June 18, 1923 - April 21, 2020
Our beloved Dad Svend Erik Larsen, a long-time resident of Campbell River, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Tuesday April 21, 2020 at the age of 96, 10 months & 3 days young.
Erik was born on June 18, 1923 to parents Inger and Oscar Larsen in Kallehave Denmark. He grew up as the middle child of 3 siblings. His Mother passed away when he was 19 years old and his father remarried step mother, Paula.
After graduating high school with a keen interest in nature, geography, history, zoology and botany he got on with the Navy Coast Guard.
Unfortunately, he experienced and endured the world war. When the war ended, and a couple years later at the age of 25 he courageously sailed to the New found land, cruising from Sweden to New York and up to Canada by train. He worked his way from Coast to Coast and landed in Richmond B.C where he was inspired to become a pilot. After taking flying lessons for 2 months, he bought a kit plane and started flying himself and friends around B.C, Alberta and in to the States. In 1955 he got a job with B.C Air in Vancouver and was asked to fly out of Campbell River where he immediately met and married the Love of his life and Best Friend Kirsten Wollesen. The couple bought their first house and welcomed 2 children Paul and Mary-Ellen in to their lives at which point Erik became a pipe fitter (safer job) at Elk Falls Mill where he worked for 30 years until his retirement.
His children remember him as a devoted father who provided, supported and took great care of his family even in his last years when he treated the family to numerous vacations building memories to last a lifetime. His Family was the most important part of his life and they were blessed to be very close.
Erik's courage, determination and adventurous spirit was an inspiration that turned in to a journey of a lifetime putting on lots of mileage. He travelled the earth far & wide using multiple modes of transportation and recreation bringing him to over 20 countries to explore. He journeyed on planes, trains, automobiles and boats. After he stopped flying and sold his plane in his 80's, he bought a bicycle and was in the routine of riding 9.2 kms. daily, drizzle or shine, when he wasn't skiing on Mt. Washington or golfing. (He was honored to receive a "Hole in One").
At the ripe old age of 80 he got his motorcycle licence riding for 12 years in all the leather until a small crash set him back. He remained strong, driving and vacationing until he was 96 years old. He stayed connected through his Facebook friends & enjoyed You Tube Andre' Rieul concerts that could be heard by the neighbours next door.
He was forever young and was heard saying, "I may be getting older but I refuse to grow up". With his energy, good health, work ethic and
desire to learn and to do everything once, he lived a long rich life. His generous spirit and pleasant personality, was loved by all who knew him.
His cherished memory will live on as he is survived by his 2 children, Paul (Mitzi) & Mary-Ellen (Bob Tjart), 5 Grandchildren, Mandy, Kory (Laura), Nikoli, Pierce (Katie) & Mary (Ezra). 4 Great Grandchildren, Chloe, Seth, Kyrsten & Beaumont. Sister, Inger & Step Brother, Jaacko. Niece
and Nephews and many extended Family in Denmark. His precious cat, Zorro.
Erik was predeceased by his parents Inger & Oscar & Paula Larsen, beloved wife of 37 years Kirsten Larsen, baby daughter Anna Marie, Sister Irayna Torstensen and Brother In-law Borge Jakobsen.
The family wishes to Thank Dr. Baerg and extend their appreciation and deep gratitude for all expressions of Love and sympathy. Arrangements for a small Celebration of Life will be made at a later date.