BUCKSPORT – Ernest (Bud) Larson, passed away on Feb. 20, 2004, six days before his 80th birthday, at his home in Bucksport. He was born Feb. 26, 1924, in Cumberland, the son of Anton L. Larson and Ellen (Ek) Larson. Ernest attended Cumberland schools, graduating from Greeley Institute. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1942, and served as a fighter pilot aboard the aircraft carriers Prince William and Lake Champlain, being discharged with the rank of Lt. (JG) in 1945. He was a pilot and Charter Member of the Maine Air National Guard from January 1947 through February 1949. After the service he attended the University of Maine and graduated as a mechanical engineer. Bud was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. While at Maine he met his future wife, Betty Harriman. They settled in Boston, Mass., for three years and then returned to Bangor, where he joined his father-in-law at Brake Service, Inc. After Brake Service was sold to Webber Oil Co., he was given the position of fleet manager and head of the transportation department until his retirement in 1982. During his retirement his special interests have been his family, his home, his woodworking shop, the cottage at Alamoosook Lake, traveling, enjoying friends and life. In the last few years, Bud and Betty often traveled with Bud’s college roommate, John Quinn and his wife, Emily. For the last 35 years, once a week, Bud played penny poker, first with neighbors and friends and in more recent years with those friends and their sons. In addition, each February for the last 25 years, Ernie and Betty have enjoyed hosting their winter weekend friends and giving each person in attendance a special gift from his workshop. Bud was a member of the North Bucksport United Methodist Church, the Ralph Pollard Lodge and the Anah Temple Shrine. Surviving is his wife of nearly 54 years, Betty; four children, Larry Larson and wife, Karen, Bruce Larson and wife, Barbara, Julie Stiles and fianc_, Bill Beaumont, Connie Brown and husband, Matt; grandchildren, Jeff and Karin Larson, Chris and Natalie Stiles, Meg Brown Shannon and husband, Don, Ivan Brown, Becky and Charlie Beaumont. Also surviving are two sisters, Christine Blanchard and Ruth Bither; and five special nephews and their families. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery in Bucksport. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 29, 2004, at the Edward K. Arey Community Center, River Road, Bucksport. Remembrances can be made to the North Bucksport United Methodist Church Foundation or Hospice of Eastern Maine/Bangor Area Visiting Nurses. Arrangements are by the Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport.
ERNEST (BUD) LARSON
