St. George, UT - A good man who made others better by just being in their presence passed away early Tuesday morning, May 15, 2012 from a brain aneurism. Harris Dean Larson was born in Moroni, Utah on August 3, 1928 to Harris Bailey and May Larson. His life was one of integrity, honesty and service to others, characteristics he demonstrated every day and taught to his family continually. He had a great love for his wife of 66 years, Vonda Ivory Larson, having married on June 8, 1946 and sealed in the Manti Utah Temple. They were truly childhood sweethearts, considering each as "boyfriend and girlfriend" since they were six and seven years old.

A master at his trade of masonry and construction, Dean, along with his sons could take credit for some of the most beautiful brick buildings in St. George, Salt Lake and throughout the state including the St. George Institute of Religion Building. He continued to work long hours laying brick in the hot Dixie sun until well into his 70's, outworking many that were half his age. He will always be an example of the blessings of hard and honest work.

Dean was a lifelong and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as a Seventy, High Counselor, Bishop and most everything in between. He honored his priesthood and his leaders, accepting any assignment with a willing heart and enthusiasm. His love for the Savior was apparent in everything he did and taught, always doing the right thing for the right reason.

He was always ready for a good time and loved to play games with his family. His jokes are legendary and the family will always remember great times camping, hunting, fishing and gardening. Family reunions were especially important and his grandchildren and great grandchildren loved him for his kindness and personal interest. The youngest always looked forward to getting a Lifesaver candy from Grandpa whenever they visited.

Dean is survived by his loving wife Vonda, who has been exemplary and tireless in her efforts to care for him over the past year as his health began to fade. He is also survived by his seven children: Linda (Richard) Prince; Carl (Kalynn) Larson; Larry (Jeri) Larson; Diane (Bob) Prince; John (Jennifer) Larson; Sheila (Dennis) Traveller; Wendy (David) Hemingway. Dean and Vonda are grandparents to 30 grandchildren and 55 great grandchildren. He will certainly be missed by his siblings: Bert (LaJune) Larson; Connie (Vaughn) Thomas; Barbara Barton; Patsy Cox; Paul (Kathy) Larson; Glenna (Charlie) Riddle; Carolyn (Russell) Brooks; Linda (Roger) Ketchum. He is preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law Stephen Flegal and a grandson David Dean Flegal.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bloomington Stake Center, 200 W. Brigham Road (just off the Bloomington I-15 interchange). Visitations will be held on Friday, May 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, UT and on Saturday, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services at the Chapel. Interment will be in the Tonaquint Cemetery.