During the March meeting of the Canyon Lake City Council, the Canyon Lake Patriotic Quilters presented longtime resident Harold “Harry” Larson with a patriotic quilt in recognition of his military service. The presentation was held during the March meeting of the Canyon Lake City Council.
Larson’s journey of service began in 1945 when he quit high school to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. During his military career, he served in the Pacific as well as in China, Korea, and Japan. Much of his duty in the United States took place at the Marine Corps schools in Quantico, Virginia, and at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California.
While stationed in California, Larson met the woman who would become his wife. The couple met before Larson deployed to Korea in 1952. After returning from service, the two married in 1955 and built a life together that would span 56 years.
Following his return home, Larson continued his education. In 1955, he returned to school and completed his high school education. Using his veterans benefits, he went on to attend junior college and completed three additional years of college and military schooling. He later began a career with Southern California Edison, where he worked until his retirement in 1992.
Larson and his wife raised two sons and built a growing family that now includes three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
After his wife’s passing, Larson relocated in 2014 from San Clemente to Canyon Lake, where he quickly became involved in the community. Over the years, he has volunteered on numerous committees within the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association, including the Finance Committee, Fiesta Day Committee, and Greens Committee.
Larson has also been active with the Canyon Lake Association of Men (CLAMS), serving on its board, including terms as both board member and president. Today, he continues to be recognized as president emeritus of the organization.
The presentation of the patriotic quilt serves as a heartfelt tribute to Larson’s decades of service—both to his country and to the Canyon Lake community he proudly calls home.
