Raymond Larsen

Raymond Howard Larsen, “Papa,” passed away on July 8, 2016 in Lake Tapps, Washington at age 82. He was born in Durango, Colorado on April 30, 1934 to Tennie and Albert Larsen. He graduated from Ignacio High School in 1953. After graduation, he entered the Navy; his first duty station was San Diego, California.
He married Sharon Arlene in 1955 and they had their first son, Patrick Larsen in New London, CT, where Ray worked on submarines. Patrick passed away at age 3 months from a genetic heart defect. That was a very sad and difficult time for this young family. The Navy later moved the family to Hawaii and then Taiwan, where they adopted daughters, Linda Wen-Ying and Lei-Lani Su-Ling. They also welcomed a second son, Richard Bruce in 1963. The family later moved back to Hawaii where they had a daughter, Dena Rae in 1964. Unfortunately, that young family dissolved, but Raymond continued his career in the Navy.
His next duty station was Newport, Rhode Island where he attended the Naval War College to become an officer. He met and married a Navy Nurse, Paula E. Capochiano in 1967. They welcomed daughters, Patricia and Kirsten in the next few years. Ray retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant in 1974, receiving many medals for outstanding service.
A few years after his retirement from the USS Ranger, the family returned to his family home in Ignacio, Colorado, which he was very proud of. Ray worked many places in Ignacio, including managing the Pino Nuche Restaurant, owning and managing the Shell Station in Bayfield, and lastly one of his favorite jobs at SUCAP (training advantage). He was an active community member in Ignacio, including a longtime member of the Los Pinos Fire Board and the Town Board of Ignacio. He was also selected as the Ignacio High School Booster of the year in 1987-88. Upon moving back to Ignacio Ray and Paula joined Ignacio Community Church, where they were faithful members until they went home to be with the Lord. Ray leaves behind a strong family legacy and truly exemplified service to his country and community.
His wife, Paula E. Capochiano Larsen, son, Patrick, and siblings, Julia Alice Moore, Mary Pargin Moore, and John Rex Larsen preceded him in death.
He is survived by a son, Richard Larsen; five daughters, Lei-Lani Lacey, Linda Bontrager, Dena Rae Bunch, Patricia Webster and Kirsten Westbrook; his sisters Joyce Wick of Delta, CO, and Alberta Pargin of Ignacio; his brother, Bud Larsen of Shamrock, TX; his 26 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, that all adored their “Papa.”
“A father is God’s image in the eyes of his children.” Anonymous.
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NLT.
The memorial service will be held at the Ignacio Community Church, located at Elhi Community Center on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 3 p.m. with burial to follow at the Ignacio Cemetery. A meal will follow at the Los Pinos Fire Station in Ignacio.