Obituary: Terry Larson

Terry Roger Larson of Glen Ellen, Calif., passed away peacefully on Friday Aug. 21, 2020.

A memorial service was held on September 21 via Facebook Live through the Faith Lutheran Church of Santa Rosa.

He was born to Roger and Lorraine Larson on June 15, 1946, in New Rockford, N.D. He grew up in Bremen, and moved to Valley City in 1959. In 1963 he moved with his parents to California. He met his true love, Karen Fawcett, in Santa Rosa. The two were married in 1967 while Terry served in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Gaeta Italy, aboard the U.S.S. Little Rock. Terry and Karen were an amazing team who worked together to build a wonderful life for themselves and their two children, David and Valerie.

One of Terry's greatest joys was making music. He sang and played the electric and stand-up bass in several bands, including Homemade Jamm and The Sonoma Mountain Band. Terry became a psychiatric technician and worked at Napa State Hospital and later became a registered nurse in 1976, serving the residents of the Sonoma Developmental Center for more than 35 years. He also served as a nurse consultant for Lifehouse of Marin County for 29 years.

Terry was a member of the Empire Sports Car Association, auto crossing his 1969 MGB, and later racing his Tesla, the first electric car in the ESCA club. Terry built his family home in Glen Ellen, in 1978. This was the first owner-built geodesic home in Sonoma County. Here he and Karen raised their two children, worked hard, had a lot of fun and enjoyed their retirement.

Terry enjoyed backpacking and camping with his co-workers, family and friends. He could always be counted on because he was always prepared for anything. He could fix anything, build anything, and was a patient teacher and mentor to many. He was known for his gentle wisdom, his kindness, his music, and his willingness to help others.

Terry is survived by his wife Karen; son David; daughter Valerie Wolfe (Matt); and his two granddaughters Annika and Maggie. He is also survived by his brother Keith (Libbie); sister Julie Bogue (George) and many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Faith Lutheran Church.