10/23/2007: "Jon Larson"

August 29, 1955 - October 23, 2007
Deputy Sheriff Jon Larson passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Oct. 23, 2007. Deputy Larson was with his wife, Barbara, in Europe attending a boating accident investigators conference in Italy.

The Larson’s had taken a few days after the conference to visit friends and colleagues in Germany and Great Britain before returning to the United States. Deputy Larson died in Chelmsford, Essex, England in his hotel room after suffering what appeared to be a major cardiac event. His wife Barbara, and responding hotel staff and medical personnel were unable to revive Deputy Larson. Deputy Larson was 52 years old.

Deputy Larson first joined the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office in January of 1989 and was assigned as a patrol deputy on Lopez Island. He was very active in the community serving and working with the fire department and the aid unit, and was a canine 4-H leader and dog trainer.

He was a very accomplished seaman, holding a Masters License with the U.S. Coast Guard, a primary and lead officer in the Sheriff’s Office Marine Safety Program, a certified Coast Guard Boating Safety Instructor and Boating Accident Investigator among his many other activities.

He was well known throughout the Northwest, including Canada, and in Europe for his expertise in investigating boating accidents and for promoting boating safety as well as being a principle director of IAMI (International Association of Marine Investigators).

Deputy Larson was currently assigned to the San Juan County Prosecutor’s Office as an investigator conducting follow up work on major criminal cases. He will be sorely missed by his many colleagues and his many friends.