Dave Larsen….the man, the myth, the legend, left us without warning on February 12. Dave was born April 6, 1952 in Omaha, NE to Delbert and Frances (Hamon) Larsen. He joined his older brother Dan and they spent their early years in Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas on various Air Force bases. His father got a job in Kalispell in 1961 where Dave lived until moving to Helena in 1968 and graduating from Helena High School in 1970. Dave went on to earn both a Bachelor’s Degree in History and an Electrical Engineering Degree from MSU Bozeman (Go Bobcats!).
Dave spent the majority of his career working for the US Forest Service in fire management, beginning with a job manning Hogback Lookout and after over 30 years, retiring as the Fire Management Officer on the Helena Ranger District. To say Dave’s career was amazing is an understatement. He became nationally recognized as an expert in all aspects of fire management. He held numerous positions over the years on Incident Command Teams, achieving status as one of the few and elite National Type 1 Incident Commanders. He became one of only five IC’s who were certified in all three genres of firefighting — fire suppression, prescribed fire and the use of fire in wilderness. (See IR article 6/12/2009). In addition to the numerous fire assignments around the country, Dave also played a role in supporting historical events such as Hurricane Katrina and Columbia Shuttle Recovery efforts.
Utmost in Dave’s philosophy, however, was firefighter safety. He could never understand risking lives to save structures. As such, a recent accomplishment he was very proud of was his work with Wildland Fire Associates on an investigation of the Yarnell Hill Fire in AZ last summer where 19 Firefighters perished. Dave felt like his contributions would make a difference in keeping lives safe in the future.
As a kid, Dave enjoyed many, many, adventures with his brother Dan, usually involving a fishing pole, skis, a tent or the occasional air mattress to float across the North Fork of the Flathead because of course– the fishing is always better on the other side….and their insistence that “if we had a boat we could catch ‘em”!
Of course the highlight of Dave’s life was meeting his “lovely wife Nan” followed by the arrival of his two beautiful and amazing daughters, Katie and Ally. Dave married Nan LeFebvre on June 30, 1990 at St. Helena Cathedral. Dave had taken Nan to Hawaii in 1988 where he saved her from almost drowning. The next day he took her to the beach at sunrise and proposed. How could she say no? They were truly soul mates and shared many happy years traveling, having fun and loving their girls.
Katie arrived March 2, 2001 followed by Ally on February 13, 2003. Dave’s girls were the ultimate joy of his life. He taught them to swim, to fish, to shoot hoops, and to just enjoy life. Some of their best memories included sunny days in the boat on Canyon Ferry with just the four of them and the intertube, trips to places like Hawaii, San Diego, Disneyland and dream seats at a Redskins game in Fed Ex Stadium (where Dave swore one of the Redskins Cheerleaders winked at him).
Most of all, Dave enjoyed sitting in the stands and watching his girls play volleyball and basketball. He was so proud of them for so many reasons. They are beautiful, bright, strong girls in large part because of the influence of the world’s greatest Dad. The three of them shared a special bond that only they understood.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Nan LeFebvre and daughters Katie and Ally Larsen of Helena. He is also survived by his brother, Dan Larsen of Helena and niece Amy Larsen (Gabe Nelson) of Belgrade, nephews, Arec (Laura) of Fairfield, OR , Kerry (Tara) of Clinton, MT, and Trever (Keely) of Wichita, KS, and several wonderful aunts and cousins throughout the country.
Nan, Katie and Ally are overwhelmed with the love and support of friends and family. They are especially appreciative of the many, many members of the Forest Service and fire community who supported, protected and loved Dave throughout his career. If Dave were here, he would say “Thanks all….strong work!” Dave’s girls and brother Dan ask all of you to embrace the opportunity to focus on and love those who are important to you. To not plan on tomorrow, but to savor each day as if it were the last. Dave will be so, so missed by everyone who knew him.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, February 17th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 18th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street. A funeral reception will follow the mass in the Entry Hall at the Lewis and Clark County Fair Grounds. Memorials in Dave’s name are suggested to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, the Johnny Walker relief fund, c/o Heather DeGeest, 2880 Skyway Drive, Helena, MT 59602, accounts have been established at American Federal Savings Bank for Katie and Ally or to an organization of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday February 17, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 18, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday February 18, 2014
Entry Hall at the Lewis and Clark County Fair Grounds
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday February 17, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 18, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday February 18, 2014
Entry Hall at the Lewis and Clark County Fair Grounds
Helena, Montana 59601
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Denis Hart says
We were really saddened to hear of Dave’s sudden and unexpected passing. He was a good man, a trusted employee, and he knew his job very well. I hope the whole family heals quickly from this tragic event.
