Richard Larsen

Bicknell/Washington City, Utah – Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and good friend, John Richard Larsen, age 86, returned to his Heavenly Father January 26, 2022 at his winter home in Washington City, surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born June 7, 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah, a son of John Sorenson Larsen and Janet Innes Swan Larsen. He was the youngest of one sister and two brothers. He grew up in Bicknell where he worked alongside his father and brothers in timbering and farming in his youth. He had fond memories of staying on the Bolder Mountain at their sawmill in a tent. He graduated from Wayne High School, Class of 1953 then spent a year at Stevens-Henagar college in Salt Lake City. He married Myrna Brown November 23, 1955, in the Manti LDS temple. Together they were blessed with two girls and one boy. Richard, Myrna, and their family spent many days camping, fishing, and hunting with extended family and friends. They also worked together as a family on the farm, learning the value of hard work. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served in the Young Men’s organization. He served as a volunteer fireman, Bicknell town board member and was involved in Wayne County Search and Rescue (Jeep Posse). He was a board member of the Femont Irrigation Co and was instrumental in getting one of the first pressurized irrigation systems in the state. Richard and Myrna were married for 47 years before she passed away February 22, 2003. He then married Connie Williams Torgerson on November 28, 2003 in Bicknell. It was later solemnized in the St George LDS Temple. This union increased his family to a total of two girls and four boys. This marriage brought new adventures and experiences to his life. They had a winter home in Washington City where they met friends who they spent time going on trips, playing cards and eating out. He was an avid Jazz fan. Richard was a big tease, fiercely independent and always willing to help everyone even when he was physically hurting. He was known for his sense of humor and devotion to family and friends. His interests included farming, supporting grand kids and great grand kids at stock shows and sporting events, he and Myrna were awarded the devoted Wayne Badger fan award. Richard was proud to Call Bicknell his home for 85 years, spending the winters in Washington City since 2003. In March 2021 He moved to Washington full time due to health reasons. He spent time at multiple job sites around the state including Bullfrog and Hite. He worked for Standard Oil Co. in Monticello, Oakland Construction Co. in Provo, where he met his lifelong friends Ole and Nelly Swenson. He worked for Whiting and Hamon Construction Co. in San Juan County building the cockscomb road and for Brown Brothers Construction where he worked for 42 years. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dixie Home Care and Hospice for their tender care of Richard the past months. You are indeed Angels on Earth. Thanks. He is survived by his wife, Connie; Children: JoAnn and Greg Overacker of Sonora, California; Janet and Rich Whitmore of Monroe; Greg Richard and Brooke Larsen of Bicknell; stepchildren: Kim Charles and Sharon Torgerson; John A. Torgerson; Ryan W. and Penni Torgerson, all of Bicknell. 10 Grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren with 1 on the way. He is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Myrna; siblings: Homer S. Larsen, Phyllis and James Heaton, Lowell and Gatha Larsen. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 1:00P.M. in the Thurber LDS Ward Chapel. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Friday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or at the ward chapel in Bicknell Saturday morning from 10:00 to 12:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Bicknell Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.