Bill H. Larsen, age 70, passed away on April 16, 2025, after a battle with cancer.
Born on May 16, 1954, to Charles and Hannah Larsen, Bill grew up and attended school in Price. He enjoyed helping his dad at the farm and the bar. His favorite time of year as a kid was summer, the second Saturday in June, which meant camping and the opening of fishing season in the Danish Meadows with his dad and brother. He cherished his times spent there and also enjoyed the annual pack trip into the Unitas.
Bill married Paula Kaye Jones on the July 8, 1977. They had two children, Merri Ann “Pooh,” and Michael Jay “Gus.” Bill continued the traditions of camping, hunting, and the annual pack trips in the Uintas with Merri and Michael. Paula’s P.E.O. nights were a special evening out for Bill and the kids to get Pizza Hut and a malt. Bill cherished every moment that he spent with his kids. Bill and Paula enjoyed their annual excursions to Mexico and taking trips together; to new and unknown places such as Hawaii, Panama, Europe, and California. The place Bill loved most was camping with Paula, Michael, Merri, Brett and grandkids down near the Danish Meadows.
As grandkids come along, Bill obtained the title that he was most proud of “Papa!” BerkLee “The Boss,” Clayton “Bubba,” Mazie “Munchkin,” Murron, Caden, Tyler, and Lauren could do no wrong in “Papa’s” eyes. He made each one of them feel loved. He supported them wholeheartedly through their endeavors and events. He would tell anyone who would listen how great his grandkids were and how proud he was of each of them. When great-grandkids were added to the mix, Sage, Benny, Rosie, and Vivian, it brought an extra twinkle to his eyes and smile upon his face. Bill often tried to act like the tough coal miner/farmer that he was, but his grandkids and great-grandkids melted his tough exterior quicker than he could drink a beer (which was damn fast).
Bill was one of a kind and always had a story to tell. It didn’t matter if you were an old friend or a complete stranger; if there was a cold beer or a hot cup of coffee (depending on time of day) he could tell all types of stories about Charlie, the Danish Meadows, the farm, camping, hunting, or his kids or grandkids. Bill loved his family and was extremely proud of his heritage. He always claimed that Merri and Michael were his best work and that he was extremely proud of both of them. He will leave a void and will never to be forgotten.
Bill is survived by his wife and partner of 47 years, Paula; children, Merri (Brett) Smith and Michael Larsen; grandchildren, BerkLee Larsen, Clayton Smith, Mazie (Rodney) Vazquez, Murron Smith, Caden (Kenzie) Smith, Tyler (Emily) Smith and Lauren (Deven) Norried; great-grandchildren, Sage Norried, Rosie Norried, Benny Smith, and Vivian “Billie” (after her great-grandpa) Mabel Vazquez (in a couple of weeks); brother, Clyde Larsen; sister, Lena (Kenny) Ray; mother-in-law, Mabel Jones; plus many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his mother, Hannah (Snow) Larsen; father, Charles H. Larsen; father-in-law, Lamar H. Jones; sister-in-law, Shelia (Shiner) Larsen.
Funeral service, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 11:00 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home. Family will receive friends at Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street) in Price Tuesday evening from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and Wednesday one hour prior to service. Burial will be in the Cliffview Cemetery. Instead of flowers please consider donations to Shiners Hospital www.shrinerschildren.org in the name of Bill Larsen.