July 6, 1935 – April 24, 2016
On Sunday, April 24, 2016, Dr. Kenneth Larson, age 80 left this earth to be with our Lord. He died peacefully in his sleep in Fort Collins, Colorado, surrounded by his family. Kenneth Alan Larson was born July 6, 1935 in Havre, Montana.
Ken grew up in Stanford, Montana, working on ranches and learning to become a cowboy. He graduated High School in 1953, and then went on to study at Washington State University, where he graduated in 1961 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine.
Ken married Eileen Baker December 30, 1961 at the Cathedral in Helena Montana; they were married for 54 years.
They moved back to Stanford, Montana where he started a large animal veterinary practice. He sold his practice and returned to Washington State University where he received a PhD in Veterinary Microbiology in 1966.
After graduation they moved to Fort Collins, Colorado where he accepted a position teaching Veterinary Microbiology at CSU.
Being a true entrepreneur, he started Elars Bioresearch Laboratories in 1975. He eventually sold Elars and started another business called Vetline. His hard work paid off and Vetline became a successful family business that is still run by his sons. Ken worked there until his retirement 3 years ago.
Ken loved the history of the West and was an avid reader. His love of the west stayed with him his whole life and he remained a cowboy at heart. He returned to Montana every year to visit family and friends. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Fort Collins for 50 years.
Ken is survived by his wife, Eileen; his daughter, Teresa, (Troy Contestable); sons, Joe Larson, (Lori Larson) and Tom Larson; brother, Robert Larson; grandchildren, Katie & Jack and Tommy & Lily.
He is proceeded in death by his son, Daniel Larson.
A Funeral Mass is planned for Thursday, April 28, 2:00 pm, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Collins. In lieu of flowers any contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic School.