Bruce Roger Larson
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Bruce Roger Larson (72) on April 25, 2024. He died after a 2-year battle with brain cancer. Bruce was born in Atlanta, GA to Roger and Ida Larson and has one younger sister Janice Whitehead of Florida.
Bruce was a devoted father to his 2 sons Chris (Bri) and Joseph (Ashley) Larson and his daughter Rabun (John) Miller and an energetic “Papa” to his 7 grandchildren Logan (21), Malia (20), Sunnie (2), Stiles (3 mos.), and Parker (2) Larson, and Hailee (11), and Eli (9) Miller. But he will be missed most by his beloved rescue dog Bernard P. Fife (Barney).
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory nothing can steal.”
Bruce will be remembered most for his life of service. After graduating from Furman University in 1972, he traveled across the country on his Norton, worked as a group home parent for troubled teens at The Clear Springs Home in Simpsonville and The Crane House in Pelzer, and was a foster parent to more than 10 children through DSS. He was a member of the Kawanis Club, started the terrific kid program at local elementary schools, delivered Meal on Wheels, and served as Simpsonville’s City councilman for a term. Bruce moved back to Atlanta to care for his mother until her death in early 2015. He then returned to Greenville and put all his energy into being the best Papa for the last 21 years of his life.
His family and friends will remember him as the man who turned everything into an adventure. Bruce enjoyed target practice, blowing up literally anything (safely of course), and riding his Sportster to bike races for a weekend of motorcycles and camping with friends. He spent most days toting the grandkids from one state park to the next, going up to Haygood Mill in Pickens for a bluegrass festival, or to be blessed in a Native American ritual.
“Although not in the 1st bloom of youth I am never better than when riding; after a run I almost invariably sleep well and can certainly recommend motor cycling as beneficial to one’s general health.”
-James Landsdowne Norton
Bruce was truly an exceptional man and changed many lives. Even as his time grew scarce, and the end was near, he could be heard asking the nurse aides if he “could help them with anything or did they want to lie down for a nap?” He will be deeply missed and impossible to forget.
“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”
Services will be held at Cannon Byrd Funeral Home, 313 North Main Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681, on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 1:00 pm. If you own a bike, please ride it in honor of Bruce. In lieu of flowers or donations, please go buy some ammo or a gun and stand by your 2nd amendment right to bear arms. Dad would love that!
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard” – Winnie the Pooh
Sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was a beloved cousin of mine. I will remember him as being very down to earth, warm, caring, and having a love for his children and grandchildren. Family was very important to him. I will miss him. Our loss will be heaven’s gain.
I did not know Bruce. Harry spoke so highly of him and it felt like I knew his person through him. Thank you for sharing and my heart is moved.
Bruce was the first Larson cousin I knew. His dad was the eldest of my mother’s three brothers and they were very close. We were all so thrilled when we learned of baby Bruce and always looked forward to visits back and forth between Georgia and Florida.
I wasn’t able to spend much time with him during my life, but was always kept informed by the family. Bruce and my brother, Alan Seraphine, managed to stay closer and I often heard what was going on.
It is sad to see one more of my generation pass from this life, but I cannot help but imagine the rejoicing in Heaven when Bruce arrived. This has also afforded me a chance to reacquaint myself with his big, beautiful family. You all have my sincere sympathies and I pray for your comfort and peace as you adjust to your loss.
I had the pleasure to work with Mr Bruce through Terrific kids and lucky to have him as my neighborChris ,Joseph and Rabun we send our deepest sympathy to y’all Longan and sweet Malia we love y’all
My condolences to Bruce’s family. Bruce sold me my first home when I moved to SC and in the process we became friends. that was over 20 years ago. Lost touch for awhile when he went back to GA to help care for his parents. Bruce was a fun person always smiling and enjoying life, yes he will be missed but he’s in a much better place now! RIP Bruce. Thanks for your friendship!