On Your Birthday

John, a few of us met at your grave site for your birthday, where we celebrated some of the things we love about you. We missed you and wished you could have been there with us...maybe you were. :)




Love,
Ben

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to you, you live in a zoo, you smell like a monkey, and you look like one too.

Happy Birthday John,

I remember you singing that to me before. I wish I could be in Phoenix with the rest of the family to celebrate your Birthday, but I can't. So I am sure like many others I will be thinking of you and all the rest you left behind today. I miss you allot.

Love Kaylyn

Celebrating Our Brother John

(If you have a slow internet like mine, you may want to push play & then pause, let the movie load, then watch. It's much better than starting & stopping. I also suggest clicking on full screen. Enjoy!)

Today would have marked 32 years for you, John, and so in honoring you, this video celebrates all the good you have brought our family over the years. Because your birthday is on the 25th of August, it was often overlooked by the excitement or dread of the first day of school and the hustle & bustle of back to school shopping. So this year I wanted to do something special for you to prove that I remembered.
I remember last year all you wanted for your birthday was to see your little Megan's first day of Kindergarten and somehow you miraculously managed to get leave so you could be there. This year for your birthday we are all wishing for you to be here with us and although you physically can't be, maybe again you will miraculously manage to get a short leave so that you can. We love you and are grateful for the covenants that bind us eternally as a family. Happy birthday!

Happy Fathers Day

I wish John was here this Fathers Day. John’s kids love him so much and I know John loved his kids too. This memorials day we all went to John’s grave site together. Joshua was climbing all over John’s grave. We were about to have him stop when someone said, "Joshua always climbed all over John and John loved it." We all paused for a moment and thought John probably wouldn’t mind a bit that his kids were once again climbing all over him. I am so happy to have had such a great brother who was a great dad also. I love his kids and I am so happy that I also have Lila in our family. Happy Fathers Day!

Thinking of You...

We went to San Diego 2 weeks ago and I wanted to make a beautiful sand sculpture in honor of you. But the wind was so strong that MaryKate could hardly breath. I think she's a little young to enjoy the beach, but I think in November at our Larson family New Port Beach reunion I will hold the first Annual John Larson Sand Sculpture Competition. I wish you could be there to show our neices and nephews the ropes, but I'll try my best.
On the way home I took a turn driving so James could get some homework done. As I drove I got so scared in the canyons on the windy turns with Semi trucks all around me. I could hardly breath and then I imagined you... I thought, "If John is allowed to be here with me I know he will be. He can guard and protect my little family from harm. With the thought of you as my invisible shield or lineman blocking for me, I relaxed and was able to make it through safe and sound. Thank you for the peace.

"If we can see, by the enlightening influence of the Spirit of God and through the words that have been spoken by the holy prophets of God, beyond the veil that separates us from the spirit world, surely those who have passed beyond, can see more clearly through the veil back here to us than it is possible for us to see to them from our sphere of action.

I believe we move and have our being in the presence of heavenly messengers and of heavenly beings. We are not separated from them. We begin to realize more and more fully, as we become acquainted with the principles of the gospel, as they have been revealed anew in this dispensation, that we are closely related to our kindred, to our ancestors, to our friends and associates and co-laborers who have preceded us into the spirit world. We cannot forget them; we do not cease to love them; we always hold them in our hearts, in memory, and thus we are associated and united to them by ties we cannot break . . . .

(They) can see us better than we can see them-- . . . they know us better than we know them. They have advanced; we are advancing; we are growing as they have grown; we are reaching the goal that they have attained unto; and therefore, I claim that we live in their presence, they see us, they are solicitous for our welfare, they love us now more than ever.”

-Joseph F. Smith, (Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1971, pp. 430-431)

Elder Bronson Titus

This is Elder Bronson Titus,
Elder Tim Salisbury and I lived with the Larsons in 1980. These are a few pictures that I had. I really don't remember which one is John. Seems like he was the younger blond son. What a wonderful family. I was talking with Elder Salisbury, (Dawn Buck told me about John) and we have been touched by this tragic event. We had soo much fun in North Phoenix. It was our favorite area. The Larson Family were the best. I wanted to type something profound to express my feelings but I won't. I will say, however, that I am so grateful for our soldiers and in particular John Larson. I am free, my family is free today because of the sacrifices of our solders and their families. I'm soo sorry to hear about your loss and I am soo grateful for you willingness to fight for freedom. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I will always love the Larson's.

A few of Becky's memories

My memories of John…
John was born 15 months before me, so since I can remember I was always tagging along with him. I wanted to be just like him. I went everywhere he went and did everything he did. He was so patient and kind about it too. He even let me follow him to the bathroom. I was so mad that mom wouldn’t let me stand like John when I went to the bathroom.

One time I wanted to be in a ninja club with him and my older siblings. John voted me to be in it, but the majority voted me out. I didn’t get to be in it. I was so sad. John comforted me and always would remind me that he wished I could go with him into the secret meetings in Ben’s room.
John would take care of me.

I remember countless times that he took the blame for me. One specific time, I took some of the cookies Mom had made for visiting teaching. Mom was mad because baking cookies without burning them while taking care of eight kids was quite the task. She lined all us kids up and told us we couldn’t leave until we told her who did it. The older kids were getting mad because no one would fess up, and they had places to go. John knew I took the cookies, but he told my mom he did it so I wouldn’t get in trouble and the older kids could go.

One of my favorite memories of John was going to swim lessons every summer. We went through every class they had waiting for Kathy to learn to swim. It was always fun being in his classes. We had a good time swimming, daring each other to do crazy tricks of the high dive, and playing around (probably a little to much). One time one of our teachers had a huge booger by his nose. We were laughing all class about it, but wouldn’t tell him why we were laughing. A parent told him about it at the end of class. We called the teacher some name like boogey the rest of the summer.

John and I played outside with the cul-de-sac clan any time we could. We played spaceship in our olive tree. Kathy would have her quarters at the first branch. I was a little higher up, but John was the bravest, and he was always at the top.

We played at the Kaufold’s all the time. Usually Jimmy and John played in Jimmy’s room and Elaine, Kathy, and I in Elaine’s room. However, every now and then we would go in the back yard together and have GI Joes save the barbies. The boys would pretend that someone would try to hurt our barbies, then they would have to start a war to defend us. The rest of the time they sat on one side of the back yard fighting. We were on the other side preparing for them to come home.

In the Wendt’s backyard, we would have dance contests. Danny Brown usually one because he was the judge, but one time John one. I was so proud that my brother could beat Danny. John wasn’t that great of dancer back then, but over the years he became a good dancer. He learned to swing and move girls around the dance floor pretty smoothly.

