Ronald “Ron” Drew Larsen

Ronald “Ron” Drew Larsen, 79, of Draper, passed away peacefully at his home on October 29, 2026, with his wife Judy and son Eric by his side.

Ron was born on December 26, 1946, to Drew M. Larsen and Dorothea M. Brown. Ron was a kind soul and will be remembered as a gentleman. Ron was welcomed by loving parents and his sister Allene. His younger brother Fred followed, making Ron a classic middle child. Ron enjoyed playing games with the neighborhood kids on Elm St. and 6th Ave in Midvale. He attended Midvale Elementary, Midvale Jr. High, and was a member of Hillcrest High School’s graduating class of 1965. As Ron’s high school days were ending, he worked for and bought a 1958 black Volkswagen Beetle. Ron enjoyed taking his buddies in the Bug up Big Cottonwood Canyon to ski. Eventually, that same Volkswagen was driven to U.S. Coast Guard Base Boston with Judy, six-month-old Marc, a TV, a sewing machine, and clothing for his young family.

Throughout his entire life, Ron enjoyed making things with his hands. He and his father, Drew, built his family home on Fort Street. Later, he built a cupola for the garage, remodeled the family room, and built cradles for his grandchildren. Ron was a true “car guy” and fix-it man. He could start up an engine, listen for a moment, and instantly identify the problem and how to fix it. He even built a rat rod from the ground up. Throughout Ron’s life, his friends, family, and colleagues all turned to him for help and guidance. He consistently displayed and taught his skills and work ethic to all those fortunate enough to cross his path.

Ron and Judy were married on June 17, 1966, in Waterford, CT. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in June 1967. Ron was a lifelong member of the LDS Church and held many callings. He particularly enjoyed his time serving as a bishop’s counselor, serving with Scouts, many bishoprics, and at the Draper Rehabilitation Center (‘Lenore’s’). Ron and Judy enjoyed dancing together their whole lives. When they moved to Draper, they joined the Funtime Squares square dancing club. They took disco lessons at the U and danced at numerous discotheques in the Salt Lake Valley, sometimes twice a week. The last time the LDS Church had a dance festival at the Salt Palace, Ron & Judy went to the LDS stakes involved and taught attendees the Charleston and disco dancing.

In August 2026, the family invited Aspen Ridge Hospice Care into our home. The care provided was compassionate, respectful, and such a help to Ron and the family. In particular, Jan and Emily, the angels with tattoos, and Eva, a friend despite her Swedish roots. His entire life, from boyhood, through occupational therapy, up to his final day on earth, Ron gave it his all to the very end.

Ron is survived by his eternal companion Judy, sons Marc (deceased), Eric, and Charles (Tena), and daughter Elizabeth (Layne); grandchildren Kaelan (Morgan), Preston Thomas, Mekenna Thomas (Brian), Peyton Thomas, Colby (Jazmyn) Larsen, Nathan Larsen, and Andrew Larsen; and great-grandchildren Maia, Marley, and Jett. Ron is preceded in death by his son Marc, parents Drew and Dorothea, and parents-in-law Asael and Odessa Olsen.

A Remembrance Gathering will be held Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 2:00–5:00 PM at Anderson & Goff Mortuary, 11859 S. 700 E. Draper, UT.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ron’s name to any of the following: Utah Food Bank, Aspen Ridge Home Health and Hospice, The Foundation for Children and Youth with Diabetes, or The Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy Body Donor Program at the University of Utah.