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THOMAS EUGENE After a sudden illness while at their cabin in Colorado, Thomas Eugene Larson, age 81, left his place in our world on September 13, 2007. Tom was born in Waupaca, WI in 1926 to Thomas W. and Alice Larson. After graduating from high school he worked as an electrician in the naval shipyards. He served a tour of duty in South Korea with the U.S. Army after being drafted near the end of World War II. At the end of his tour he enrolled in Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR where he began his undergraduate work in physics and went on to receive his degree in chemistry. He earned his doctorate at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD in 1956. Upon graduating from Johns Hopkins, Tom was offered positions at several prestigious laboratories. He chose Los Alamos National Laboratory. That choice was strongly influenced by that element of fate which spared him involvement in the invasion of Japan. Tom frequently said that he felt most fortunate to be an integral part of LANL. He found his work gratifying and was proud that his life's work supported the security of our nation. He was highly respected by his associates for his dedication and expertise. His colleagues have said that his analytical skills and ability to make correlations based on his vast range of knowledge will be missed. His views and well researched opinions were highly valued by all who had the opportunity to work with him. He was admired as an independent thinker and was dedicated to excellence in any endeavor. Tom was honored with numerous awards. Even in retirement Tom continued his quest for knowledge. Tom enjoyed traveling worldwide and visited many amazing places with his family. He delighted in the great outdoors wherever he went and combined that love with his love of photography, often producing excellent photographs. His passions in quiet times were his love of classical music and reading. Tom is survived by his wife of 58 years, Erla Mae; and their three caring daughters: Caryn Womack, her husband, Arthur and their twins, Anna and Seth; Kathy Jacobs and her husband, Jim; and Greta Hanson, her husband, Ben and sons, Ryan and Travis. He is also survived by his brother, Vernon Larson and wife, Andrea; his sister-in-law, Leona Vaughan; and seven nieces and their families. His extended family also includes Brandy and Dan Bertram and Greg and Leslie Womack. Anyone who chooses to celebrate Tom's life and his love of the outdoors may make donations in his name to either: The Wildlife Center, Inc. P.O. Box 246 Espanola, NM 87532 Pitkin Colorado Volunteer Fire Dept. P.O. Box 235 Pitkin, CO 81241 The family requests that each person who knew Tom say goodbye to him in their own way and at their own time. Friends are welcome at his home at any time to share their memories and honor his life. A private farewell will be held for family members at a time yet to be determined. Tom will always live in our hearts, in our memories, and in the way we see the world.
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