Obituaries Obituaries (March 24, 2004)

Henry Larson
Former Menlo resident

Henry Larson, who operated a gas station and repair shop on Willow Road and, later, worked for Peninsula Building Materials, died March 5. He was 94.

Mr. Larson was born in Sweden and came to the United States at age 18. He arrived in Mayfield (South Palo Alto) to stay with Swedish friends.

Mr. Larson worked many jobs, from unloading freight trains to building highways. One project he was involved in was the building of Hoover Tower at Stanford University. He watched the Golden Gate Bridge being built and was a spectator at the last lynching in California in San Jose, say family members. He married his wife Doris in 1934.

In 1946 Mr. Larson opened a garage repair shop and gas station named Larson and Hahn on Willow Road in Menlo Park. He operated the garage until Peninsula Building Materials purchased his equipment and made him their head mechanic.

The Larsons lived in Menlo Park from 1950 to 1975, when he retired from Peninsula Building Materials and moved to Sunnyvale. The Larsons also built their own weekend retreat next to Portola State Park near La Honda.

After Mr. Larson retired, he worked five years for his son, Bill Larson, founder of the Round Table Pizza chain, maintaining the company-owned stores in the Bay Area. The name, Round Table, came from the round redwood tables that Henry built for the restaurants.

Mr. Larson's hobbies were traveling, working in his blacksmith and tool shop, making miniature tools, repairing and building things for his grandchildren, going to his cabin and studying the Bible, say family members.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Doris; son Bill Larson of Menlo Park; sisters Marianne and Anna of Sweden; nine grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; a one great great-grandchild.

Arrangements were under the direction of Roller Hapgood & Tinney, Palo Alto.

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