When John was determined to do something he did it. Whether it was Jumping a picnic table on rollerblades, kissing 10 girls in one day, or Marring the girl he fell in love with before he had to go back to Texas, he made it happen. One time when we were kids, he was determined to ride the sit and spin longer and faster than all of us kids in the Wendt’s back yard. We all took our turns. Then John got on. He went so fast and so long. He beat us all by a long shot. We were all amazed. He stood up proud, smiled, and then turned around and puked his guts up. I learned then that it didn’t matter what it took, if John wanted to do something, he did it.

One memory I have, John and I became notorious for. We had to stay at the table and finish dinner. Everyone else was done, and mom had to go somewhere, so we where there by ourselves. We didn’t like the squash. However, we found that the squash was good for something. If you mixed it with the spaghetti, it helped the spaghetti stick to the wall very well. The brand new wall paper my mom had just put up that day was covered in our spaghetti/ squash mixture. My mom was a little mad, to say the least. She kicked us out of the house and told us we would have to sleep in the back yard until we promised to clean the wall. We were determined to live out there the rest of our lives. But when it got dark, we decided we would rather face Mom than the wild animals that come out at night. The wall never came clean. My mom left it up for years and it always made for a good story when company asked about it.

John was the best brother you could have as a teenager. He was the most fun, craziest, kindest guy around. Everyone loved him. Because of that he had the largest circle of friends, and he included me in it. Every weekend we were together doing some big group date or activity. It was awesome. John was the life of the party. I am grateful he let me tag along.

John always included everyone. He didn’t like anyone feeling left out. He always made a special effort to make everyone feel special. I think that is why all of my friends and almost every girl I knew fell in love with him, or at least kissed him.

John had a way with people. He could make anyone smile, and if within five minutes of talking to John a stranger felt like John was there long lost best friend. One time, we were staying at a beach house in Mexico. We were down at the beach. The guy at neighboring house was down there too. I said hi. He just looked at me like with this grumpy look. I thought he was scary. John started talking to him. In two minutes they were laughing together. He ended up being real nice. John was that way. He brought out the best in people. He made them feel good about themselves. I was jealous of his ability to see people for the good in them, and how he could bring it out.

Another example of John’s ability to make friends easily with people is when John came to visit me in Tucson. He took my kids and his to the zoo. I had always wanted to feed the Giraffes at the zoo, but I was never there in time. I would ask a zoo keeper if there was any way we could feed them. They would tell me, “If you come at the right time, you can.” Well when John started talking to one of the zoo keepers, the guy was instantly a friend to him. He took John not only to feed the Giraffe, but into the Giraffe enclosure where the zoo keepers feed them. He worked magic with people.

John was able to work magic with people because he truly loved them. He loved serving them. He would do anything he could to help. I still want to be more like him. Unfortunately I can’t follow him around everywhere he goes anymore, but I can still try to emulate all of his amazing qualities. I love him. I will miss him greatly, and my kids will miss their "Crazy Uncle John".

Pondering - by Sarah Bradshaw

You know those moments? Those heart-wrenchingly painful moments when you hear of a tragedy that changes your life? A moment that, though it is personal to you because you knew the person, it is more personal to those you love--to those who were related to and loved that individual as only family does?

This week we had one of those moments. And I started thinking about the pain and sorrow that human beings suffer—especially those left behind—the questions, the guilt, the anger, the fear, the excruciating sadness. Oh, that sadness. My heart hurts for those I love. (It hurts for those I don’t know, too.)

Remember the shortest verse in the Bible? John 11:35? Jesus wept. Jesus wept because his friends, Mary and Martha, were mourning over the death of their brother. Jesus wept because he recognized their pain and had perfect empathy. Jesus wept, though he knew he would call Lazarus forth out of the tomb within minutes. Jesus wept, and because he did, we can know that he empathizes with us in our pain. He felt it like we feel it. And so we can turn to him for comfort.

I hope that as I see (and hear of) pain and anguish around me, I can be better at “mourning with those that mourn,” and “comforting those that stand in need of comfort.” Even if it is just to say, “I’m sorry that happened.” And I hope that when it is my turn to mourn in that deeply personal way (and that time comes to all on this earth), that those around me will offer the same.

It’s strange, though, isn’t it? That in order to feel the joy, we have to feel the pain? That darn opposition in all things. How thankful I am for it, though. I am thankful that I feel discouragement and delight and hurt and happiness and sorrow and joy. Because that means I am human. And that I am alive.

To the Larson family—all of you. We love you and are thinking of you and praying for you.

(Originally posted here.)

The Funeral pic.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:3,4)

During this hard time we were blessed with comfort. I am so greatful for great family and friends. Here are some of the pic. right after John's funeral.

Memories of my big brother John

I wish I could tell John how much I loved him and how great of a brother he has been, but because I can't I will tell you all he was one of the best brothers. I am lucky to be born into a family of three great sisters and four amazing brothers. I love them all and have a special place in my heart for each one of them. My heart aches for John that he is not with me, but it rejoices to know that because of Christ I can be reunited with my brother John again.

• When I would ask what he was doing in the army he always would respond, The guys and I are holding hands and singing kumbaya. No one could ever get a straight answer.
• John was a great big brother and a good protector. One time my other brother got in a fight with me in the car. We were both yelling at each other, I think I even started it. John pulled the car over. It was really late and he told my brother to get out of the car. He said no one ever yelled at his younger sister especially family. This meant a lot. He picked my other brother back up once he calmed down and talked to him and showed lots of love to both of us. He never let anything happen to me or our family. He had a calming fun and loving effect on all of us.
• I wrote John in Iraq. I would spend an hour decorating the letter and then start writing in it, After I had sent him a couple of these letters he told me he loved them but that he had to destroy them. He said he did not want anybody getting a hold of family information and harming me. So he would “self destruct the letters in minutes after he read them.” He would burn them. He said to think of my letters as if I was writing top secret messages. It was fun but I couldn’t believe he burnt all of them. I love how even across the world he was trying to protect me, our country, and our family.
• John thought he was every race to mankind.  He would have a joke for every race, white, black, brown, or blue (It did not matter). I love when he would say, “Do you hate me because I am black?”- Hey my sister from another mister, Hey my brother from another mother” , When he felt Mexican he would tell me all these jokes and then say, “When you mess with one bean you mess with the whole burrito.” He loved the Tongan people. Any chance he could get talking or eating with them he would take it.
• He was very supportive of my work. I became a nurse almost a year ago. When I would work my three days in a row and then drive home he would talk to me for the whole hour till I was safely home. I would tell him he did not have to but he did not want me to fall asleep. He would ask how my night was dealing out drugs. (John would also say is, “So that brings me to my next point… Don’t smoke crack”. Or he would say “Don’t do drugs”) Some days we would not have a lot happening so he would look up top 100 movies and music on line and sing and quote the movies. His fav. To quote was Billy Madison and 3 Amigos. “Can I have your watch when you are dead.” “Shampoo is better ….no conditioner is better.”

