Cover photo for M. Don Larsen's Obituary
M. Don Larsen Profile Photo
1942 Don 2024

M. Don Larsen

May 5, 1942 — February 24, 2024

Smithfield, Utah

M Don Larsen, passed quietly away from this life after suffering from the effects of a second stroke. M.Don was born in Berkley, California during a blackout. His father, Mervin Larsen was working in the shipyards as a foreman over all the welding on the fitting out decks, at the shipyards in Richmond, California.

His mom said M. Don was a handsome, active and very healthy baby. In his youth, M.Don lived in Logan, UT., Ontario, OR., Casper WY., and Providence, UT. He loved sports and was a wonderful baseball player. After a football injury, he could no longer participate in baseball. His throwing arm had been injured and the throwing he was used to and had excelled at, came to a close.

In 1958 his family moved to Providence Utah. M Don started high school at South Cache High. Here he met, and courted Kathryn Saunders.. This courtship continued through high school and a Mission to Texas. They were married after he returned and he started schooling at Utah State University. M. Don had participated in a little golf while on his mission in Texas and began a lifelong career at Utah State where he would become the captain of the golf team.

His love of golf took him from the city of New York on the east coast to California on the west coast. He played many championship courses and made many lifelong friends. M Don joined the PGA and became a professional.

He chose a career of teaching, as well as playing. He became an inventor as he began to teach and couldn’t find the tools he needed to help his students become better players. He invented the Instant Replay video machine long before our modern lightning fast speed machines took over. The Master Swing trainer, first made of wood by his careful craftsmanship was later produced in plastic, and was sold in the United States, Japan,

Australia and India
In 1994, M Don, through a long spring of contests, won the opportunity of playing in the prestigious United States Open at the Pinehurst Golf course in North Carolina. It was one of the highlights of a dedicated golf career. in 2006 the Professional Golf Association of America awarded M. Don "Teacher of the Year" for the Utah Section. M. Don had studied the game and loved teaching its techniques and principles. He was a teacher at many courses in Utah. He was an active player and excelled in many tournaments throughout his career.

Don and his wife Kathryn, were happy to bring three wonderful children into their home and lives. Two sons, Brady and Matthew and a daughter Shannon. They made a home in Logan, Utah and during this time, M. Don served with the bishopric of the Logan 4th Ward. He also served as counselor in the Branch Presidency of the Young Adults in Cache Stake, an opportunity he enjoyed. Working with youth was a talent and gift he excelled at. M Don also served as teacher in the High Priest Quorum in two wards. Later he and his wife were called as officiators in the Logan Temple. in 2017, M. Don had the first of two strokes that changed his future and eventually caused his death. He submitted to this life and continued to be the sweet father and companion he had always been under conditions that were often very difficult.

M. Don loved music and sports, but most of all he loved his family. He will always be remembered as the "best Dad" ever. On February 24 2024, M. Don passed from this life. He leaves a legacy of dedication and love for those things he truly enjoyed.
M. Don is survived by his wife, Kathryn, and his daughters Shannon and Juliana. He was proceeded in death by his two sons, D. Brady Larsen and Matthew G. Larsen. Those also standing vigilant and ready to help were his living family, Greg (Judy) Larsen, Larry (Jodi) Larsen, Stephanie (James) Pope, Cassie (Brent) Bair and Yvette Larsen. Shannon (Darin) Mangum, and Grandchildren Christian (Kelsey) Mangum, Samuel (Isabella) Mangum, Mary (Kauge) Downard and Jonathan Mangum. Juliana (Brad) Wallace and grandchildren, Devin (Mattea) Larsen, Alec (Bryn) Wallace, Jared (Abbie) Wallace and Kristina Wallace. 6 Great Grandchildren who are a great blessing to M.Don and his family, and Nathan and Melinda Owens.

Click the following link for funeral live stream. Password: Larsen
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Tuesday, March 5, 2024

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