Obituary of Thomas H. Larsen

Thomas H. Larsen, our fun-loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Monday, July 16, 2018, at The Medilodge of Clare, at the age of 87. A Celebration of his vibrant life will be held Thursday, July 26, 2018, at 11:00 AM, at New Hope United Methodist Church in Mecosta, with Pastor Greg Buchner officiating. Visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to the service on Thursday. 

Tom was born July 9, 1931, the son of Lawrence and Marjorie (Pickens) Larsen. He was raised in Livonia, MI, and graduated from Plymouth High School. Tom worked in banking for many years before going to work for Ford Motor Company as a Hi-Lo driver. Never idle, Tom had a side business as a handy man, and also obtained his builder’s license. After retiring in 1996, he and his wife, Diane, moved to Canadian Lakes where he finished the entire inside of their home. Tom became an active member of the Canadian Lakes Players building sets and side stages while acting in numerous plays for 20 years. A true comedian, Tom could quickly light up a room and was always a ray of sunshine to his wife and children. He was a “hands on grandpa”, never afraid to get on the ground to wrestle and play. During winter months, Tom and Diane would stay in Florida where he was a member of a kitchen band playing the washboard. Although he was never an exceptional golfer, Tom did manage to get three hole-in-ones on Florida courses, for which he was very proud. 

Tom could best be described as kind, always willing to lend a hand, funny, and generous with his time.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 34 years, Diane Larsen; son’s, Michael (Marilyn) Larsen, Jeffrey (Angel) Larsen, and Craig (Kim) Larsen; daughter, Lori (Jason) Martin; step-son, Cameron (Linda) Ramsey; 13 grandchildren; one step-granddaughter; 11 great-grandchildren, and his beloved dog, Gizmo.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brian Larsen; step-son, Char Ramsey; brother, Lawrence Larsen, and sister, Patricia Korte. 

Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, or to New Hope United Methodist Church, in memory of Tom.