W. Bruce Larson

W. Bruce Larson was born in June of 1950 in Tacoma, Washington to the late William C. and Sarah Larson. He departed us on April 27, 2023. Growing up, Bruce was active in many sports and took a particular liking to golf and water skiing. He excelled at both. Bruce graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Chemical Engineering, which brought him to Delaware. He went on to earn an MBA from Widener University.

Bruce picked up tennis after moving to Delaware and joined the DuPont County Club. It was there on the tennis court that he met the love of his life, Pamela Meitner. They continued to play mixed doubles together until recently. Bruce and Pam had one child, William “Bill” B. Larson, Jr. A devoted father, Bruce coached little league, taught Bill golf, offered support after tennis matches, and was always available for fatherly advice. He particularly enjoyed playing more father-son golf in recent years. Bruce loved being a grandfather as well. Bruce enjoyed watching Kinsley Larson grow up and seeing her always brought a smile to his face.

Bruce spent his entire career at DuPont and retired while still in his mid-50s. He and Pam enjoyed retirement traveling the world with major trips to Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, the Galapagos, and Italy. Bruce also devoted much of his time in retirement to another hobby, woodworking. A talented furniture maker, Bruce made numerous pieces for family and friends, including for his son’s family.

Lake Samish in Bellingham, Washington was Bruce’s special place. He grew up spending weekends at the family cabin swimming and boating. He enjoyed teaching generations of Larsons to ski and took his granddaughter on her first tube ride last summer. He returned to the Lake annually. Putting his considerable cooking skills to use, he enjoyed cooking with Salmon, Dungeness crab, and berries much to the delight of his extended family and friends at the Lake.

Bruce leaves behind a small, but close-knit family, who loved him. He is survived by his wife Pam, son Bill (Stephanie), and granddaughter Kinsley. He also leaves behind his loving sister Carol Yount, and her daughters Stephanie and Susie Yount in addition to his siblings-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

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Funeral Services

There will be a visitation at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 7 Sharpley Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803, on May 9^th, beginning at 10am. A memorial service will immediately follow at 11am. Family and friends will also celebrate Bruce at an event this summer at Lake Samish. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to Archmere Academy, 3600 Philadelphia Pike Claymont, DE 19703, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Condolences

Debbie Newman lit a candle and writes,

I'm so sorry to hear about Bruce. What a sweet and gentle soul. Sending my thoughts & prayers to the family!

04/30/2023 12:13 pm

Karen Peterson lit a candle and writes,

Pam, I am so sorry to learn of your husband's passing. May you find comfort among friends and family -- and peace in the memories of your years together. I will keep you in my prayers during this sad and difficult time. Karen Peterson

04/30/2023 01:49 pm

Doris lit a candle and writes,

I miss talking with you and taking care of you and laughing rest in peace

04/30/2023 07:22 pm

Geoff and Dorcas Gamble lit a candle and writes,

Dear Pam, Bill, and Stephanie, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Bruce is in our prayers. May God console you until you see him again.

04/30/2023 09:58 pm

Paul Bianchini writes,

We are certainly going to miss our Great Friend, Lake neighbor, home repair helper & so much more. Bruce, I learned so much from you on how to teach & guide our sons throughout their youth & into adulthood. Thank You. Your carpentry skills & attention to details on the many cabin projects we worked together came out much better than me going it alone. Thank You. Your love for the water & sharing your lake toys with our family & friends brought so many smiles, laughter, and memories to so many. Thank You. For sharing your knowledge on many subjects, spending time with my family & friends, your love for your family & your caring for our community…Thank You. We miss you but know that the legacy you have created will remain forever with us. God speed, my Friend. Paul Bianchini

05/02/2023 02:05 pm

David Hammerstron writes,

Bruce was my next door neighbor and best friend growing up in Tacoma. A friend for nearly 70 years. We enjoyed a lot of fun crazy and sometimes risky stuff growing up. I am so glad I made the trip back to see him and talk about old times two weeks before he passed. He remembered every detail of our past. I will miss him and feel fortunate to have been his friend.

05/02/2023 11:57 pm

Joan Schneikart lit a candle and writes,

Dear Pam, Bill and family, My sincere condolences on Bruce's recent passing. He will be missed. Please know my thoughts and prayers with you all at this difficult time. In sympathy, Joan Schneikart

05/05/2023 02:09 pm

Stuart Nemser writes,

I have had the pleasure over the last 10-12 years of playing indoor tennis with Bruce and Pam on a regular basis. Bruce was a very powerful and gracious opponent. He was always prompt and jovial. I will miss him. I was very impressed when I visited him a few weeks ago. He was relaxed and worked to be a gracious host. Bruce was an excellent cook. I don’t cook. During our discussion I made reference to the fact that everyone in my family cooks and I don’t by saying “I am a dying breed”. As soon as I said it I realized my mistake and said (to myself) WHAT HAVE I SAID. Bruce immediately put me at ease by laughing and saying “ tell me about it”. Near the end of our 45 minute chat, I told Bruce that my grandson greatly appreciated the golf clubs that Bruce gave him (2-3 years ago I asked Bruce his recommendation for golf clubs for my then 14 year old grandson and Bruce graciously gave my grandson Bruce’s first set of golf clubs.) Bruce said of all the things we chatted about his golf gift made him the happiest. Stuart and Lelaine Nemser

05/06/2023 05:27 pm

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