• He would drop anything and give everything on a minute’s notice. One time I was having a hard time in school. He said I would do much better if I had a planner so I would not be so stressed. My family was all out of town but next thing I know John had drove from Phoenix to Mesa and was at my door to take me to Franklin Planner (where he used to work one time). He paid for the planer even when I insisted to pay for it. He didn’t have a lot of money at the time but he wanted to give it to me for my house warming gift. He did lots of service for everyone not just for me. He took Phillip, Darren, and me to fix my Grandma’s toilet.

• He also was one of the first ones to meet Darren because Darren and John were helping David move into his house. I wasn’t even dating Darren at the time and John was really cool about it. He just talked about riding a motorcycle and tearing his ACL when ridding it. The next time after we were married and went up to our cabin to help my Aunt and Uncle fix the floor John was crazy but by that time Darren was married to me so what could Darren do!!! J/K Darren loved John. We heard some of the best Jokes on that ride with John, Phillip, Darren and me crunched into that car. When we went to KFC and John thinking he was black again.

• I loved the picnics he took me on. He would have little sister- brother dates with me when I was younger. He would take me to the parks and have a lunch and play games with me. One date he took me to the wedge because I begged him to teach me to rollerblade. He rented me skates and when I tried to go down the hill where everyone skated I was too scared so I walked on the grass and scooted on my bum down the hill. I was a chicken but he pulled me along and helped me skate. That was the only time I rollerbladed till I was in college. I loved to be with everyone that John loved. I remember John letting me hang out with all of his friends and the girls he liked. Except he did tell me to stop crawling all over his guy friends. His friends were like my brothers. Gary was in our reclining chair more than any one in our family.

• He was a great dad to his kids. When I told him I was sending a letter to him he would ask if I had sent letters to his daughter. I never was good at sending her one too but he thought of them always first. Him and his children would light up when they saw each other. He would be exhausted from his leave from the army and yet he would take his kids and hang out with them. I loved that he got a tricycle custom painted like a chopper. Just a normal tricycle would not do. He had to go above and beyond. He took Megan on dates like he did for me when I was younger. He was a good date.

• Speaking of Dates, John set the standard. All my brothers are romantics and love fun group dates. Ben even made me a book of good ideas. Phillip doubled with me on my first date but who could not grow up wanting to go on dates like John did. He was my role model for dating. I did not kiss like he did, but I did try out some of the date ideas. Some that I never did that were way cool was that he went to Disney Land, also the full body suits that had booties and all that they painted for each other, and the industrial cellophane that he would wrap the girls in. He would have them hold a rose and then would wrap them head to toe in it before they knew what was going on. Then he would go through the whole date with them wrapped. How funny. The girls must have liked him a lot to let him take them out in public like that. As I grew up I tried to be like him and plan creative dates.

• He hated to write, so on his mission he drew me pictures. For his Christmas in Australia he had drawn me a Santa Clause in red swim shorts diving, and across the top said merry Christmas from Down Under. I liked the drawings as much as the writing. In Iraq I would write him and then he would call me. He hated writing and reading. He was the one who introduced books on CD and ipod to me. I got into the Harry Potter ones. Now every time I go to work I like popping a new book in and listening to it. However I like more girlie books and he liked Science fiction.  Also the first book over 100 pages I read was the Light in The Attic, because that was his fav. And he had it with us on a vacation to Utah. He let me read it all the way back home. He sang a few of the poems for us.

• John’s nick name for me was Nins or ninners my dad started calling me ninnies which to this day I did not know that was a real word. (Dad I was curious if it meant any thing to my surprise the definition of ninny is: A fool) You guys are so fired!

• I loved the velociraptor and John was real good at the snake he could attack you from the back or the front.

• John had any tool and knew how to use it. For someone who hated to read he sure read a lot of manuals. He knew a lot of random things and when ever anybody needed things fixed he knew what to do. Man has any one looked at my parent’s house. It is over 35 years old and it looks better than it has ever looked. Thanks John for keeping it up and thanks Phillip. Phillip was a big help.

• John could convince people to do things. He told everyone how great Skype is. Everyone in my family got it. I was one of the last ones to pick it up. A couple of weeks ago I got it. I never got to talk to him with it but I hope I will still get to use it with my family. I agree with John it is pretty cool.

• John came to a lot of things of mine like band concerts (I played trumpet because John did and he gave me his trumpet) and tennis. He came to Darren’s graduation. He was one of the only ones to come and support Darren in his all you can eat wing eating contest. Boy did he cheer. Thanks Phillip for trying to make it. In my journal all the time I said oh John was here today. I did not say what we did a lot because he came around a lot. I remember him as a ward missionary when I was in high school and how good he was and how he served a lot of people.

• John always was chewing on something. He always had a toothbrush with a pick on the end in high school. I don’t know if he carried it with him just because he liked a clean mouth or if it was to be prepared for a clean mouth to kiss girls on a moment’s notice.

• John was busy when he got into the army. If you wanted to see him you had to do what he was doing. Right before he went to Iraq I remember Darren and I went to hang out with him and lucky for us he taught us how the army folded their clothes. Once I got the hang of it we were able to do the rest of his clothes. At the time I couldn’t believe he was making me fold his clothes for him, but looking back I am happy I could help before he left and I am happy I got to spend that time with him.

• Again he came back from Iraq and he begged for me to come to Phoenix and see him. I was working the next day and we were visiting other family. But because it was not every day that I got to see John I went to Encanto Park. I only saw him for 15 minutes and then this girl came and he ran off with her, while he had us watch the kids. I was a little mad because I came all the way down for that. Then later that night he came back and introduced us again to that girl… That girl was Lila (his new wife). I am so happy that he had me come and see him. That was the last time I saw him. He was so happy. I wouldn’t have traded those 15min. for anything.
Thoughts

I love John and I can see a lot of other people did too. I am so grateful I had such a great brother and I hope I can be more like him. I remember he was not always perfect but he knew what was right. I got married young and he one time told me to not make the mistakes he did and to pray for Darren and me in our own prayers every night of our marriage. As my big brother I wanted him to also be happy. I was so happy when he found Lila and things worked out. He would call me and tell me how great she was after they were married and how much he loved her. She loved John for all that he was. What a blessing it is to have her in our family now. I am so happy we have Megan and Joshua. They are the cutest kids ever. I hope they know I am praying for them and I love them so much. I am grateful for all the people here that came and supported me and my family. I love reading all the other memories of John because I forgot some of those things which made me laugh and really touched me.

