Daniel H. Larson died unexpectedly at his home in Seaver Park, East Helena, on June 6, 2011. He was born on July 5, 1942 in Reno, Nevada to Leonard and Dorothy Larson. Dan grew up in the Clancy area and graduated from Jefferson High School, Boulder in 1960.
Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon completion of his military service he returned to Montana and was employed by ASARCO, East Helena, as a machinist. In 1986 he started his own company, Dan’s Drive Line, which he operated until his death. The business started from a chicken cop in his backyard and grew to become one of the finest machine shops in Montana. His talent as a machinist made him one of the best in the business.
A hard worker and perfectionist in his work, Dan also knew how to relax. Summers found him riding his Harley Davidson with friends and exploring the wonders of Montana and the Western States. Winters were for skiing, snowmobiling and enjoying winter outdoor activities. Dan’s sense of humor and his amazing ability to remember the details of the stories he told will be greatly missed by all.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert. Dan is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Larson of Hamilton; his daughter, Shanda of Helena; son, Chance of New Mexico; and seven grandchildren, Adrienne, Brynn, Max, Eric, Rainey, Graysen and Joshana.
A memorial service will be held 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 17th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will follow at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. All Dan’s biker friends please ride your bike in the funeral precession to the cemetery A reception will then be held at East Helena Fire Hall. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Audrey Blomquist says
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I worked for your dad doing his books for his drive-line business back in the early 80’s. I truly enjoyed his zest for life and great sense of humor. He was a great man and will be dearly missed.
Curt Hagerty says
Dear Chance, Shanda and your families: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. It is never easy to lose someone in your family but your memories will keep them alive. Take care of yourselves and hopefully we’ll be in touch soon! With regards, Curt Hagerty and the Hagerty Family(s)
Dave and Sandy Smith says
Dan was a good friend and mentor. We shared many motorcycle rides, snowmobiling adventures, and get togethers with Dan. Dan always had a joke to tell and stories to share. Dave and I will greatly miss him. Thank you for sharing your wit, wisdom, and yourself with us, Dan, we will always remember you.
Doug and Lynn Moon says
Our thoughts go out to Dan’s family. We remember the “good ole days” with the Clancy bunch. God Bless.
Drew Dawson says
My most sincere condolences on Dan death. While I have not seen him in quite some time, I sure have fond memories from many years ago.
Drew Dawson
Bethesda, MD
(formerly of Boulder, MT)
Gene and Peggy Olson says
Dan was a wonderful friend and a great man. We enjoyed many of his numerous jokes and good humor. We shared many hours riding alongside him on our motorcycles and shared many good meals with great stories. He is greatly missed. Our deepest condolences,
Gene and Peggy Olson
Kelly Stanley-McNurlin says
Shanda & Family – I was sad to read about Dan. I remember years ago at times I’d hang out at the machine shop with his employee and Dan was always so nice. I’d see him ‘out & about’ and he’d always say hello. He will be missed!
Lisa Lukenbill says
Shanda, we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. Love, Dave and Lisa
Mark Ryckman says
I worked with Dan at the smelter and for Dan at the driveline shop. I learned a lot from him and respected him. May God be kind to him.
Pat Foley says
What a shock! So much friendship from a wonderful man. Even though I a am far away in Michigan, my prayers go out to Dan’s family and friends.
Renee Roehl-Garrett says
Chance and Shanda,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Strive on the positive times you shared with your father! Charish and enjoy your families for our time is so short, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your Dad was a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed.
Renee’ Roehl-Garrett