My Memories of Grandpa Larsen (by Kristi)

Here are some of the memories I have of my maternal grandfather, R.G. Larsen.

Grandpa always had a smile for me, even if he didn't talk a lot. He would sit in his chair close by the t.v. and follow the conversation in the room. He grew beautiful roses in his yard.

I remember taking walks with Grandpa around the large beautiful yard of the house on the hill. I also remember fun times sledding on the hill. I remember at least one Christmas (maybe more?) that Grandpa made a snowman out of branches to decorate the front lawn.

Front of the house on Comish Drive

Back of the house on Comish Drive

I remember Grandpa holding and walking the baby cousins (like Morgan and Kylee). Grandpa always knew how to soothe the babies!

Grandpa was a photographer for his profession. He took this picture of me when I was 4 years old. I remember that he set up a studio with the lights and backdrop at his home. I also remember not wanting to have my picture taken, but in the end he was able to coax a smile out of me.

Kristi, 1984

I remember eating salmon that Grandpa had caught and prepared. I don't usually like to eat fish, but I did like that meal!

I remember visiting the art gallery that Grandpa owned.  Whenever we visited he would let me pick out a small poster/postcard. When he was getting ready to sell the gallery I got to pick out a larger poster, which he then framed. I chose a poster of Girls at the Piano, by Renoir.

One time I remember driving to Palisades with Grandpa and Grandpa and cousins and having a picnic lunch near the water. We roasted marshmallows for a treat. On our way home we stopped for ice cream at The Dam Store.

I remember how excited Grandpa was to show off his RV home.

In the year 2000 we had a Larsen family reunion. I believe that is the last time we had everyone together.

The Larsen Family in 2000 

Grandma and Grandpa with some grandchildren and great-grandchildren in 2000.

I attended school at Ricks College, which was a short driving distance from Grandma and Grandpa's home in Idaho Falls. I often spent school vacations in their home (Thanksgiving, summer days, General Conference weekends, etc) and I always felt welcome and loved there.

Thanksgiving, 2001.

Grandpa and Grandma helped me move my things out of my apartment in Rexburg, and drove my stuff to Provo, Utah when I began attending school at BYU. What a blessing and help that was to me!

Grandpa and Grandma drove to Utah to attend my wedding in May of 2004.

At the Salt Lake City Temple, May 4, 2002.

Jared and I lived in Utah in the early years of our marriage. Trips home to Canada meant an overnight stay with Grandpa and Grandma to break up the 12 hour drive, and we were always welcomed with love.

Jared, Kristi, Lillian, RG, 2003

 I have spent the last nearly eleven years living in Florida, and sadly, opportunities to visit have been very few. I was happy to see both Grandpa and Grandma in 2010 and in 2014, and have the opportunity for them to meet my children.

July 2010

The Tanner Family with Lillian and RG in July 2014

Grandpa and Grandma celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past year (September 2016).  We were able to Skype with them for a few minutes, which was a special treat. I think they thought that technology was pretty neat!

50th Wedding Anniversary

I will always remember Grandpa and Grandma Larsen with love and fond memories.