David Larson

David Julian Larson, 68, of Cut Bank, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with congestive heart failure.David was born on February 28, 1946 in Belgrade, Minnesota. He was the second son of four children born to Burdette and Eleanor Larson. In 1948, the Larson family decided to get out of share cropping in Minnesota and relocate to Oregon. On the way to the coast, the caravan stopped in Cut Bank to visit family and chose to stay and raise the family on the Hi-Line. Growing up, David enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, playing basketball, and working at the meat market on Central Avenue.David graduated from Cut Bank High School in 1964. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965 and proudly served two years at Fort Bragg and in Vietnam as a radio relay and carrier operator. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Cut Bank and worked a variety of jobs over the years: farm hand, house painter, oil rig hand, Union Oil refinery worker, diesel mechanic, propane delivery driver for Dodds Wholesalers, and finished his work career as a water treatment plant operator for the City of Cut Bank retiring in 2011. David enjoyed his retirement by doing absolutely nothing, driving the countryside, and visiting with his good friends in Cut Bank.David married Natalie Jackson on February 15, 1969, and had 4 children throughout their 10 year marriage: Erik (1969), Jon (1972), Nate (1975), and Kevyn (1976). David and Natalie remained friends and worked together to successfully raise their children. David was very generous to his children and provided what they needed to the best of his abilities by giving most of the little he had. Davids focus was his children and he enjoyed following their numerous activities.David volunteered his time as a coach and umpire for Little League baseball, even while struggling to get his 67 frame low enough to see the pitches. Not shy with his opinion, while watching the Great Falls Voyagers a handful of times each summer, David would often say that the umpire needed to simply yell TWO for the second strike.In his spare time, David enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking, high-definition television, and traveling to Missoula and Great Falls to visit his family. An avid walker before hip and knee issues curtailed his activity, David and his long legs could be seen strolling along the streets of Cut Bank every evening after dinner. A wonderful bachelor chef, his culinary skills improved greatly over the years specializing in low-sodium dishes to help in his fight with heart disease. He had a sweet tooth and loved baking cobbler, cake, and ice cream sauce made from his garden rhubarb.Davids first grandchild, Rylee was born in June 2013. He had immense pride and joy in watching her develop in the very short time he had with her. While hospitalized, one of his last wishes was to hold Rylee. Unfortunately, he was unable due to health concerns. David passed with his loving children and a picture of Rylee by his side. Rylee will miss a great man and grandfather.David was an organ donor and was able to give two strangers the gift of sight with his corneas.He is survived by his sons Erik of Missoula, Jon of Cut Bank, and Nate and his wife Nicole (Henderson) of Great Falls; daughter Kevyn of Missoula; ex-wife Natalie of Great Falls; brothers Marlin of Sidney and Kenneth of Cut Bank; sister Diane of Carlin, NV; and granddaughter Rylee of Great Falls.He was preceded in death by his mother Eleanor and father Burdette.David touched countless lives with his great sense of humor, realist attitude, and unselfish ways. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.At his request, cremation has taken place. A graveside service with military rites will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery in Cut Bank at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 19th.