Bryant L. Larson

Larson Bryant L. -- husband, father, brother, businessman, World War II veteran -- died on Saturday, December 15, 2001. Bryant was born January 24, 1920 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the eldest son of Earl and Myrtle Larson. He enlisted in the Navy following Pearl Harbor, attended Naval Officer Training in Chicago, volunteered for Motor Torpedo Boat School in Melville, Rhode Island, and was sent immediately to the South Pacific Theater in the autumn of 1942. Bryant was the original combat skipper of the PT109 at Guadalcanal and over the course of the war also commanded the PT529 and served honorably in Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons 5, 2 and 36 at Taboga Island, Tulagi Island, Lingayen Gulf and Tarakan. He was a senior boat officer in the Solomon Islands, the Russells, New Guinea, Philippines and Borneo. During his Navy experience he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander. In the midst of World War II, he married his wartime sweetheart, Geraldine Marie Smith, in 1943. After the war ended Bryant and his beloved and musical bride were associated with the Toro Company in Minneapolis and they lived for many exciting years in Minnesota within the Toro corporate team. They moved to Portland, Oregon in 1961, raised three children and built a new wholesale distribution business. As an active community member, Bryant enjoyed family life and supported many school and church activities. He was an enthusiastic fisherman who enjoyed the sport from the Minnesota lakes to the Oregon rivers. He was an avid athlete and handball player at the Multnomah Athletic Club throughout his Portland years. After his business career ended, Bryant studied at Portland State University and the University of Minnesota, and for his efforts was awarded a Ph.D. in History with an emphasis on Europe and Russia. In their later years Bryant and Gerry lived in Green Valley, Arizona and Sun River, Oregon and were blessed with wonderful friends. Gerry died in 1997, having shared 54 years of marriage. Bryant is survived by his daughter, Karen Hone of Denver and her husband Larry, his son Cleve of Portland, Oregon and his wife Danielle, and his son Paul of Portland; seven grandchildren, Jason, Justine, Kristin, Niels, Lauren, Johans and Mikail; as well as his brothers Glenn Larson of Walnut Creek, California and Dr. E. Russell Larson of Bozeman, Montana. A private interment and burial was held at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. Donations in memory of Bryant may be made to the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of one's choice.

Published on January 3, 2002