Ralph Gail Larsen

Born March 2, 1929, to Norman C Larsen and Bergetta Nelson Larsen in Salt Lake City, Utah, Ralph and his six brothers: Carl (d), Gordon (d), Norman, Scott (d), Paul, Larry (d) and four sisters: Anna (d), Norma (d), Margene (d) and Claudette grew up in the post-depression era where all family members worked closely together on a farm. The family moved to Bountiful in July 1938. Ralph lived in the same house surrounded by his nearly 100 beloved peach and other fruit trees throughout the rest of his life. 

 Ralph graduated from Davis High School in 1947, and from Stevens Henager Business College in 1960 on the G.I. Bill. He went to work in 1947 at the National Screen Service Company. A year later, he took a job at Paramount Pictures on 100 South in SLC.

 In 1950, Ralph was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War ("the Forgotten War"). His basic training was completed at Fort Riley, Kansas, and then he was deployed to Japan, traveling by sea. He was sent to North Camp Mt. Fuji for four months to build up the 34th Infantry Regiment. He was then shipped to Pusan, South Korea, in August 1951 and was assigned to the 14th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Division, serving nine months with the mortar platoon. During this time, he served at the Iron Triangle, Mulwa, Heartbreak Ridge and Punch Bowl. Ralph received the prestigious Infantry Combat Badge, Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star, U.N. Service Medal, and Occupation of Japan Metal. Ralph was shipped back to Japan on Easter Sunday, 1952. He was sent back to the U.S., first initially to Camp Carson, Colorado, and then discharged from the Army in September 1952. After his military service, Ralph kept in regular contact with six members of his Army squad (Bill Hilton, John McGuire, Darryl Roundy, Floyd Rambo, Koaler Olsen, and Ray Kosley (all now deceased). 

 Upon his return to Bountiful, Ralph went back to work at Columbia Pictures. In 1955, he was promoted to SLC Office Manager for Columbia Pictures Offices on “Film Row” in Salt Lake City. In June 1958, Ralph went to work at Nalley's Fine Foods, where he worked for the 33 years.

 In 1972, at the Davis Class of 1947 25th High School reunion, Ralph became reacquainted with his former classmate Shirley Loder Davis. After a whirlwind summer romance, they fell in love and were married on September 12, 1972. Ralph always said Shirley was the best thing that ever happened to him. Ralph and Shirley raised a family of three children including Patrick Davis (Andrea), Deborah Davis Benitez (Jeff), and Kari Davis Cutler (Jack Wilbur). They were blessed with seven grandchildren, Christina (Neil), Ian (Stephanie), Ashlie (Marc), Ryan (Danielle), Katie, Lindsey (Rich), and Cyndi (Mike), and six great-grandchildren and counting. 

 After Ralph's retirement in January 1991, he and Shirley enjoyed many "Mystery Trips" with family. They had great times and family reunions at their cabin in Alpine, Wyoming, and relished the simple pleasure of hard work in his beloved peach orchard. 

 Ralph will be fondly remembered for his kind heart, quick wit, for being a strong role model, providing great advice, and sharing his quiet loving spirit. 

 Papa, you will forever be in the hearts and minds of your children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You are the best thing that ever happened to each one of us! 

 Family and friends may gather to visit on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah. 

 A brief graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, Utah.