Allen Larsen

Allen Larsen 54, passed away peacefully in his home on October 18th after 
a courageous battle with cancer. He was a wonderful husband and father 
who worked diligently to provide for his family. He brought much joy and 
laughter to many people with his good heart and wonderful sense of humor, 
he will be sorely missed. Al was born on March 23, 1955 and grew up in 
Palo Alto, California, graduating from Gunn High School in 1973. Al discovered 
his passion for working with his hands in his shop classes, especially enjoying 
Auto Shop. His love of automobiles continued and is evidenced in a small 
collection of classic project cars. Al attended Foothill College to obtain 
AA degrees in Ornamental Horticulture and Small Business Management, going 
into business with his good friend Jim Hoffman. Their home remodeling and 
construction contracting business of Larsen-Hoffman has served clients in 
the mid-peninsula area for over 30 years. Al fell in love and married his 
wife Barbara in 1985 and together they have raised their three children, 
Kari, Paul and Bente in their home just a block away from each of their 
childhood homes. His biggest passion was his children and his desire to 
help them grow into healthy giving adults. Al found joy in providing a 
loving home life and strived to balance work and play. Al and Barbara 
have been active members of Grace Lutheran Church in Palo Alto where Al 
has made constant use of his gifts in construction, maintenance and repair. 
His passion for his children was reflected in his active participation in 
many of the children's programs where he quietly gave his time to all. 
Services will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 3149 Waverley St., 
Palo Alto at 10:30 am on Saturday, October 24th. In lieu of flowers, a 
gift can be made to Grace Lutheran Church for church landscape improvements. 
Please sign the guestbook at www.cusimanocolonial.com.