Beth and Dan Jankowski says
Nan,
We are so sorry to hear about Dave. Dave will be remembered for his intelligence and humor on and off the fire line. We will miss visiting him at school events. Our youngest always referred to Dave as her ‘best friend’ because he would visit with her while waiting for the girls to get out of school. We will keep you and the girls in our prayers.
Eve byron says
Nan and girls, I will elaborate later. But in 2009, I interviewed Dave when he retired. He initially didn’t want to talk about his life and career but grudgingly agreed, knowing that his stories could teach the next generation.
We met on a park bench to chat and left three hours later. Your dad/husband and I, who had worked together for a decade but never talked about our lives, had an amazinglty touching conversation for two people who had usually had conflicting perspectives.
What stuck with me all these years was his love of his family. Dave wanted to be there for you, 24/7, because of how often he was called to work 24/7. We talked more about families, love, and our familial regrets during what usually is a one hour interview.
The world is a better place because of your husband-father. I grieve with you, but he sure packed a lot of living into a mere 61 years.
God bless.
George Panek says
I am saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. I worked with Dave on and off from about 1994-2001 on planning projects on the Helena NF. Dave was a real down to earth person and always looked for practical solutions to issues and problems. He always had good things to say about others and never had malice in his heart. He was an easy person to be around, a “green light” person as they say, a gentle spirit. That’s how I remember Dave. A good man and one of the best.
Anna says
Nan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful daughters. Love, Anna, Dan and Jordan
Linda and Dan Gaughan says
Nan and girls, we are so very sorry to read of Dave’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God hold you in His loving arms and comfort you now and always.
Jack de Golia says
I’ll always remember the twinkle in Dave’s eyes, his ready humor, and he always was thinking of his wife and girls. My best thoughts to his family.
Mike Oliver says
Very few people ever bring humor to the workplace like Dave did….even in the worst of times. I am sorry to hear of his untimely passing.
George and Lee Weldon says
Nan and girls, They do not mak’em any better than Dave……he is skilled at whatever he does….but his true passion and what he wanted most in life is to be your Husband/ Dad. You made him very happy and made his life complete!!
judy daugherty says
nan dan called this morning to tell us the very sad shocking news. you and the girls are in our prayers. had not seen him for years, but our familly never forgot those 2 boys. ;wish we could come, but it is way too far. so sorry uncle ralph and aunt judy
Rick Hafenfeld says
Way too soon to loose such a wonderful person and fellow fireman. His family , his Forest Service family and all of his friends will miss him greatly. Our love and prayers to all of you. Rick and Patty
Jens says
Nan and girls he was one of a kind and I will miss him!
“Strong Work”
Irene Pfeifle Nelson says
Nan and family, I am sending love and prayers for you during this incredibly difficult time. Know you are not alone. May you be surrounded by angels on earth to support you and help you. I did not have the opportunity to meet your husband but your love was always evident through comments and photos. May the love of God, family and friends support you during this very difficult time.
Rick Veeh says
Dear Nan and Family,
Pete Feigley was thoughtful in letting me know the sad news about Dave’s unexpected passing. Although I had not seen you and Dave for many years, I will always consider him to be one of the great friends I had during the many years I lived in Montana. Actually, Dave was one of the first guys I met after moving to Helena from northern California in 1975 and landing a seasonal job on the Canyon Ferry District of the USFS…during the next 4-5 years we shared many good times. Then, later on in Bozeman when Dave and I both had decided that more “formal” education seemed like a good idea, there were epic one-on-one battles in the MSU gym…our adopted names of Tragic Larsen and Ricky Turd tell it all!…we competed, but we spent most of our time laughing at each other. Although we lost touch during our “career years”, I will always fondly remember him and our friendship.
Maureen Grewe says
Dear Nan and girls, we were so sorry to hear the news of Dave’s sudden passing. All our thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember Dave so fondly, he was a wonderful man. Love, Maureen, Mike, Zach, Sophie and Sam
Susan and Andy Davis, Amy and Matt Desroches says
Dave was such a loving, warm, kind, easy-going person who made being a father and a husband the biggest priority in his life. He was a giver. He made the world a better place simply through sharing his heart. We are so grateful to have known and loved him and are forever in awe of the dedication and love that he continually bestowed upon his family . Although his life was cut far too short, we are so grateful for having had Dave in our lives. We know his love for family and life has insured his place in heaven among the angels. He will be forever loved and greatly missed.
Cathy Desroches via Amy Davis Desroches says
Cathy said to me “I remember when I first met Dave at your wedding. I went up to him and said that I felt that we had a connection, myself having also adopted two children. I told him that I so admired him because the thought of having to deal with an open adoption would terrify me. And he looked at me and said, “I just believe that a child can never have too many people in her life that love her.” And that really stuck with me. I thought that this was such a selfless, loving man.”
Mandi Shulund Hinman says
Nan –
I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I am thinking about you and your girls through this tough time. Take care, and stay strong.
