Theodore Earl (Ted) Larson
April 9, 1920 – Jan 20, 2012
It is with a great measure of sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Mr. Ted Larson, founder of Larson Gross. He was 91. Mr. Larson was a wonderful man, and we wish to recognize his incredible contributions not only to our organization but to our individual lives. He will be deeply missed.
A few facts about Ted Larson
High School Graduation
Mr. Larson grew up in Whatcom County on a farm. He attended Washington State University and was an avid Cougar fan. He lived through the Great Depression and served our Country in World War II. He was rightfully proud of his service to our Country and a true patriot.
Mr. Larson lived as a business man, a farmer, and a loving husband, father and grandfather. He played bridge and pinochle and recited poetry. Mr. Larson deeply loved his wife, Kelly. He treated her with such respect and grace.
Mr. Larson’s enthusiasm and pride for his garden often extended into the office, where he regularly shared “volunteer” saplings with others. One 25-year team member recalled fondly the dogwood that still grows in her yard that was a transplant from Mr. Larson’s garden.
Mr. Larson founded Larson Gross in December 1949. The values he based our firm on — integrity, trust, excellence and passion — continue to inspire the firm and propel us forward today. As a CPA, Mr. Larson worked long hours but always made it a point to be home for dinner each night with his wife and children.
He continued to have the best interest of the firm at heart well into his retirement years. He would come in to the office on a regular basis to meet every new face and make a personal connection with each of our team members. He remembered the name of every employee, as well as the names of their spouses and children, and would greet clients by name as he passed by the reception desk well beyond when he stopped directly serving clients. He officially retired in 2007.
Marv Tjoelker, Partner, Randy Bode, then-Partner, and Mr. Larson enjoyed a boat cruise with other members of the firm at the end of tax season in 1997. Today, Marv is a Partner and the firm’s CEO, and Randy is a Principal.
A message from Marv Tjoelker, Partner/CEO
I wish to share my respect and gratitude for Mr. Larson for he was truly an inspiring man. I believe I am speaking for many others in our firm as well. I remember visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Larson at their house one Saturday morning. They gave our family some of the surplus cedar trees that grew wild on their property. They had us in for coffee, and I was struck by their hospitality and warmth as they hosted our family. When my wife, Linda, and I visited Mr. and Mrs. Larson last year, I was reminded of their fondness for each other and their positive outlook on life.
Mr. Larson enjoyed a good time. For those of us fortunate enough to have been with the firm for a number of years, who can forget the Christmas parties where Mr. Larson would give us a rendition of the poems he had memorized? These were special times, and I remember especially the last time he performed for us. I was so thrilled that even though he was concerned that he may not remember all of the parts, he was willing to try.
Mr. Larson, and his wife, Kelly, accept a framed plaque in celebration of the firm’s 50th anniversary on Dec. 3, 1999.
When I was in Washington D.C. a few years ago, I visited the National World War II Memorial and so wished that Mr. Larson had been able to visit this monument to the spirit, sacrifice and commitment to men and women like him.
Mr. Larson was very personable. I was always amazed at how he could remember the names of the various employees of the firm. He would even remember spouse’s names. I remember especially how he would cut out articles from the newspaper about my family members and put them on my desk with a little note attached.
The thing that stands out most for me about Mr. Larson, the one thing that spoke to me the most, was his confidence in me. His inspiration continues to give me great purpose to want to do my part in continuing the quest to have the CPA firm of Larson Gross reach all that it can be.
To Mr. Larson:
It is an honor to be associated with the firm you started. It has been my privilege to know you and to share an April 9 birthday with you. You have had and will continue to have a special spot in my heart and the hearts of those who continue your legacy at Larson Gross.