R. Larsen Obituary

Ralph David Larsen

1952-2024

R. David Larsen, M.D. returned home to his Heavenly Father after a well-fought battle with cancer. David spent his final days at home in Las Vegas, Nevada, lovingly surrounded by family and friends. Unsurprisingly, Dave maintained his trademark humor.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ruth Hale and Ralph Larsen in 1952, Dave, as he was known to friends, had an idyllic childhood. His early years were filled adventuring through the tree-lined hills of "the Avenues" alongside his siblings and his many cousins. As a boy Dave was strongly encouraged to learn to play the accordion by his mother, the office manager for the Larry Pino Conservatory of Music. His siblings would bribe him not to practice while they were home. As he recalls, he had the "unfortunate knack" for playing the instrument well and even won a state championship. Over time he was recruited to teach younger accordion students, which he loved, and met his childhood best friend, a fellow musician.

Dave's signature wit and kindness were the connective tissue for all he met. Even in his adolescence, Dave knew the impact of his humor and enjoyed many friendships. He graduated from East High in 1970 with standout friends who later comprised his young adult poker group and remained dear to him throughout his life.

From 1972 to 1974 Dave served in the Argentina North mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a gift for communicating in the language and was tasked with recording many Spanish missionary materials for the Church. After returning home to Salt Lake City from his mission, he received his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Utah in 1975 and went on to graduate magna cum laude from The University of Utah School of Medicine in 1980. He successfully completed two residencies in surgery and urology and retained fond memories from his time as a chief resident. A skilled surgeon, beloved doctor, and admired colleague, Dave cultivated an esteemed medical career in Sacramento, Salt Lake City and finally in Las Vegas where he was a member Las Vegas Urology. He formed a profound friendship with his practice partner, Eliot Horowitz, MD., who offered him devoted care during his final days. His last days were spent hearing from the many patients who recalled how he saved their lives. His grandchildren, however, were most impressed by the surgery he once performed on a gorilla at the Hogle Zoo.

In his life, David married two indomitable women. In 1975 he was married to Susan Bradshaw in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They had three children: Jeffrey, Emily, and Lindsay. David moved to Las Vegas to join a new medical practice and there he met his wife, lifelong partner and Scrabble competitor, his "honey" Margaret Moore. Dave and Margaret were married in 1995, and together raised a son, Adam. They enjoyed a joyful, busy life filled with friends, food, travel, and laughter. Their greatest and long standing argument was as to who had the better sense of humor. The apex of his joy was his family, his children and especially his three granddaughters, whom he lovingly nicknamed "The Magic Three". To them he was their world-class "Grumps." He made videos playing the accordion for them (the Peppa Pig theme being a real crowd-pleaser), traveled with and for them, and told delightful bedtime stories about "Maggie, Marty, and Omar" which he first imagined for his young children. His granddaughters referred to Grumps as their "best friend."

An avid reader, unmatched wordsmith, Dave was a brilliant conversationalist and a genuine friend. He loved books, word games, travel, good food (particularly desserts), the saxophone and tennis. He thoroughly enjoyed music, theater, and films. His favorite place was the "Casita de Orina" his vacation home in San Diego. Weeks before his passing, he happily visited San Diego with those closest to him to celebrate his youngest son's wedding. All those who knew Dave were inspired by his tremendous example as a golden rule-follower and as one who conscientiously lifted the burdens of those around him.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Lavar and Ruth Hale Larsen; sister Susan; brother-in-law, Galen Campbell; and sister-in-law, Kathleen Moore. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Moore Larsen; his brother and best friend, Charles (Kendra); and his children: Jeffrey David (Charlotte); Emily Doxford (Bryan); Lindsay Ann; Adam Unger (Sarah). He was a loving brother-in-law to Terri, Pat, and Susan Moore, Keith McCrea, and Steve Williams. He is the beloved grandfather and Grumps to Grace, Lillian, and Bess; and a favored uncle to his nephews and nieces.

In his final years, one of the priceless gifts he gave his family was to write his autobiography at their request. When asked about his imminent passing, Dave said he maintained hope for what was to come next, though his greatest hopes had already been fulfilled through his children and grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank all those who visited and assisted in his final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Charities: Migration & Refugee Services.

Our grateful Grumps, God be with you until we meet again.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune, The Salt Lake Tribune from Nov. 1 to Nov. 10, 2024.