Eric Joseph Larson

Born April 29, 1985, he went to meet his Lord and Savior on Friday, Dec. 27, 2013.

Eric Joseph Larson was born on a beautiful Montana spring day to the delight of his also-scared parents, Joe and Teresa Larson. Eric made quite an entrance into this world – born in a pickup truck on Interstate 90 en route to the Bozeman hospital, earning him the early nickname "Interstate Eric." Tragically his life ended on that same interstate 28 years later, doing only what he knew, lending a compassionate, helping hand.

Eric spent his early years growing up in Missoula at the Larsons' family home near Blue Mountain. It was truly a home of all homes. So many days and memories were shared with his siblings (Caleb and his wife Krista, Rachel, Brooke and Beau) playing in his big yard. Summers were consumed with boating on Salmon and Flathead lakes, fishing, swimming and floating the Bitterroot River, and then on to winter skiing and snowmobiling. He loved fast bicycle rides off the trails of Blue Mountain with his big brother. Cuts and bruises always followed our son.

Eric attended Valley Christian School from kindergarten through seventh grade, Meadow Hill Middle School and graduated from Sentinel High School in 2004, and oh how he did love to give that Mr. Barrier a hard time!

While attending college at the University of Montana and not sure of a career choice, Eric began his eight-year employment with Montana Rail Link. He would always say to his friends and family, "This job's pretty cool. I get to drive great big expensive trains."

Big E's true passion was SNOW SKIING! – starting out junior skiing on Marshall Mountain with all his school friends, skiing with family and friends at Discovery, Lost Trail, Snowbowl and in recent years Lookout and Schweitzer with little bro Beau and all his great friends. Eric even had the great privilege to ski in Japan in 2011.

Eric will always be remembered for his soft, compassionate heart, contagious smile, big bear hugs, sense of humor and generosity to all.

The entire Larson family would like to invite all those who knew our beloved Eric to a memorial service at the Missoula Alliance Church, 100 E. Foss Court, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Following the memorial service, a luncheon will be provided in the church gymnasium. Please come and join our family as we celebrate the life of our son.

Read Eric Larson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.