CPO (RET.) ROBERT (RED) BURTON LARSEN

April 23, 2020

CPO (ret.) Robert (Red) Burton Larsen of London, formerly of Kincardine, died peacefully, April 23, 2020, at University Hospital, London. He was 86. Born in Toronto, July 2, 1933, Red joined the Navy at an early age and was soon engaged in the Korean Conflict. After a period of time and experience, he achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer (CPO) first class in the diving trade, retiring after 30 years of distinguished service. He then went on to the DCIM (experimental diving unit) as a civilian manager and retired in 1993. Red was very involved in his community and active in the Royal Canadian Legion, MacDonald Branch 183, Kincardine serving two terms as president (2007-08 and 2010-11). He was named Legionnaire of the Year in 2012, and received a life membership in 2015. He was also a member of the Kincardine Curling Club, and was the quintessential sports fan. Survived by his wife, Emma; sons, Randall (Tony McGrath) of Toronto and Kerry (Heather) of Hillsburg; as well as grandchildren, Shannon and Cody; sister-in-law, Barbra Frampton of Shawinigan Lake, B.C.; and half-sister, Dianne (Bob) Arnott of Toronto. Predeceased by his wife, the former Joan Mitchell; son, Lawrence Wayne; half-brother, Gord Hull; and half-sister, June Parks. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Red’s life will be held at the Kincardine Legion at a time to be determined. Red will be lovingly missed, and was respected by all who knew him. "Ready Aye Ready" CROSSING THE BAR - Alfred Lord Tennyson - 1809-1892 Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have cross’d the bar.