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J. Russell Larson
J. Russell Larson
Posted
J. Russell Larson was born on Nov. 21, 1913 at home in Seattle, Wash. to Kathryn and Bror Larson. He attended Greenwood and McDonald elementary schools, Alexander Hamilton J.H., Lincoln High and graduated from the University of Washington where he met Joan Osthoff.
He married Joan on June 7, 1941 and they had two sons, Jay Larson (Karen) of Marshall, Mich. and Jan Shield (Dee Goldman) of Newberg, Ore. Jan changed his surname to Shield which was the English translation of his Father's Swedish name (Skold).
Russell’s and Joan’s granddaughters are Kristen Larson Minor (former husband, Mark) and Danielle Larson Paris (Greg), in Salt Lake City, Utah; Marsely Shield Farley (Fred) in Clackamas, Ore.; grandsons, Shawn Shield (Lori) in Beaverton, Ore., Jeffrey Larson and Gregory Larson (Shelly Farnham) in Seattle. Joan and Russell have 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Joan and Russ moved from Seattle to Spokane, Wash. He designed refrigerated tractor truck trailers. Professor Larson taught visual arts at Whitworth University in Spokane for 32 years.
During his long life Russell created many art works as well as designing five churches and over 300 residences in the Northwest. Art has been his inspiration since he started drawing cars at three years of age.
The Larsons moved to Fountain Hills in Sept. 1986. They joined the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church, Fountain Hills Art League, Fountain Hills Cultural and Civic Association and the Fountain Hills Historical Society. Russ was on the Planning and Zoning Commission and was a member of their Neighborhood Property Owners Association.
Russell passed away on Thursday, March 2. Memorial Services were held at the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church at 13001 N. Fountain Hills Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 on March 5, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church. Donations will be divided equally between his church and the Fountain View Village Art & Activity Room Restoration Fund.
