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1960-2021

The family announces with much sadness John's passing, Sunday July 25, 2021, at the age of 61.

Son of Svend (predeceased) and Dorothy Larsen. Loving husband of Andrea for almost 33 years. Dear father of Christian and Allison. 

He was born in Sudbury, June 12 1960. Older brother of David Larsen (Sandra Larsen), Peter Larsen (Lori Yauk), Karen Dance (Paul Dance) and Joanne Larson (Glenn Larson). 

He will be missed by his nieces and nephews. 

John attended Alexander PS, Wembley PS, Sudbury Secondary High School, Cambrian College and then transferred to Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario for his Bachelor of Science (Mining Engineering) and Masters of Science. Throughout his academic career, John received a variety of academic awards and scholarships.

All his life, John valued sports as a player and coach, not only for the physical benefits but also so for the social and emotional gains that went along with being involved. He played and coached in a variety of sport leagues and most importantly established lifelong friendships that he held dear to his heart. He was involved in high school football and other sports during his time at Sudbury Secondary High School and played provincial level lacrosse. He played Spartan football for 7 seasons. During that time he played 5 different positions, was team captain, and won numerous Spartan team awards. He later returned to be part of the Spartan coaching team for 5 years . He helped establish and coach in the Joe MacDonald Youth Football League. 

At Queen’s University, while working on his engineering degree, he played for the Queen’s Golden Gaels football team for 4 years (1982-1985). During the ’84 season, he shared the offensive captain position. He was part if the OQIFC Championship/Yates Cup Championship/Vanier Cup Finalist Team in 1983. He held the longest kick-off return record in the Vanier Cup and tied the Queen’s record for most touchdowns in a game with 3 in one half in ’84. He was a member of the OQIFC Championship/Atlantic Bowl Finalist team in 1984. He was inducted into the Queen’s Football Hall of fame in 2015 as a member of the 1983 Vanier Cup Finalist Team. 

After his competitive playing days were over John enjoyed recreational squash, skiing, baseball, basketball and hockey, again valuing the time he spent with friends and family. Ultimately golf became his go to sport in the summer months and on some vacations. John loved to travel and explore new locations. He loved food and flavours spending many hours creating fabulous food in the kitchen for his family and friends.  He loved history, reading, fishing, woodworking and gardening. 

John had a successful career in the mining industry. He initially worked for Fording Coal in BC and then returned to Sudbury to work at Inco/Vale. Later he moved on to Cementation Canada and then Cementation USA where he held a variety of positions but ultimately was Area Manager of Eastern US and Mexico. Rather than retiring he became a consultant and ended his career working for Hatch Ltd.

John’s family and many friends will miss his blue eyes and smile, his hard work and competitive spirit, but mostly his love of life.

Heartfelt thanks to the Northeast Cancer Centre, Dr. Jani, Dr. Falk and all the amazing nurses there who he was lucky enough to come in contact with. Thank you to the LHIN and Nathalie particularly for your compassion and caring. Thank you to the Bayshore nurses and especially Tara and Dustin who were always there when it was needed.

As per John’s request there will be no funeral service, just a family gathering. Cremation services entrusted by Simple Wishes of the North, Sudbury.

A celebration of John’s life to share stories and memories will take place at the Lively Golf Club in Lively Ontario, Friday September 24th from 3 - 6:30. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John Larsen Athletic Financial Award by visiting:https://www.givetoqueens.ca/johnlarsen.

 

Service Details

Provided by: Simple Wishes of the North Inc.



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