Last I would like to say John I can’t wait to put my arms around you after this life is over for me and tell you how proud I am to have you as an older brother. I hope are you are doing well there! Thanks for all the good times. I love you so much. Till then rest in peace my fav. Brother named John :-) .

John's Life Story given at his funeral by his father

John was born August 25, 1978. He was the fourth child in the family, with 2 brothers and a sister waiting for him at home. He came home in a new AMC Pacer. John was a good and healthy baby. In a year and two months, John’s sister Becky was born and John left the baby stage and became a faithful brother who always watched out for his younger siblings.

John showed quickly that he was on who liked action. His first word was not momma or dada, but BATMAN.

It did not take the AMC Pacer long before it had problems. The hatch back broke and fell and hit John on the forehead and cut his forehead. I took him to get stitches at the emergency center. The doctor told him it would hurt, but to stay still John got the shot in the forehead without moving or crying. I have never seen a child any braver that John.

John loved to play with other children. When John was four we went as a family down to San Carlos Mexico and saw a friend of mine. Her husband and children spoke only Spanish, so our children could not communicate with their children. However John started playing with Gaby and asked to stay. He stayed most of the day and was sad to go. We were told John communicated fine and even picked up some Spanish words. John always seemed to pick up languages quickly, as he spoke English, Spanish and Tongan and some Arabic.

When we would have family prayers at night and it was John’s turn to say the prayer, he would bless the Boy Scouts, because he so loved scouting.

When John got in school, he was tested for project potential and was found that he was brilliant. He loved his friends in school and did not enjoy school work, as he would rather play with his friends.

John had a fascination for anything that had wheels. He loved his big wheel. When his older brothers cub scout pack had a bike rodeo, John loved riding his big wheel and going so fast. He loved riding bikes and then roller blades. John one day started digging a hole in the back yard. He then rode his bike through it. Then he filled it with water and rode his bike through it. Then he got his brothers and friends excited about riding their bikes through it. Soon they were all digging and we had by evening a BMX course with water hazards in our large back yard. This was quite a surprise to me when I saw it, but John was so proud of it.

John was good in sports because he was very coordinated. He played little league baseball and soccer. However he loved roller blading even more.

John loved doing things with his friend Jimmy Kaufhold, such as building forts, doing spook houses, playing Ninja Turtles and being part of an exclusive Ninja club organized by his older brother Ben.

John loved the outdoors. He loved going on father and son’s campouts and going on scout outings. John loved being courageous when he would go on outings. He especially thought it was great jumping off cliffs or dams. Once David saw him jump off seven springs dam with his arm in a cast.

John excelled at scouting. He quickly earned his merit badges and did his eagle project. He chose a project to fix up and paint a blighted house in a very tough neighborhood in south Phoenix. The brothers of the owner had guns out protecting us as the evening started. John hated writing up his project, but with the encouragement of Dave Marcotte, did it and received the highest rank of Eagle Scout. I am very proud of John.

John was known for his creative dating and many girls enjoyed being with him. Becky’s friends all wanted to meet and get to know John.

John was amazingly quick. When we were preparing for Ben’s reception in S. Dakota, John was about 12 feet above on a truss, hanging lights. As Becky was near an industrial fan, her hair was caught in the exposed fan belt and pulley. It was pulling her hair out, but John jumped down and ran across the room and unplugged the fan, as I was next to Becky and had not even realized the problem. John saved Becky from having terrible consequences that could have happened, had John not been so quick. I was amazed at John’s abilities, which were way beyond mine.

When John was a senior, it was hard to decide what he wanted to become. He lost interest in school until he could decide what to do. He went and worked with his Uncle Phil Larson, where he decided to go on a mission. He also worked in Alaska with his cousins, where he learned to work long hard hours. John did not mind hard work. John finished high school with a GED and went onto college.

John received a mission call to go to Sydney, Australia. He enjoyed his mission, especially when the mission was missing a Tongan speaking elder, so John became a Tongan speaking elder. He learned the language, love the culture because it was what was like, a very giving and loving people. The Tongans felt John was too skinny, so they fed him a lot and he went from about 140 to near 200 pounds on his mission. He also said that while playing rugby with the Tongans he had never run so fast as to have a bunch of big Tongans chase a skinny white boy. John had a great love for Tongans, in fact, when he came back from his mission, when Tongans were around, John would always stop and talk to them in their native language. John even cam home from his mission in a lava-lava.

John married his sweet heart that waited for him from his mission, Kristi Kay Haggard. They had two children, first Megan Marie Larson and then Joshua John Larson. Because John did so well in college, he was admitted to BYU where he studied Civil Engineering for two years. Then he came back to Arizona and attended ASU. He also worked at RBF in engineering and found he did not like it, because it was quite boring. He enjoyed plumbing, so he took classes, joined the union, and did a lot of the very specialized plumbing at Intel. As the depression came, he found that there were fewer jobs for plumbers. His friend Jason talked to him about joining the military with him. John who always believed in honor and country and loved scouting and was so alert and quick, the Army seemed a great match. John was already 28 years old and would be 29 while in basic training, but he got in shape and did it. He loved the Army and we are so proud of our Army son. Laura and David took his daughter, Megan, to Ft. Benning, GA to see him graduate from basic training. He then was transferred to Ft. Hood and trained to go to Iraq. John excelled in his training and loved his Company B. Just before he deployed, I had a talk to present to the scouts, so I called John and asked him about how he felt about going to Iraq. He told me the US is the greatest country on earth and has freedom that needs to be defended. He said he and all those in his company were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the county, but that they would look out for each others back and do their best in Iraq. John served well in Iraq. He learned some Arabic so he could speak to the people. He also became the driver for the commander while in Iraq. John came home a hero in our eyes and well decorated with honors.

John had a grenade bounce off his flax jacket when he was atop of an armored carrier and then hit the pavement and cause a crater in the road. He also had someone that out ranked him that asked for his place. Then in two miles the person in John’s spot was hit be mortar fire and lost three limbs. John was truly protected in Iraq. John’s cousin, who he respected so much, Mike Weipert, compared John to the attributes of Captain Moroni.

As John was finishing his tour of duty, he met a Lila, who he fell in love with. We heard less and less from John, and he spent many hours talking and communicating with Lila.

Then on December 29 when he came home for leave he married Lila. Lila says John was an amazing husband that made her heart smile. She also said “I am extremely proud of him and I am truly lucky to be his wife.

Unfortunately, John was killed February 9, 2010. He is now in a better place.

As stated in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. As a father who loved his son, John, I appreciate the sacrifice that God the Father and His Son made so that we can have everlasting life. I look forward to reuniting with John and hearing all the things he is now doing.