Ellen Weg Petrenko says
So very sad to hear you lost your wonderful Dave. He was taken from you and the girls much too soon. I wish I could be there to give you a hug. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers — May your wonderful memories of your adoring husband get you through this most difficult time. Sending lots of love your way. Ellen
Melinda Thompson says
Nan, Katie, and Ally ~
I am holding all of you in thoughts and prayers. Dave was such a wonderful guy. He always had a smile and a positive comment when I would see him at Four Georgians. His dedication as a Dad was amazing. I know how much he loved the girls. May you find strength in the memories and continue to feel his love throughout all of your days.
God bless,
Mrs. Melinda Thompson
Janine (Voth) Keiper says
Nan,
I was so extremely shocked and saddened to find out of Dave’s unexpected passing. When I think back to when you and I first met Dave and his fire-fighting friend I remember nothing but humor and kindness. They were writing a fire-fighting beer commercial which was absoultely amazing…cannot believe it didn’t get publizied. You and Dave had a love like so few are lucky to have. I know each loss is different, but I do know the kind of pain you and your daughters are going through as I lost my loving husband and father to our 7 year old son 10 years ago. My heart and prayers are with ALL of you. God Bless. **Janine
Gene Goodell says
Nan, Katie and Ally,
Wow this is a shock. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
I have too many great stories about Dave to tell here, but will tell you that he had such a wonderful laugh and sense of humor. We roomed together for three years at Bozeman during our formative years in the early 70’s. Dave and I made a dynamic duo on the basketball court and won many 2 on 2 contests. We complemented each other so well! Great teammate and good ball handler and passer. He always worried about his “pins” as if he were 40 years old, but somehow would summon another game at the old gym at MSU. I remember his “Rantelly balancing act in chem lab and his reason for going from PreMed into History. We played a lot of pitch card games together in Hedges South and had the best room on the floor due to an awful green shag carpet. Dave bargained unsuccessfully with Ma Bell – back when phone companies would not bargain. We played “air guitar” to Deep Purple before we knew we were playing air guitar. We both liked Billy Joel and the Piano Man. We washed dishes together one night at Mannies after too many suds and too little money. So many memories. His loss is felt by his many friends.
Again so sorry to you and your daughters. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Gene
Anita Moon says
Nan, Although I never knew Dave personally it has always been so fun to drive by your house and see what Dave had going on with the girls. There lots of toys early on and then bikes and basketballs games going on all the time. Obviously he was deeply in love with them and such a good dad. They will have many wonderful memories of times spent with him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Richard E. Grady says
I had the opportunity to work with Dave regarding the interagency fire management programs between the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and the Helena National Forest. He was enjoyable to work with over the years as an interagency partner to help so many in our local community and he will be missed in the wildlland fire management community. My prayers to all his family.
Doug Olson says
Nan and family — I am saddened to read of Dave’s passing. I came to know Dave through his faith life and talked with him from time to time while in Helena. My assessment was that he was a “Giver” in his earthly life, giving and sharing of his talents and his love for his family, his faith, his career and his community. I will always remember his friendly smile, giving others hope and good will. May God comfort you in your loss of a great husband and father. Doug Olson, Minneapolis.
Dixie and Kelli Hargreaves says
Nan, Mom and I are so sorry to hear about Dave. We were just remembering about the lawn mower we gave you and Dave for your wedding present. Wheeling that yellow lawn mower into the Colonial Inn at your wedding reception. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kerry Patton says
Dave was my uncle, the last one I had left. And he was the best one. There are a couple reasons why I say that and they’re not easy to put in writing but that’s gonna have to do. My earliest memories of Uncle Dave stretch back to the mid 70’s when we first arrived in Helena. We didn’t have a place to live yet and he welcomed us into the small apartment he occupied. I was pretty young, but I mostly remember the big guy with the laugh that put you at ease- it was a laugh that I would always remember and that would remind me of family. I remember him and my dad sitting across the table from one another, sharing a beer, catching up on time spent apart and looking and sounding like the brothers that they were. They had been through a lot together and it showed. It was obvious that there was a bond that was only understood by them. There was not a lot of money, but there was family, and it felt like the dawn that it was.
A couple years later, Dave had moved up a bit in the USFS ranks, and occupied a home south of Broadway in a nice neighborhood. We went over Christmas day and had a great time. My older brother and I spent the day in his basement playing pong on the ColecoVision, a modern miracle at the time. Those days feel more real to me than these days now sometimes feel; we sat across the table from each other having meals together and laughing, looking each other in the eye and being real. No phones, tablets or ipads or laptops distracting us from what mattered most. TV was mostly horrible too so we spent more time with each other. Perhaps we had it right before silicon valley figured out how to capture our attention with the help of the internet. We also spent time outside chucking footballs, and if you know him, you also know that Dave liked hoops and I’ll always remember him shouting as he went to the hole with the ball, “I want the rock!” I fell down laughing as he scored that basket and mocked me when I got up. That was his whole offense: make you laugh till you were incapacitated, then score an easy layup.
