Paul Hollister Larson, 66

Paul Hollister Larson, 66, passed away Nov. 17, 2007, at his home in the Many Lakes area.

'For to me, live is Christ and to die is gain ... I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.' (Phillipians 1:21, 23). Those words from the Apostle Paul were immediately on the lips of Paul H. Larson when he was informed just last week that his death was imminent because his body was being ravaged by diabetes.

Paul, loving husband to two precious wives, father to seven, grandfather to 23, and loyal friend to countless down-and-out sojourners on the Earth, was born June 17, 1941, in Kalispell.

Empathetic, compassionate, integrity and a 'family man' are words that were often used to describe Paul. He loved to make dreams come true for the less fortunate —especially for children, puppies and 'strays' of all kinds. Known as a 'man of the word,' he was always available and even eager to discuss passages from the Bible and how they applied to everyday life in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Helen Larson; his first wife, Hulda Larson; his son, Jon Gunnar Larson; and his granddaughter, Anna Kristin Larson.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Larson, at the family home; his sons, daughters and their spouses, Erik and Barbara Larson of Alabama, Erik and Louey Charette of Washington, Martin and Jody Davis, also of Washington, Dwain and Nova Lakey of Oregon, Chris and Cary Krager of Kalispell, John and Setphanie Krager, also of Kalispell, and Darrell and Julie Green of Oregon. He is also survived by his 23 grandchildren; and his three brothers, L. Peter and Donna Larson of Kalispell, Jon Larson of California, and Kurt and Carol Larson of Kalispell.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Bigfork Chapel Assembly of God church, with Pastors Richard Stewart and Lynn Lapka officiating.

For those desiring to make memorials gifts, the family suggests two of Paul's favorite charities: The Samaritan House, 124 W. Ninth Ave., Kalispell, MT 59901, or the Community Kitchen/Feed the Flathead, P.O. Box 3166, Kalispell MT 59903.

Buffalo Hill funeral Home is caring for the family.