Remembering John

This is Amanda (Mikos) Miller,
Where to start... John has been so much to me. He's been a great friend, first boyfriend, first kiss, and a brother. I've know John since I was about 8 when our ward was split with theirs and our Fathers were in the Bishopric together for 7 years. I remember meeting Becky for the first time. I was climbing in there olive tree at a ward social to meet the new Bishopric. She asked me who I was and we've been best friends ever since. Since Becky and John were very close that means I got to hang out with John alot too! From riding bikes, playing games, dancing in the front room to reggae music to just hanging out. Even after I got married he remained in my life. It's like Jed has been his friend forever. He welcomed him with open arms and they became fast friends. Jed was even one of his groomsmen at his first wedding. John was the one to confirm him a member of the church once Jed decided to get baptized. He even escorted Jed through the temple when we got our endowments. Our family spent alot of time together. We stayed with them twice when they lived in Prescott while Kristi was interning, and they would come visit us regular when we lived in El Mirage. After we moved a block away from the Larson home, he was a constant guest in our home. We had dinners together, played games and enjoyed each others company. He was always there to help when it was needed. I'm so thankful that he was at our home for New Year's Eve. That is a memory I will cherish forever! I love the whole Larson family and they are a big part of who I am. I am grateful to have had John call me a friend.

Slideshow Attempt 2

When I uploaded to youtube, they removed the audio track. I am attempting to use some other video hosting sites:

High bandwidth, hosted on vimeo (I recommend clicking the full-screen button to watch this one full-screen):

Life of John Larson from Friends of John Larson on Vimeo.

If you're having trouble playing the one above, here's a lower bandwidth version, hosted on Photobucket:

Photos of John's Life

I've uploaded all the photos that I collected from Becky, Bruce, Gary, Lila, and Phillip. Thanks to all who scanned, gathered, and edited photos. These can be viewed in picasaweb by clicking on any of the slideshows.

I have pictures of the funeral on my blog.

I've tried copying and pasting them, but it's not working.

I'm at the Library right now-and it's closing as I speak.

If you would like to see them, my blog is:

www.lindseyandjohn.blogspot.com
{When I can come to the Library again I will post the actual pictures}.
Until then...

We love you!

Memories of John Larson
From: John James
{Written by linz}

When we heard that {one of John's} favorite cousins passed away, we were shocked and really sad. John is taking it really hard. We sat down the other night and while John talked about his cousin John-I typed as fast as I could. This is what he said:


*The first memory I have with John, is visiting him during my spring break in Arizona. We hit it off from the very start, and always played together. We got along really well.

*John said he remembered {when we were very young} that he told me his birthday was in August, so I told him my birthday was in August too {but it wasn’t}. So for the longest time we thought our birthdays were in the same month.

*We had a big family reunion in Blackfoot and John, Jason, Jeff and I wanted to sleep in the same tent together.

*When we were around 16 I remember rollerblading, going to dances together, and hiking in the mountains in Phoenix.

*Most of my fondest memories came from working with John in Alaska.

*John, Kelly Austin, and I would have snacks {soda pop and pop tarts} in our cabin and the girls would try to take them. We hid them in a chest and drawer-in our clothes and under our bed}. Somehow the girls always found them, and ate them all.

*John taught me how to drive a stick shift in grandpa’s volts wagon rabbit pickup truck.

*John and I would go to Charlie and Nick Hansen’s {who worked with grandma in the cannery} house to hang out. We also went to their grandparent’s house in Soldotna, and bailed hay for them. We enjoyed horseback riding too.

*It seemed like we always liked the same girls in Alaska. {There was a girl we both liked and she liked the both of us. BUT he had “the moves” down better than I did}. He often ended up with the girls, but sometimes I came out on top.

*John always carried a toothbrush in his pocket or mouth.

*One time I went to pick up John at the Hansen’s house in Soldotna from church, and I rolled grandpa’s pickup truck {probably the one he taught me how to drive}. He was very concerned and made sure I was okay. He always had compassion for others.

*I knew he had a strong testimony of the church. We always talked {late nights-eating snacks} near the boys cabin and talked about life…and girls. {chuckles}

*I remember when Becky cut her hair short. I really liked it, but John was very upset about her cutting her hair. He really liked Becky with long hair.

*John always tried to please everyone and did everything he could to help out. He always had a helping hand and did the best he could.

*There were times when John and I got frustrated with each other {I always blamed it on late hours and not getting a lot of sleep working in Alaska}. …And with the “Carlson Stubbornness” we always wanted things our way. So we would butt heads, but never get anywhere with it. {That didn’t happen very often}.

*John had the Carlson humor down to “The T”. He had Grandpa’s humor. He was always trying to make others laugh.

*John and I stacked boxes in the freezer van. We had to shut the door behind us and there wasn’t a door handle inside. We were always stuck in there for a long time, it seemed, banging and kicking on the door for someone to let us out.

*Aunt Connie would want a {specific} fish box in the freezer van, and it was usually in the very back. John and I would have to army crawl through the boxes to find it. It was usually a hassle but we did it.

*There were two freezer vans that usually stood side-by-side. John and I would get on top-and have our hand and a foot on each van and do pushups.

*John and I would have competitions to see who could throw the 50 pound fish boxes the furthest in the freezer van.

*A lot of us would walk to the beach to have bon fires, skip rocks, or swim in the bay area.

*John and I enjoyed going mud sliding with ours cousins/cannery workers/friends. We always tried getting the mud off by swimming in the water, because Grandpa would spray us with the Pressure Washer {and it felt like pins and needles hitting our skin}. That’s when we came up with “Hot Toting”…it was much more relaxing and warmer.

*We would go to Uncle Lynn’s house and hang out with Jeff, Scottie, Hans…and all of our cousins.

*We did the 4th of July Tradition of having a talent show every summer.

*Since John and I had the same first names, I got the nick-name of “John boy” or “John James”.

*I remember when John and I were eating fish hearts and then the both of us {being stupid} decided to chew on a fish head. It was the nastiest thing we ever tasted. We were very dumb. J

*John was the one who got the “ban” of no girls in the boy cabin and no boys in the girl cabin. We didn’t really mind it though, because then our snacks didn’t get taken.

*When the gut totes were sitting for a few days {and got really smelly}, it was usually John, Kelly and I that had to grind them into the water. We always got the nasty jobs.

*Even though John was younger than I was, I always looked up to him. He was a good friend. A good cousin. A good person. You knew that He always cared about others.

*I knew that John cared about everyone. He was a very caring person.

