7 Jan 1883 – 26 Aug 1926
Husband of Rhea Ricks
A BROTHER AND FRIEND DEPARTS
Following his long and painful illness, despite the faith and prayers of a host of friends for his recovery, his earthly mission evidently fulfilled, the late William H. Larsen was called home to receive the reward of the faithful, and his funeral services, recorded below, were held on Sunday.
From the remarks of the speakers most of whom were boyhood companions, familiar with the mental, moral and spiritual characteristics of the departed, may be gleaned the general public conception of his life, character and service.
Truly had the old axiom that “to have friends one must be a friend,” been illustrated in his case. He was one of those favored ones referred to by the poet in the words, “none knew him but to love him, or named him but to praise.” His friendly qualities at once endeared him to his companions of school days and his later life. In religious circles he was valued for the firm testimony he possessed and the work preformed by him in many executive capacities.
In his political life and service his efficiency and tireless zeal made him a model to be followed by his fellow officials.
In his commercial career he was industrious and capable, and he was an accomplished musician.
As was said at his funeral, he was a natural entertainer and in the circles which he graced was one of the first to be sought when public entertainments were under consideration., In social events his strong sense of humor made him “the life of the party”.
In family life, as husband and father, his life might well serve as a pattern for others to follow; and in all of these capacities his integrity was unassailable.
The sorrow of his family is shared by the host of friends his manly, genial qualities created for him and whose only consolation is that he has gone to the reward promised the faithful.
Funeral Service of William H. Larsen
As evidencing the high esteem in which the late William H. Larsen was held may be noted the fact that before the arrival of the funeral cortege yesterday at noon, at the seventh ward chapel where the services were held, the building was crowded with his friends and admirers. The floral offerings were most profuse and beautiful.
The pallbearers, old friends of the deceased were William Stone, Ephraim Stowell, William Challis, Fred C. Kedgell, Sr., Frederick Scholes and Eugene Yeates.
In addition to excellent selections by the ward choir, the musical numbers included an instrumental trio by Carl and Lyle Wood and Gilbert Thorpe, and a beautiful duet by Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Bailey to piano accompaniment by Miss Gladys Bailey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Bailey.
Counselor Hyrum E. Hansen offered the invocation.
Mayor A. G. Lundstrom, the first speaker, had known the departed for a number of years, he having been one of Elder Lundstrom’s counselors in the ward Bishopric. The outstanding characteristics of Elder Larsen were his cheerful disposition, efficiency in political office or business affairs, and his friendly qualities.
Bishop William Evans also dwelt upon his ability to make and keep friends, and in his work as a city auditor. Bishop Evans, through close official contact, testified to his efficiency. The deceased, too had that divine faith in his religion that assures its owner of the blessings promised the faithful. Bishop Evans also paid tribute to the fine quality of Elder Larsen’s parents.
Elder Alma Sonne, a friend of boyhood days, paid glowing tribute to the sterling character of his departed friend and brother recalled his mechanical ability as a child, as evidenced by a water-wheel, baseball bat and other things he then made, and spoke of the early evidences of his musical ability as shown by his playing of his old violin. He was a natural entertainer and a leader among the boys. Elder Sonne had been closely associated with the departed at the Brigham Young College, and stated that within a week of his entrance, such were his friendly qualities that all liked him and called him “Bill”. Occasions of this kind emphasize the necessity of faith in God, such as the deceased possessed. It leads to thought of our primeval existence. The immortality of the soul is a most inspiring thought one that has great influence upon one’s life and service, as witnessed in the conversion and subsequent labors of the Apostle Paul. Like him, the deceased had knowledge, performed the required service and will reap the sure reward.
President A. E. Anderson asked that love and memory of the departed be not allowed to die like the flowers upon his bier but be continued and extended to the family he loved and left. If we expect love from God, we must extend love to our fellows.
Bishop J. H. Watkins was the concluding speaker. He, too, had been a school companion of the departed and testified to the truth of the other remarks made in this connection relative to his popularity. He testified, also to the value of the service rendered by the departed in a ward capacity. He was ever on hand to assist. Bishop Watkins expressed the sincere thanks of Mrs. Larsen and the family for the kindness, love and sympathy extended them during the long illness of the departed which she described as of old time brotherly and sisterly kind that prevailed during the earlier years.
Elder A. N. Sorensen, another old-time fellow Collegian, pronounced the benediction.
Mrs. Wm. H. Larsen, whose husband died this morning lost $10.00 a day or two since on the tabernacle square. Finder please return to Mrs. Larsen or leave it at The Journal office.
