On 27 June 2015, after 99 years, P/C Carl Larson, JN, embarked on his last voyage. The tides of life have ebbed for a shipmate, and we honor his memory. Carl was a valued member of the Seattle Sail & Power Squadron since 1943 and earned 33 merit marks. He was the SSPS commander in 1961. Carl was our navigation instructor. Carl and his wife, Maxine, enjoying boating on their boat Polaris.
Carl passed away in the company of loving family members following complications from a fall. Carl was born in Seattle to Carl Johan Larson and Augusta K. Peterson. He attended West Seattle High School and the University of Washington, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering.
Carl worked as an engineer with the Boeing Company for over 30 years. He was a life member of the Queen City Yacht Club in Seattle and a 50-year member of the Seattle Sail & Power Squadron where for many years he volunteered as an instructor teaching navigation and boating safety skills to new boaters. Carl was also a licensed ham radio operator.
Carl was most happy when spending time on the water with his family and friends. He began sailing as a young man and enjoyed sailing and cruising in Washington and British Columbia waters every summer for most of his life.
Carl’s lifelong health and vitality were undiminished until only the last couple of years. Friends and family knew him as an accomplished, humble and loving man with an endearing wit and a lighthearted zest for life. He delighted in helping those around him at every opportunity and would go well out of his way to lend his hand.
Carl was preceded in death by his son, Rolf Larson, who died in 1991 at the age of 40.
Carl is survived by his dearly loved wife, Maxine, with whom he had spent the last 37 years in great happiness as they sailed, hiked, biked, traveled and cherished each other’s company. Carl is also survived by his son Gregg (Bo) Larson and daughter Kristi Larson, both of whom loved him deeply and feel very lucky to have had him as their father, and by his step-daughters Jan Connelly, Kathy Tankersley and Cindy Brechwald.
