WINSLOW – Arthur Neil Larsen, 74, of Winslow passed away peacefully on May 4, 2019, at Augusta Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Waterville, Maine on October 18, 1944, to Bernard and Rosie (Hunnewell) Larsen. In his youth, Arthur attended Waterville schools and graduated from Waterville High School in 1963. In October of 1963, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Hamilton in New York after basic training. He then was sent to serve in Munich, Germany, until his honorable discharge in September of 1966. He also served as a Reservist until October 1969. Later, he was awarded a National Defense Service Medal.
On September 28, 1968, he married the love of his life Joan (Bergeron) Larsen of Oakland, Maine and began their life together, locating in Winslow, Maine, where they celebrated each other through 50 wonderful years of marriage.
Early on in their married life, Arthur worked for Barrows Mayflower as an accountant. Later, he was employed by KVCAP as their transportation director, where he initiated the public busing service that continues to aid the greater Waterville and Augusta area to this day. He also took classes at Thomas College in Waterville at this time. His favorite years of employment were served at Larsen’s Variety—his convenience store/gas station, where he worked with his wife Joan and his children Arthur and Melissa. There he spread his goodness and humor to locals and patrons with a friendly smile and a helpful hand. He was also a loyal member and former President of the Lions Club.
Arthur found joy in many different aspects of life. During his younger years, he collected stamps and rare coins that he later used to share stories with his grandchildren. His love of history and family lineage sent him on a genealogy journey after his retirement that spanned approximately 15 years. He gathered research from cemeteries and libraries across the state and spent a lot of time at the Winslow Public Library. He also became ‘savy’, connecting with other genealogists through Facebook. He loved the outdoors, which included feeding the birds and weeding his flower gardens; he may have had a few encounters with a squirrel or two. Watching golf on TV was also a beloved pastime. Above all, his most precious moments came from spending time with his family.
Arthur is survived by his wife Joan; son Arthur B. Larsen and wife Sheri of Winslow; daughter Melissa Stanley of Fairfield; grandchildren Joshua, Jacob, Katelynn and boyfriend Jacob Grenier, and Caleb-Jared (Larsen); grandchildren Samantha and boyfriend Dylan Young, Michael Jr., and Shelby (Stanley); sister-in-law Linda Nelson and sons, Dana and Chester; sister-in-law Evangeline Davidson and husband Robert; sister-in-law Shirley (Bard) Huard; sister-in-law Joyce Larsen-Lord; and numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great nieces.
He was predeceased by his father Bernard Larsen, mother Rosie Larsen, brother Allan Larsen, son-in-law Michael Stanley Sr., brother-in-law Dana Nelson Sr., brother Earl Shaw, sister-in-law Carol Bard and her husband Emile, and brother-in-law Clifford Haines Jr.
His family would like to thank the staff at Augusta Rehabilitation Center and Beacon Hospice for their compassionate and attentive care of Arthur.
Funeral services will be held at Gallant Funeral Home on 10 Elm Street. Waterville, Maine from 3:00-4:30 pm with visiting hours and 4:30-5:00 pm memorial service. Graveside servcies will follow from 5:30-6:00 at Pine Grove Cemetary on 61 Grove Street (once on grove st. take Greenlawn Road in cemetary) in Waterville. A reception will follow at 6:00 pm at the banquet hall at Governors Restaurant in Waterville, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winslow Public Library 136 Halifax Street Winslow, Maine 04901
Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.
