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George Max Larsen, 84

Born May 9, 1932, in Murray, Utah, died Jan. 20, 2017, in Post Falls, Idaho.

Preceded in death by his parents, Ella and Sonny; and stepson Greg Wigen. Survived by: His loving wife, best friend and caregiver Beverly; children Andy Larsen (Sheree), Kyle Larsen; stepchildren Mike Wigen (Connie) and Chris Wigen (Kam Oi). Sisters Kathy Littlewood (Don) and Karen Bruce (George). Also 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; and many other close and extended family members.

George moved to California when he was young and attended school there including Grant High School, Grant Tech (American River College) and Sacramento State University. He excelled at sports, especially basketball and baseball. He made the all-city high school basketball team and was the leading scorer as a senior for all high school players in Sacramento. In baseball, he was a great pitcher playing not only in school and college, but also semi-professionally.

He served our country in the Army from 1955 to 1957 attaining the rank of Sergeant. Among his other responsibilities, surprisingly enough, he played baseball for the base team where he was stationed and traveled throughout the country playing other Army base teams.

“Coach Larsen” excelled at his chosen profession of teaching. He taught at several schools including Luther Burbank High School and Sacramento City College. While he enjoyed teaching, his true love was coaching. He coached Track and Football, and while he had many successes, including conference titles, nationally ranked teams and individuals, his most noteworthy accomplishment was making a difference in the lives of the people he taught and coached.

He retired but did not relax. Immediately after leaving Sacramento City College, while pursuing other business opportunities, he was still involved in helping organize and manage several athletic events, including the Sacramento International Summer Games Track Meet. He later moved to Post Falls, Idaho, and enjoyed working at Avondale and Prairie Falls golf courses, helping with his organizational skills, good humor and friendliness.

There are few people who met George that did not immediately like him and feel comfortable spending time with him. That is evidenced by how many names he was known by. He was affectionately called George, Coach, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle George and Georgie. Some adjectives that were used to describe him include, gentleman, friendly, funny, warm, gracious, hardworking, generous, courageous, kind and handsome.

His friends and relatives loved visiting his home because of how kind he was and how he always made everyone feel welcome. Just a couple of days ago, friends came to his home to visit and provide comfort to us, and George asked us to get them drinks and he wanted help sitting up so he could be a gracious host.

George and Bev appreciated and enjoyed the fellowship and worship at Real Life Ministries. This has been an important part of their lives. Their faith and appreciation of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ has grown as a result of their experiences and interaction with the leadership and congregation.

He truly was a good man and like most teachers and coaches, he focused on the needs of others before his own needs and wants. That is why so many people enjoyed his company, he put others first. There are countless examples of his selfless acts, from clearing snow for neighbors, to paying for hotel rooms for out of town visitors, to letting granddaughters put make up on him, to spending his life coaching and teaching others to be better athletes and people.

While distance prevented him from being physically close to many that he loved and loved him, he will be remembered and cherished by many family members and friends near and far.

We would like to thank the staff at North Idaho Hospice and also Alice Thibault for her professional advice and personal loving care. We are forever indebted to those friends and neighbors who were so kind and loving in their devotion and service to George and Bev for the past many months and especially in the past few weeks and days. Words cannot describe what a difference their Christ like love and service meant to all of us, especially to George.

There are no immediate plans for a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please donate some time to an individual, family or charity of your choice.