Robert Farr Larson

Name: Visitation
Start: 04/20/2024 10:30 AM
End: 04/20/2024 11:30 AM
Location: Magleby Mortuary

December 9, 1919 — April 10, 2024

Centerfield, Utah

Robert Larson
Richfield/Gunnison

  Our wonderful father, grandfather and friend, Robert Farr Larson, passed away April 10, 2024 in Centerfield, with his family by his side at the amazing age of 104. Although he leaves a large void in our lives, he has left us all with unforgettable memories, an unwavering testimony and many examples to live by.
  Robert was born on December 9, 1919 to Nester Leon and Verna Mae Farr Larson in Christianburg. He was an early entrepreneur when at age 16 he bought a service station which began his love for cars. He graduated from Gunnison Valley High School in 1937 and served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. His employment at a car dealership in Gunnison led him to Richfield in 1951. Soon after, he purchased Sevier School and Office Supply. He grew this purchase into a thriving local business, during which time he received many local, national and international recognitions and awards. He was involved in various civic and community activities, including serving as president of the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Knife and Fork Club and Dancing Club. He was Finance Chairman of the expansion of the local hospital, instrumental in the establishment of the golf course, bringing the Snow College Campus and Sevier Valley Tech to Richfield, serving on the Utah State SBA panel, in addition to serving several years on the City Council and on many local and state boards of directors. After selling the store and never one to retire, he returned to nature and became a rancher of Charolais cattle. He often said this was when he had the most fun “working”. After selling his cattle, he retired for the third time and created a truck garden with his friend, Blythe Gardner, to the enjoyment of family and friends.
  Robert met, fell in love and married Norma Edwards in 1940. Together they had four daughters whom they loved and nurtured. Robert instilled his love of adventure in Norma as they traveled extensively with friends, especially to Canada and Alaska, which were their favorites. After Norma passed away in 1996, Robert married Gerry Whitlock and moved back to Gunnison where he remained the rest of his life. Gerry passed away in 2018, leaving him under the watchful care of his loving daughters and care givers.
  To our constant amazement, he remained active by playing the stock market, crossword puzzles, being a fan of the Utah Jazz and the Denver Rockies, reading, riding around the valley that he loved so much, as well as keeping involved with family and friends.
  Robert was so proud of his ancestry and heritage which included Mayflower ancestors and the earliest members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His testimony grew throughout his life as he served in many capacities, including bishop of the newly-created 9th Ward in Richfield, serving on the High Council and Sunday School presidencies, Stake Financial Clerk and being involved in the arranging of Sacrament Meetings in Fish Lake for many years. Of all his opportunities to serve, he loved home teaching the best. His love and devotion to the gospel and family is not only a perfect example to follow, but also a challenge to live up to.
  Robert has left us with his example of love, sacrifice, charity, friendship and faith. The love he showed us will continue to strengthen us as we strive to honor his memory and continue his legacy. He was always appreciative of nature and the beauty of the earth and he taught us to do the same. He had a quick wit and the ability to tell a good story. He lived a life of activity and loved telling us about his adventures. He has constantly been our safety net, always with a smile, a laugh and a look or word of encouragement. He has said that his greatest accomplishment was his family. Dad, you are loved, admired, appreciated, respected, cherished and treasured.
  Robert is survived by his four daughters: Janice (Dale) Carpenter, Suzanne (Allen) Staheli, Gaylene (Mitchell) Seaman, Melanie (Mark) Nordstrom; step-son, Carl Whitlock; nine grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren with one on the way.
  Funeral services will be held on Saturday April 20, 2024 at 12:00 Noon in the Gunnison 1st Ward Chapel with a visitation from 10:30 - 11:30 am. Graveside service in the Richfield City Cemetery with military honors by the V.F.W. Sevier Post #5050 at approximately 2:30 pm. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Live streaming of the services and online guestbook can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com below Robert’s obituary.
  The family wishes to thank those at The Mission at Community Rehab who so tenderly cared for him, Wade Anderson, who took care of his medical needs and gave comfort to Robert and our family, in addition to the many visitors and family members who so graciously brightened his days, as he brightened ours.
  In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please contribute to the Utah Food Bank or the LDS Missionary Fund in the name of Robert Farr Larson to which he generously supported.

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