Veryl E. Larsen
1922-2008

Veryl Larsen passed away August 7, 2008 at the age of 85, surrounded by loving members of his family. He was born November 2, 1922, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Ershel and Leona Larsen. After serving as ensign in the Navy during World War II, he completed a PhD in geology at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He married Jeane Pugmire on July 6, 1945, in Pocatello, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. Veryl was employed as a geologist by FMC and Colorado School of Mines Research Institute - a career that allowed him to travel widely in North America, as well as in Mexico, Guatemala, Spain, France, Ethiopia, and Egypt. An avid photographer with his own darkroom, he documented his travels, family life, and the flora and fauna of the West in pictures. He won a number of awards for his photographs, especially his black and whites, which appeared in newspapers and were exhibited widely. His artistic pursuit was far from solitary, for he loved to shoot weddings, sporting events, as well as church and civic activities. He was also an avid fly fisherman, spending warm weather waist deep in western rivers and cold weather tying his own flies. An active member of the LDS church, he served faithfully in a number of callings, including Elders' Quorum President and High Priest Group Leader. Veryl is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jeane; children, Jonathan Larsen (Kimathy), Edmonds, WA; Kristen Goodman (Carl), Bountiful; Lance Larsen (Jacqui), Springville; Lee Ann Samsel (Dale) Sandy; also 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandsons (Jonah and Kevin). Funeral services will be held Sat., August 9, at noon at the LDS Alta View Chapel, 1950 East Viscounti Drive (8600 S.) in Sandy. A viewing will be held at the chapel from 6-8 p.m. Friday and at 10:30 a.m. Sat. In lieu of flowers, the family invites a donation to the Perpetual Education Fund of the LDS church.