Obituary of Laverne D. Larson

Laverne D. "Vern" Larson, 86, formerly of 1905 Winch Road, Lakewood died October 9, 2014 in the Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center. He was born March 9, 1928 in Jamestown the son of the late G. Dewey and Myrna Spencer Larson. He was a 1946 graduate of Lakewood High School and attended Kent State University. Vern was a veteran of the U. S. Army from 1946 to 1948 serving in South Korea and the Philippines. Before his retirement Vern served as Postmaster of Lakewood from 1955 to 1985. He wrote the popular OUTDOOR TRAIL column for the Post-Journal from 1950 to 1985. He will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather who placed great importance on his home, family and friends. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing and camping with family and friends. He particularly enjoyed training his many bird dogs, and in his younger years training and riding horses. Vern was a life member of the Jamestown Skeet Club winning the club championship in 1983 and 1990. He was a long time member of the Outdoor Writers of America and the New York Outdoor Writers Association attending many of the organization's events with his wife Helen. He is survived by two daughters: Sandra (Gerald) Barton of Randolph and Laurie (George) Meier of Lakewood; a granddaughter, Deborah Barton of Lakewood; a nephew, Randy (Lee Ann) Olson of Yorkville, Ill. and two great- nieces: Meredith and Marissa Olson of Yorkville, Ill. He was predeceased June 9, 2008 by his loving wife Helen of 55 years, whom he married December 13, 1952, and a sister Virginia M. Olson on July 8, 2012. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Visitation will not be observed. Memorials may be made to the G. Dewey and Myrna Spencer Larson Memorial Fund, c/o Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Pine Street, Jamestown, NY 14701 This fund benefits the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, or to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750.