Harold King Larson Oyate Woyukchan Yuha

Harold King Larson, West Fargo ND, passed away on December 23rd, 2019. Harold was born on July 12th, 1941 to Harold and Marian Larson in Staten Island, New York. His parents died when he was 10 years old, and he and his sisters were put on a train bound to Kloten, ND. He graduated from Kloten High School in 1959. He joined the Navy for two years and served as a hospital corpsman.

Harold married Janice in 1962 and they had two children, Georgia and H.K. In the following years, Harold got his Bachelor of Science at Mayville State, his Masters and Specialist degrees at NDSU, and his PHD at UND. He worked as an educator and administrator for 40 years. He was awarded Superintendent of the Year by MASA in the early 80’s. Harold’s final job, and arguably his favorite, was as Superintendent of Standing Rock Community Schools. During his time there, he was honored with a Naming Ceremony and presented with a Star Quilt. Harold loved the people of Standing Rock, and this tribute was special to him. The name they bestowed means “He who thinks like the People”.

Harold was confronted with many obstacles in life, all of which he cheerfully overcame. He was, by all measures, a happy and successful man. The things that brought him happiness were many, including but not limited to: His wife, his children, a cold beer on a hot day, a fine steak cooked medium rare, outdoor music festivals, sitting on a beach by the ocean, Bob Dylan, a pen that wrote in a fine script, a spirited political discussion and a raucous dinner on the town with his wife and kids. Harold also had a little gamble in him that came out when in Vegas playing video poker, and he experienced enough success to make him sure he would win enough to cover his losses, which he usually did. He was unfailingly supportive of his children in all of their endeavors, and loved being an integral part of their lives. Harold also enjoyed travel. He was proud of his Irish heritage, and was able to visit Ireland twice with his family. Dublin was his kind of town. Harold and Jan traveled to Mazatlán, Mexico for 20 plus years, and in that time, he learned the name of every beach vendor, bartender and maître d’ in the city. He also took several trips with his son, attending football games, baseball games and boxing matches. As a family, we went to Vegas countless times. We have a treasure trove of memories and hilarious stories in which he is the star. He loved people, was interested in all of them, and wanted to know their story. His family was occasionally annoyed as they waited for him to finish conversations with random strangers in elevators, on street corners and pretty much everywhere else.

Among his survivors are his wife, Janice, daughter, Georgia, and son H.K. We love him and will miss him for the rest of our days.

In keeping with Harold’s wishes, there will be no services. We ask that any memorials be directed to the Bismarck State College Foundation – Harold King Larson Scholarship Fund.

“When he shall die,

Take him and cut him out in little stars,

And he will make the face of heaven so fine

That all the world will be in love with night

And pay no worship to the garish sun.”

Shakespeare

“Enjoy every sandwich”

Warren Zevon

Please feel free to leave a written rememberance at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.