Beloved Ruston Principal Dies

They say in the end it's relationships that truly matter. They say it's lucky to live a good, long, full life. But I don't know if that makes it any easier to say goodbye. If ever a person met those conditions - who lived a long, full life that touched hundreds and had a positive impact - it was Ruston School Principal Rod Larson. Larson ran the school for 30-odd years in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Almost every picture from that era shows a tall smiling man standing guard in the back, watching over his kids.

When a Ruston School reunion was held in 2008, Rod Larson was able to attend and hear from countless adults about how he had influenced them as children. His legacy of care and leadership was passed to new generations, who in turn have passed them on again. His attendance at the reunion was the most talked about part of the event and very important to those who were able to see him.

A service will be held this Thursday, April 4th at 1pm at New Tacoma Cemetery. Mr. Larson's family wants all former students to know they are welcome to attend and say a final goodbye.The obituary from Sunday's News Tribune is available here. You can leave comments and well wishes for the family.

Rodney Larson's life is a testament to how teachers/coaches/mentor touch us and change us and improve our world. His life was important to Ruston even if most of our current residents (including me) never met him. Well done, Mr. Larson, well done. Thank you for your legacy. May your footsteps echo long in the hallways of the still-standing school building you loved and your voice echo long in the hearts of the students who loved you.

1949 field trip to visit Washington Governor Monrad Wallgren

Larson both taught and served as principal (undated)