Dave Larsen
September 13, 1997 was a great day for the world, it was the day I met my grandpa. Dave Larsen, a family man, embodies the characteristics of a great leader. He taught me three key things, do not be afraid of anyone, hard work will put you in a good position, and do what you love.
When I was younger, I recall being by my grandpa’s side almost every week. We were like two peas in a pod. I think that is what has had the most impact on me. When you are surrounded by the same people all of the time, you slowly become them. I am content with saying that. His leadership is what has brought me into pursuing a life in collegiate athletics, like himself.
He is without doubt the nicest person I have ever met, and everyday he’s still here it makes me feel grateful for another day on earth. When I was 12 years old, he and I went to the YMCA for five hours during basketball season and did nothing but work on my shot. That made a huge difference for me that someone cared. Anyone who knows something about a game can be a coach, but the one’s who positively affect your life are the ones who should be considered role models.
With his 6’4” frame there is no secret his heart’s as big as his frame. He served as village president of Denmark for four years and said following his term politics were not fun. Some of the other things he has done in the community include taking a significant chunk of money from my great grandfather’s memorial fund and donating it back to Denmark’s weight room facility. These are just some of the reasons why I look up to my grandpa Dave.
If there is one hope that I have it is that he continues to positively influence my little cousins Nolan, Addison, and Corale. It’s the little things in life that make us who we are, and I am so happy that all of the little things of my grandpa, have rubbed off on me and have become big things in our school. The three lessons I have learned from him will definitely rub off to my children. As for my cousins Nolan, Addison, and Corale, I will also do my part in influencing them, because after all, we are family.
In conclusion, I hope you now see the person I am today is because of him. I take pride in my grandpa, and am proud to have the Larsen name in my family. He has been here since my first day, and I will be there for his last breath. When all is said is done, I know that his ways will carry on through me, and mine will carry on to my grand kids, “Its great life” and that it is, and I am pleased to have my grandpa as a part of it.
Submitted by Anonymous
