Though the family store closed two years ago, Bruce’s Larson’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
Bruce Larson’s parents, Al and Scottie Larson, first opened up Larson’s as an appliance repair shop in 1945 along Main Street.
“That is where we started learning the business. My dad repaired appliances, literally putting himself through college repairing appliances. And in 1964 my dad took over the company,” said Bruce’s son, Troy Larson. Bruce ran it for the next 50 years.
In that time, he expanded to a new location at 10th and Fir and became Larson’s Home Furnishings, selling everything from sofas, to chandeliers, ovens and TVs.
In a 2012 Five on 5 Feature Interview, Larson told NBC5 News he never thought Larson’s would become a landmark in downtown Medford, but he enjoyed every step through the decades. He said, “It’s enjoyable, to keep something going like that.” And he learned plenty of lessons over the years that he shared. “It’s a lot of work and they got to be ready to do that or they won’t make it.” The store closed in 2014.
Bruce’s son Troy said it was simply time for Bruce to step away. “He has had a long run, he deserved some time to relax, a little R & R.”
And even as he battled Alzheimer’s, Bruce Larson found ways to have fun–this spring, through the Rogue Valley Manor’s Dream Catcher program. The avid racing enthusiast got one final chance to get back on a racetrack.
Though the illness robbed him of many memories, the joy was visible on his face, and in his laughter. A man who made an indelible mark on Medford–was living out his dreams ‘till the end.
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