Oscar Jack LARSON

Jack Larson’s 1st words from an autobiography he wrote some years ago: “It has a been great run. I look back with a heart overflowing with gratitude for all that has been. I was brought up in a loving family, poor but we always had enough. My marriage was near perfect, our 4 children a delight, and our grandchildren even more so. I had good friends who loved and supported me every step of the way. The first word I have is: THANK YOU.”

Jack’s LAST words as he passed peacefully Sept 28th, 2024: “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.”

Born Oscar Jack Larson, June 1st 1930 in Kelso, Washington he grew up on a 33-acre property beside his grandparents who had 26-acres. Life was full of family gatherings, tending livestock, orchards, gardens and chopping wood for heating. Jack’s mother, having married (pregnant) at the age of 15, fled the family home when Jack & his younger sister (and best friend,) Jill, were 10 and 11. His father was (as Jack freely admitted) an “alcoholic and womanizer.” Despite the struggles with a father that drank daily, Jack says “I never doubted that he loved me unconditionally” (including immediately forgiving Jack for burning down their house while playing with firecrackers at the age of 7!) Jack reconnected with his mother in later years and came to understand why she made the choice to leave.

Jack attended Willamette University in Oregon as a freshman, majoring in drama “originally to play football but discovered I wasn’t big or fast enough.” He joined a fraternity, paying his way by working as a tree-feller and tree-planter, waiter, bell-hop, janitor, etc. He graduated in 1952 after completing his 4th year at Wittenburg University, a Lutheran school in Springfield, Ohio. “I was debt-free when I finished my B.A. but could carry all my worldly possessions in 2 suitcases.” His many adventures as a student included hitch-hiking to Washington D.C, Boston & New York. In a single weekend, he drove 1,000 miles to visit Yellowstone National Park.

After graduating, Jack went to Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkley, California. There he met John Fullmer who became a great friend. They travelled and preached together in the coming years. But more importantly: “I almost didn’t meet my wife. I was waxing floors at the seminary one evening when a classmate asked me to go with him to a social at a nearby church.” There he met Esther. It was a whirlwind love-affair and they married in 1953. In 1955 Jack graduated from seminary and was ordained. Thereafter, Esther accompanied Jack to many parishes, the 1st being Stevenson, Washington and shortly after: Sitka, Alaska.

They moved to Canada in 1957 “from Westcoast rain to Manitoba frozen solid” mostly to join John Fullmer and create a team ministry. The young couple drove on gravel roads, arriving at a remote community where the church and parsonage were falling apart after years of neglect. “… it felt like the end of the world. Esther sat down in a front pew and started to cry. I put my arm around her, and John said ‘I think we should get down on our knees and thank God there is anything left.’” There, in 1957, Jack & Esther took in 2 young foster children, Donnie and Marlene. They lovingly cared for them until, barely 2 years later, the children were doing so well they were returned to their parents.

Then began their process of adoption… first Peter, then Phil, Cherie then Tasha. During that time, they moved to a parish in Edmonton. In 1966, Jack accepted a calling to Bethesda Lutheran in Kenora, Ontario. There he was also a town councillor. This whole time, Esther was working as a registered nurse. Pastors don’t get paid much and Jack always acknowledged “she paid the bills.” In 1969, Jack was given a rare position at the Menninger Foundation in Topeka, Kansas. The family joined him on this 1-year sabbatical. An adventure for all. He learned amongst the best psychiatrists in the world.

In 1973, they moved to Nanaimo BC, where Jack led and grew yet another church. Much to the chagrin of his family, they left the beautiful island and returned to Edmonton where, again, another church was expanded and his “door-to-door” collection of people continued. Jack’s final congregation was Grace Lutheran in Victoria where he continued to build until he retired on his 65th birthday. He still volunteered, preaching when others were on leave, creating a “home church” and continuing group meetings. Every parish Jack served expanded. By regular “door-knocking,” recruiting youth and opening the church to all, the walls were bulging. There would be 2 or 3 services on Sundays, a mid- week service, and numerous groups who met throughout the week. He would excite all who cared to join.

There are far too many names to mention that Jack would count among the “good friends who loved and supported.” There are too many stories about his work, building churches (literal buildings and the members); too many stories about his work helping people in need, including those on their death-beds, young couples seeking marriage and counselling, patients on the psychiatric wards he visited, or complete strangers! There are too many memories of times with his family, taking the grand-kids up Mt. Doug or to the duck-pond. Far too much life and experience, giving and sharing to express in these few words. Those of you who knew him, or even those who knew him only through the impact he had on people around him, know a great man has marched off this earth with love in his heart. What Jack might want you to remember is: take gratitude in daily living. “I am a traveller, on a sacred journey through this ONE shining day.”

Jack is pre-deceased by his parents, 3 siblings, his wife Esther and grandson Hunter.

He is survived by his sister Sharon and by his 4 children: Peter, Philip, Cherie and Tasha and by 6 Grandchildren: James (Crystal), Karyn (Victor), Carla, Julie (Steve), Hailey (Randy + mom Sharon) and Tycho (Brittany) and 5 great-grandchildren: Holly, Elsie, Eva, Arthur,Lianna.