Sunday February 14, 2010

I couldn't sleep last night. My eyes were swollen and tired from crying so much. John Larsen has been on my mind. My John has been on my mind. Jesus Christ and the Atonement have been on my mind. And all the questions that come from somebody taking their own life has been on my mind too. I've been trying to gather my thoughts...just trying to have things make sense. But most of the questions I have...are questions that may never be answered in this life. That's really hard to swallow. However, as I remember my Savior-and each one of us...that no matter how we enter the next life {face it. we will all die at some point in our life} WE ALL NEED OUR SAVIOR AND HIS ATONEMENT. For no matter how hard we try. No matter what we do-or say...it will never be enough...to make it back to Heavenly Father. And that's WHY God sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Because it's only through Him that {any} of us can live together with Him. WE ALL NEED OUR SAVIOR-who suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane and then hung on a cross to die. To die for our sins. To make it possible for us to become whole and complete.
It WAS THE ONLY WAY.
He is the ONLY one who can make up the difference in which we cannot do for ourselves.
And from the bottom of my heart I am thankful for Jesus Christ...who knows us personally and perfectly. Who loves us beyond our comprehension. Who will plead to our Heavenly Father for our salvation-for He has felt our sorrows. our sadness. our sickness. our loneliness. our helplessness... He HAS walked our walk-and knows {beyond my understanding} each one of us, even better than we know ourselves.

So as I mourn the loss of my cousin John Larson-I'm finding hope. I'm feeling peace and reassurance that all is well. That I will see him again. That he will be the John that we all once knew and loved so much. AND everything will work out for good. He will be okay. That I can be okay. And although I may not receive all the answers I am searching for, I can feel peace and love from my Heavenly Father. For this is His answer is me, through the peaceful feelings I have. And if I struggle with not feeling at ease-then I can go to the Temple, say a prayer, listen to soothing music, or find things that help me feel the love of the Lord. And know that He is there.

...and even though this has been a tragic event, many good things have come from it too. I know that my love for my family and my Savior has increased. That my determination to do better and become better has increased...to lend a helping hand-and to be a friend...and to love as Jesus loves. And to love how John Larson loved too. My spirit has grown through this experience. I am so thankful for that. love. lindsey

Happy Quotes.

"Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of love". The Lord said, "Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die." {D&C 42:45} ...Even as you mourn at the death of loved ones, you receive comfort in the promise of resurrection and in the assurance
that families can be together forever."
--True to the Faith--


I also LOVED this post found on John's blog:
"John was the man. All the girls wanted him and all the guys wanted to be him. I’m blessed to have known him and to have been part of his family. I am honored that I got to be his friend. He helped mold me into the person I am today. He was the glue that held our quorum of friends together. It didn’t matter if you were a scrawny little nerd with a mole, a lanky blonde with a flat-top and braces, or a short, fat kid with a crooked nose, John accepted and loved us all and none of our imperfections mattered to him. I want to try to be more like John every day of my life". -Gary Miller

Eulogy.

For John Larson's Eulogy, his brother Ben gathered stories from
family and friends. He mostly shared funny stories about
John and about the loving.kind.silly.friendly.brave. person he is.
But before Ben started he said, "I don't really want to do this. I don't understand why we wait until after someone we love dies, to praise them and let them know how much we love them."

That really got me thinking.
I need to do more "eulogies" for my family and friends
who I love so much.
We made this memory book for {my} John last Father's Day.
Each of us write down a memory of him and put it in a book.
That's his present.
I am now going to purchase books for the rest of us,
so we can start a tradition and "give praises"
to each other...
for birthday's, for Family Home Evening, for special Holidays
and for "just becauses".

Why don't you join me?
Join me in gathering your families around the living room
and turning off all electrical devices. Turn off your phones and
whatever else you are using.
At least for 15 minutes.
Spend your time with each other.
Telling stories.
Laughing.
Becoming closer as a family.
Getting to know each other better.
And expressing your love and appreciation for the ones you love the most.

from:linz

saying good-bye.

It was difficult looking into the casket where John's life-less body laid. His body didn't look real. It was very evident that his spirit was gone. His body looked more like plastic than anything else. It looked like his mouth was stitched together, but he looked very nice in his military uniform. The mortuary man stood in front of the room and said that in 5 minutes he would close the casket for the last time. Only a few people went up to see him again. I'm sure it was too hard. John slowly walked up to his favorite cousin John-put his hand on his shoulder and said,
"God be with you."

I remember his sister Becky going up. Phillip. Kaylen. and then Lila {his newlywed wife}... and maybe a few others.
Lila was sobbing very loudly and saying words that I'm sure went straight to John's heart. She then bent down and gave him a kiss on the forehead.
Now that's what I call love.
{The viewing was for family only. It was in the Relief Society room. It was jam packed. People were standing all around because there were no chairs left. John was very loved by his family.

Posted by lindsey at 1:23 PM

Eulogy

John Carl Larson

Eulogy

by Benjamin Larson, Rebecca Barnard, and Kathy Gardner

I recognize how tacky it is to bring a laptop to the podium. I apologize, but this was kind of a work in progress.

With the exception of the average age of those in attendance, this could be a 41st Ward or Paradise Lane Ward mission farewell. The Larsons are seated on the front row, where we always sat.

Dan Pennell once said, “It’s too bad that he read that talk, because it was a good one, and no one heard it.” I have never read a talk before, but today, I have to make an exception.

Oh, John. How I wish I didn’t have to do this today.

I need to start by thanking everyone who is here as well as many who aren’t for the outpouring of love, support, and compassion that has taken place over the last week. You need to know that the prayers have helped, as evidenced by our family feeling some great peace. In a time like this, that can not be classified as anything but a miracle.

I know that his immediate family are not the only ones who are mourning. I wish the Lord’s blessings upon each of you, who could also use some comfort at this time. May the Holy Ghost be upon you and may you feel peace.

This mortality is an interesting thing. It really is short in comparison to the time we lived with our Heavenly Father prior to our arrival and short compared to the eternities that we will yet live. Everyone we know had to enter this Earthly sojourn through birth, and every single person we know has to exit this mortality through death: friends, moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, sisters, spouses, P.E. coaches, bishops, uncles, and brothers. We would just prefer if they would have the decency to wait until we’ve died to make their own departure.

I have often said that we need eulogize people while they are still alive. It’s such a shame that the celebration of our lives comes too late for it to be of much use to the departed subject of the eulogy.

I suppose, then, that these memories are for us to heal mourning hearts and to give focus to wandering minds.

I’d like to focus on what made John, John. I need to start by saying that I am the least qualified of my siblings to do this. Those who were more qualified knew their emotions would be too strong to be able to do this. So with much help from many sources, but primarily from Kathy and Becky, I’d like you to remember with me some uniquely John memories.

