousins who still work on the family farm. Some of Jack’s favorite retirement years were spent attending his grandchildren’s sporting events where he always kept all their stats. 

Jack is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Richard and Robert Larson. Jack is survived by his wife Diane, three children Pam Alvord (Doug), Ken Larson (Kim), and Steve Larson and by grandchildren Jason, Erik and Scott Lindeman, Kyle and Cameron Larson, and Madilynn Larson. Jack also had five great-grandchildren Charlotte and Roger Lindeman, Livy and Leo Larson, and Brynlee Larson. 

A celebration will be held at 2 p.m. May 8 at The Vinery at Christenson’s Nursery at 15806 Best Rd., Mount Vernon, WA 98273.