LT. COL. WILLIAM "BILL" LARSON USAF (RET.)
William "Bill" Larson, 87, died Tuesday, Dec. 15.
William "Bill" Larson, 87, died Tuesday, Dec. 15.
William was born in Duluth, Minn. He spent 28 years in the Air Force from 1943 to 1971, moved many times in his career and was a veteran of three wars: World War II, Korean, and Vietnam Wars. He flew 33 missions in World War II as a radio operator in a B-17. He eventually was in charge of over 445 men as Chief of Maintenance for computer repair at Norad in Colorado Springs. After retiring, he achieved his BS degree and taught industrial arts students for two and a half years. He then sponsored over fifty Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees for five years and taught English as a second language. Prestigious awards include the Air Force Commendation Medal for outstanding work at Norad and also the U.S. Health and Gift of Hope award for outstanding volunteer work. Ward's passion was his bicycling, riding over 53,259.07 miles through Colorado, Kansas, Australia, Minnesota and Missouri, equivalent of 2 times around the earth.
He is survived by his wife, Gladys Larson; his brother, James Larson; three children, Paula Layher, David Larson, and Julie Newman; his seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Ward had a strong and personable relationship with God and was a committed Christian. He was loved by all who knew him and was a wonderful father and husband.
MEMORIAL SERVICES: 2 p.m. Saturday, January 5, 2013 at the Shrine of Remembrance "America the Beautiful" Chapel. A reception will follow services at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 South Union Boulevard. In lieu of flowers or food, please send donations to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, 1663 Steele Street, Suite 607, Denver, Colorado 80206. Online Condolences: ShrineOfRemembrance.com
Tags: obituaries
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