Happiness/Silliness - And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.

John was always happy and silly. I’ve recently learned about his and Gary’s dream to buy a garbage truck and live in Mexico. They were apparently pretty convinced that they could make a fortune, and this dream of being garbage men lasted a good 3 years. Becky claims that he would say it just to get a rise out of people, but Dave thinks that there was at least some sincere truth to the dream.

Apparently, according to Laficia and Batha-tub, John would always give nicknames to everyone. It was sort of a rite of passage, and if John gave you a nickname, you were “officially” his friend.
He was king of joking, smiling, and making others feel happy—sometimes through some pretty unique means. At nights, after it was too late to be making noise in the house, John and Gary and any other friends that were over would go outside and sit in the back of a truck. Gary would play the guitar, and John would sing. They had a band named “Raging Vomit”, which according to Gary, “is pretty much what our music sounded like.” On the slideshow that’s playing outside, we’ve included two original tracks from their CD that they recorded. It’s fun to hear their musical interpretation of “It’s Hot” by Shel Silverstein. Kathy also sang one to me last night that was all about how she’d be rejected by many more boys after Scott Schloffman.

There was also the time that Gary and John wanted to flirt with the girls in YW. The YW leaders said that no one could be in there that wasn’t wearing a dress. The next week, they both showed up wearing dresses. The YW leaders welcomed them to stay for the whole class.
Sometimes John would have a hard time being serious about things. You’d know he’d have to be hurting inside or feeling down, but when you asked him how he was feeling, he’d say something like, “don’t hate me ‘cause I’m black.” He could make any situation lighter. It was a real talent of his.

From Felicia Forbes, “When John was around, how could you help but smile!?”

Service - And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn awisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the bservice of your cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

John James said, “John always tried to please everyone and did everything he could to help out. He always had a helping hand and did the best he could.” Everyone who knew John knew that he would do anything for anyone. He truly put others before himself. I can’t fit all of the stories
I received about this here, but I’ve chosen just a couple samples:

From Kathy: My mom was out running errands for longer than expected and I had been invited to Leslie's. But as a 3rd or 4th grader it seemed way too far to walk and I wasn't allowed to cross Greenway Rd. I was so sad, so John volunteered to carry me. He took me on piggy back all the way there, which is amazing because I was nearly his same size, but he wouldn't give up or put me down. That is the essence of John, always carrying others burdens no matter how much they weighed.

From Becky: John would take care of me. I remember countless times that he took the blame for me. One specific time, I took some of the cookies Mom had made for visiting teaching. Mom was mad because baking cookies without burning them while taking care of eight kids was quite the task. She lined all us kids up and told us we couldn’t leave until we told her who did it. The older kids were getting mad because no one would fess up, and they had places to go. John knew I took the cookies, but he told my mom he did it so I wouldn’t get in trouble and the older kids could go.

John didn’t always have the best judgment when it came to his service. There was the time that he missed a test that was worth a third of his grade to help someone move. Or another time, though he was in debt, he lent a friend a significant amount of money because he needed it. He didn’t always think through the effects that his service had on his long-term future, but if someone was in need, John would be helping.

Dave told me last night that he used to always tell John, “John, When someone asks me, ‘Can I have your shirt?’ I ask, ‘why?’ When someone asks you, ‘Can I have your shirt?’ you start taking yours off.”

Determination/Focus - let your diligence, and your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts

I worked with John two summers in Alaska. I remember jumping inside of the ice-house with him and shoveling ice into totes. I never liked to be outdone by someone on a job, but I could never keep up with him. It was his ability to work hard and quickly that the foreman always made John the fish-header in the processing plant. The header is the first position in the line, and he sets the pace.

Kathy: Sand Sculptures on the Beach John was very creative and wouldn't just do the regular old sand castle. When John makes something, it is going to be awesome! On vacations he made the most amazing dolphins and turtles out of sand. He'd spend hours on them, long after the rest of us had given up, he was still working hard. I was always jealous of how good they were.

Becky: When John was determined to do something he did it. Whether it was jumping a picnic table on rollerblades, kissing 10 girls in one day, or marrying the girl he fell in love with before he had to go back to Texas, he made it happen. One time when we were kids, he was determined to ride the sit and spin longer and faster than all of us kids in the Wendt’s back yard. We all took our turns. Then John got on. He went so fast and so long. He beat us all by a long shot. We were all amazed. He stood up proud, smiled, and then turned around and puked his guts up. I learned then that it didn’t matter what it took, if John wanted to do something, he did it.
Even in the last act of his life, he demonstrated determination to what he believed needed to be done without regard to consequence.

Loyalty to his friends, family, and perfect strangers - Or what man is there of you, who, if his son ask bread, will give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

John always rooted for the underdog. The more society seemed to be against a person, the more he would believe in them. Many of his friends would tell you that John was a difference-maker in their lives. They were getting a different message about themselves from most other sources. John saw in them the very best, and recognized that everyone has weaknesses, but that what we need most is someone who believes we are great.

To Kathy’s question about what teachers like her could do to help students like John, he responded, "You've got to believe they are great and help them to see that. They will become what you believe they are. Don't call on kids that aren't paying attention and ask what you just said. I hated that. It didn't make me want to listen. It made me embarrassed and angry. You should build them up, not push them down. Most importantly you have to give them hope. If they are failing and there is no way left to pass or succeed then of course they'll give up. Just help them have hope."

That really is the way he saw people. The less other people were seeing the good in a person, the more John wanted to.

Becky: John had a way with people. He could make anyone smile, and within five minutes of talking to John a stranger felt like John was there long lost best friend. One time, we were staying at a beach house in Mexico. We were down at the beach. The guy at neighboring house was down there too. I said hi. He just looked at me like with this grumpy look. I thought he was scary. John started talking to him. In two minutes they were laughing together. He ended up being real nice. John was that way. He brought out the best in people. He made them feel good about themselves. I was jealous of his ability to see people for the good in them, and how he could bring it out.

Becky: Another example of John’s ability to make friends easily with people is when John came to visit me in Tucson. He took my kids and his to the zoo. I had always wanted to feed the Giraffes at the zoo, but I was never there in time. I would ask a zoo keeper if there was any way we could feed them. They would tell me, “If you come at the right time, you can.” Well when John started talking to one of the zoo keepers, the guy was instantly a friend to him. He took John not only to feed the Giraffe, but into the Giraffe enclosure where the zoo keepers feed them. He worked magic with people.

Most recently that loyalty was demonstrated in the Army. As I poured over all the posts and memories of his comrades, it first struck me how they all called him, “brother.” I truly believe that they felt that kind of a relationship with them.