Time has a way of encroaching on the relationships that we hold dear. We move, careers change, we lose touch. Children arrive. Friends come and go. But there are always a few people that are never too far from our hearts- Uncle Dave was one of those few.
During the time between my early childhood, and my high school graduation- Uncle Dave appeared there to congratulate me and hassle me about the cap on my skinny neck- there were holidays and family occasions that I remember well, and always that laugh, but I always knew that he was around, and aware that he was doing well and steadily, surely climbing that ladder of the USFS. Time went by…
Fast forward to 1996. I was separating from my 8- year tenure with the USAF, and planning to attend UM. I left behind a career and an income and it was summer. I knew Uncle Dave had ascended the ranks and so I called, pretty much out of the blue, and asked if there were any seasonal openings in the Missoula area that I might apply for. He told me, “Not that I know of, but I can probably get you in somewhere over there.” I asked how he planned on doing that if there were no openings available and he replied, without hesitation, “Well I’ll just strong arm someone, I guess!” And then laughed like it was no big deal. That meant a lot to me, and I laughed and thanked him, and said I’d be in touch. I never took him up on the offer, and found work doing something else, going forward with my plan to attend UM.
The next year, my wife of almost 17 years now and I tied the knot in Helena, and of course Uncle Dave was in attendance. Being a poor college student, and my wife a part-time barber, we weren’t exactly set up for a posh ceremony and a luxurious honeymoon. During our reception at my wife’s parent’s home, Dave pulled me aside, out of the melee, and again congratulated me. He expressed his pride in me and the young man I had become. Along with his beautiful, relatively new, wonderful wife Nan, he asked me where we would be staying on our wedding night. I said that I was saving everything I had for our short honeymoon in Coeur d’Alene that weekend and we had no special plans for the night. Well, around an hour later he grabbed me by the arm and took me aside again. This time, he stuffed a couple hundred bucks in my shirt pocket and handed me the keys to the honeymoon suite at the Colonial Inn. He told me again how proud he was of me and my new wife, and to enjoy this occasion as it would be one of the most memorable of my life.
Thanks largely to Uncle Dave and Nan, it was. That’s the kind of stuff you don’t forget and, apparently, according to what I witnessed today, I was not the sole recipient of such loving grace. I know that I will do my part and pass that on. I have since become the father of two beautiful girls, much like Uncle Dave, and have also coached my girls YMCA teams like he has. When I’m playing ball with them and goofing off, I yell when I’m going strong to the basket and impressing my girls, “I want the rock!”
I’m pretty sure that’s the whole point: be there and go strong. RIP Uncle Dave, and we will not be forgetting you anytime soon.
Your loving nephew,
Kerry
Tammy J. Gibson-Clark says
Dave- you were my friend, mentor, supervisor and believed in me when no else did. You were key to me getting to the position I did in the Forest Service instead of letting me quit and run some stupid bar of the south Boulder. You and Nan were at mine and Gregs wedding and you both were responsible for getting us uuhh how to say……happy and very drunk. The years on the Helena hotshots will always be my most treasured memories and how worried you always were about us because we all would have followed you into hell. I will never forget you and what you taught me. Thanks Dave…………..
Stephanie Hagerman says
Nan, Katie, & Ally
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My heart is broken for you and the girls. Please! Please! Let me know if I can do anything for you, Katie, & Ally.
Love, Stephanie
Arnie Bighorn says
The Man, The Myth, The Legend, so true, so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing, I learned some valuable lessons of life while under Dave’s Supervision with the USFS, back in the 80’s our prayers are with the family, god bless….
Allison and Jeff Jackson says
To Dave’s Family,
Jeff and I and our little family were so saddened to hear of Dave’s passing over this past weekend. We were absolutely stunned! Such a sudden loss of a truly awesome man who has influenced our FS careers for the better. We will continue to pray for your family and Dave’s eternal peace. God bless your aching hearts!
Ron Weaver and Shaye Moon says
Nan,
I just learned of Dave’s passing. Shaye and I are shocked, heartbroken, and numb with disbelief. Please know that we are thinking and praying for you and your girls. I am so sorry that we couldn’t be at his service. I heard that it was absolutely beautiful and a real testament to how many people loved and adored him.
Ron & Shaye
Theresa and Marc Racicot says
Dear Nan and girls,
We are so very sad to hear about Dave. I know we have not seen each other in a long time, but we wanted you to know you will be in our thoughts and prayers. From the beautiful obituary and stories he was a very special man. I pray you find comfort in your memories and draw strength from those who care so deeply. God bless you, Theresa and Marc