Clarence L. “Lud” Larson Jr.

Clarence L. “Lud” Larson Jr., 75, died Sept. 12, 2012, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer.

A memorial service, “Last Lap for Lud,” is at 1 p.m., Sept. 29 (rain or shine) at North Star Speedway, 2151 Jensen Road, Palmer. Everyone is invited. To RSVP or for more information, email larsonlj@gci.net.

Known as Lud to his family and friends, Larson was born June 12, 1937, in Vandergrift, Pa., to Clarence L. Larson Sr. and Louise E. Shutt. The oldest of six children, Lud went to work at the age of 12, learning the fine art of car mechanics.

In 1956, Lud joined the Air Force, where he was a flight crew mechanic. Lud received the Commendation Medal for being on the elite flight crew for Maj. Gen. Nick Necrason of the Alaska Air Command. For his 75th birthday this year, his children bought him an hour of time flying in a World War II airplane for a nonprofit organization. He was happy to not only enjoy the experience, but to know that all funds would go to finding lost U.S. veterans.

After eight years in the Air Force, Lud drove for a trucking company in New Jersey, where he also owned a gas station and a truck repair shop. In 1969, the family caravanned to Alaska to start a new life in the “Land of Opportunity.” Lud opened a garage, Northland Enterprises, was chief pilot for Air Photo Tech, became a real estate broker in the Valley, built many of the roads and subdivisions in Wasilla and was the owner of Northway Airport Enterprises, North Star Speedway, Palmer Tire & Auto and several other businesses. In addition, Lud was an avid pilot who traveled all over Alaska and the states. He was a racecar driver and a lifelong NASCAR fan. Lud volunteered for the Civil Air Patrol for many years and was part of the team that searched for Sen. Nick Begich.

In 1958, Lud married Joan Condel, and together they have four surviving children, Laura J. Larson, Michael S. Larson, Cathy L. Larson and Sharon J. Larson; also Baby Girl Larson, a daughter who died shortly after birth in 1966. Lud was the grandfather of eight: Russell Gallen (wife Chelsea), Shauna Johnstone, Michael Northway, Tristan Northway, David Larson, Darin Williams, Terrence Williams and Benois Dossman Jr.

He also is the great-grandfather of Hailey Gallen, Alexis Foley and soon-to-be-born in October Lilly Gallen. Lud leaves his beloved sisters and brother, Eleanor Lewis (Wallace), Betty Jo Collard (Michael), Arthur Larson, Margaret Blalock and Suzanne Morelli (Nicholas), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Lud also is survived by his second wife, Shari Tackett, with whom he reconnected in early 2012. They spent this summer going on road trips (another of his favorite activities) around Alaska and were preparing for a road trip to California this week, and then the East Coast to visit family.

Lud was a very social, friendly and generous man, and has left a legion of longtime friends and racing buddies. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family wrote: “It is much too hard to say goodbye, so we say: ‘Until we meet again … we will love you forever.’”