From -1SG Torry Rice: How do you thank a guy that has done so many great things for his country and his brothers around him? Larson was the most unselfish human being I have ever had the privilege to meet. There were times when will literally go out of his way to take care of his fellow brothers. ... Larson was a man with no vices and I could always depend on him to do what was right. John, it was my privilege to have known you, and I know that I will never meet a human being quite the same as you, my friend. Thanks to your family for allowing you to serve with us. Hopefully, your kindness, unselfishness and love for your country will echo throughout Bulldog Company.

In the end, it is this loyalty, mixed with the lack of longer-term judgment that proved to be a fatal flaw, in addition to a phenomenal strength.

Fearless - Yea, behold I do not fear your power nor your authority, but it is my God whom I fear;

Kathy: One day my dad got a phone call from John. He needed us to come pick him up and take him to the hospital. Like I said before, he was so talented on rollerblades (at The Wedge he could jump tables and trash cans) But at Charles Wilcox’s house he had tried to jump the tennis net. I remember sitting next to him in one of my dad’s company trucks looking at the huge opening in his chin gushing with blood as he said, "I almost cleared it... I was so close. I just hesitated!" John never feared pain or accidents... he thrived on the adrenaline of it all.

Kathy: One day in high school the white kids decided to have a riot and beat up all the Mexican kids at school. (Now, either there were two fights, or the details aren’s really clear because Becky remembers the fight being between the Mexican kids and the Filipino kids.) Anyway, John was in the heart of the battle, not fighting but saving kids, one by one. He fought like a lion pulling kids to safety, trying to save as many as he could. Becky remembers seeing kids flying out of the circle, and when she made her way inside, she saw that it was John pulling them off of each other and throwing them out.

Last night we talked about cliff jumping in Alaska. My Carlson cousins who are here will know about the cliff jumping off the cliffs. It’s really cool because you can jump off this 70 foot cliff and go about halfway down, and then as you hit the sand, it just smoothly and gradually slows you down. Well, John wanted to make it farther than anyone else. He jumped as far as he could, and was determined to make it all the way down. The problem is…if you don’t hit the sand cliff face, you’re really just jumping off a 70 foot cliff! John made it, and though undiagnosed, I think he broke his tailbone.

Protector

Going right along with fearless, there were many stories of John being a protector.
Becky: One time I wanted to be in a ninja club with him and my older siblings. John voted me to be in it, but the majority voted me out. I didn’t get to be in it. I was so sad. John comforted me and always would remind me that he wished I could go with him into the secret meetings in Ben’s room.

Kathy: John has threatened boys in my behalf for over a decade. When we both were attending BYU he nearly beat up a boy that would come by all the time and look in the girls windows in our complex. Lets just say the boy never dared peep in windows again. When James asked to marry me he talked to John and John threatened to kill him over 10 times if he ever hurt me. Sometimes he was a little over the top, but he truly protected his sisters!

Megan: “We were in the zoo and daddy was holding me and there was a horse that we were petting. Well, it was mean horse and it was about to bite me. But daddy pretected me! He put out his arm in front of me, not the arm he was holding me with, but his other arm, and the horse bit daddy instead.”

Father

KristiKay: Overall, if you were to ask Megan, she would say that what she loved most about her dad was that he was “super fun”. She already misses how he “would let me eat candy, stay up until midnight and then sleep with me at night”. John always knew just how to spoil his kids! He absolutely loved to shower them with gifts. And when John gave a gift, it was never half-done. John would take Megan out to eat for daddy-daughter time to the Melting Pot, he bought Josh a cool new bike with a custom blue-flame paint job… because just an ordinary run-of-the-mill bike would NOT do. He one weekend took Megan and Josh to McDonalds for EVERY meal because Megan liked the plush toy from the Happy Meal. She came home with about 30 miniature animals!!! They just kept going back until they got EVERY one that McDonald’s had to offer! He loved doing things like that for the kids. There was no limit as to what he would do or buy for the kids. He loved making them smile. He loved being their protector, their playmate and their friend.

Husband

Lila: John was the love if my life. Not a day went by that he didn’t make me laugh. We would drive to various places and it didn’t matter what type of music was on the radio because he had a dance move for every song. John not only put a smile on my face, but he made my heart smile. He was such a thoughtful and loving husband. Every morning he greeted me with a big smile, an enormous hug, and a gentle kiss. He told me every day how lucky he was to have me as his wife, but the truth is that I was the lucky one.

Love - This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

I believe that the all-encompassing character trait that best defines John is love. It was that love of all mankind that drove him to have true compassion for others.

CPT Shane Aguero: “As you know, John was an good man and an exceptional soldier. Those who served with him always describe his as forthright, honest, and very hard working. There was nothing that he would not do for another soldier. Not only was he a genuinely good natured and sympathetic man, he was also filled with a true desire to do the right thing. I have rarely encountered such a combination of noteworthy traits in one man. He was always smiling and ready with a sympathetic ear or a kind word to anyone who was feeling down and out.

It is important that you know John loved being a soldier and those he served with. He was one of the most well regarded members of the Company and the Battalion.”

Those who are here are here because they were loved by John. He loved without expecting anything in return.

Website

I can’t possibly share all of the experiences that have been received about John. We have created a blog called, “Remembering John.” Many people have asked if there is anything they can do. There is one thing that you could do that would mean a lot to us: if you have time, we would appreciate any memories, pictures, etc. that you could post there. Please write down this address: http://johncarllarson.blogspot.com. We’ll make sure that we put all of the slideshows, memoirs, eulogy, history, etc. on the site.

I want to share my testimony about the Savior, Jesus Christ. As a bishop, I have the opportunity to help people to see the “big picture” on almost a daily basis. We talk of their eternal nature and about the eternities. I know that we are here for a short time, and that our existence does not end with death.

I am thankful for Jesus Christ because he made it possible. “For as in Adam all men die, even so in Christ shall all men be made alive.”

As Paul said, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

I testify that my Redeemer and John’s and everyone’s Redeemer, Jesus Christ has removed the sting of death and has conquered the grave, and death is not the end for John or any of us.

But for now, goodbye my dear brother.

Slideshow Video from the Funeral

Here is the beautiful slideshow that Bruce Larson and Rebecca Barnard created. It has been fairly heavily compressed to run over the internet. We have larger versions of the file if anyone would like one. I'll try to post a higher quality set if you have the bandwidth for it.

The audio has been removed from these. Click here for newer/better/complete versions: Slideshow Attempt 2

The following videos on youtube don't have audio:

Great love and support

The following pictures were taken by Dorene James, my mother-in-law on Saturday during the reception for John. She asked me to post the pictures for her on here for everyone to see and share. It is wonderful to see the great amount of love and support for the Larson family at such a difficult time.