January 5, 1920 – November 8, 2009
LOUIS “DOC” LARSEN, DVM Age 89, passed away in his home in Sunland, California, on November 8, 2009, with his family around him. He was thankful for a full life. Born on January 5, 1920, to Louis and Mary Dean Larsen in Fresno, California, he received his doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University in 1949. “Doc” practiced veterinary medicine from 1949 to 1987, opening his own practice in 1958, “Pacoima Veterinary Clinic” in Pacoima, California. He married the love of his life Shirley “Sammy” Gertrude Rice on September 1, 1947. They met at a rodeo. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Linda Shirley Warnekros and her husband Richard, and Sandra Rae Hall and her husband William; and granddaughter, Shirley Jeanne Hall. Son, James Louis Larsen (deceased age 44). “Doc” was an avid horseman, completing the world famous 100-mile Tevis Cup three times. He is renowned for his work on trails, including the legendary Doc Larsen Trail in the Angeles National Forest. He received honors from the House of Representatives, the State of California, the City of Los Angeles, the Department of Agriculture, and the Forest Service for his work on trails across the State of California. A memorial celebration will be held Sunday, November 15, 2009, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., service at 2:30 p.m., at Middle Ranch, 11701 Little Tujunga Canyon Rd., Lake View Terrace, 91342. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ETI (Trail Maintenance), Backcountry Horseman and American Cancer Society.
Published by Los Angeles Daily News on Nov. 13, 2009.