Mike & I have ridden Doc’s trails for many years but really got to know Doc & Sammy about 15 years ago through a Mule Days friend, Albert Andrews, that use to pack with Doc in the Sierra’s. Since then we have enjoyed many good times and stories with Doc & Sammy but their reminiscence of their wedding night has always been our favorite. We feel special to have Doc in our lives and will always remember his big smile, firm hand shake, hugs and thumbs up. Doc, we will always remember you, and your legacy will live on as we ride your trails. Happy trails Doc.

I can remember a time about 8 years ago when I was riding on the Pipeline/Rattlesnake trail. It was a really hot day and we were trotting along and we came around a corner and there was Doc Larsen laying across the trail. He was laying under the only shade tree around. We stopped the horses and asked if he was ok. He quickly sat up and said he was getting a little over heated so we offered him some water. All I can say is not only is Doc Larsen one of the nicest men I have ever met but he is also one of the toughest and kindest. He was out there in the 100 degree heat clearing the trails so our horses would not get bit by rattlesnakes. Thank you Doc Larsen for all you have done for all us distance riders. You will truly be missed. When I am trotting along the Doc Larsen trail Doc's spirit will always be there.

Sheri Thompson

I will remember riding on the wonderful trails the Doc made happen. Riding with his wife Shirley on her Appaloosa, and also with their daughter on many NATRC rides in Southern California. Thank You.

I’d like to describe my two favorite Doc memories.
My first choice is the real life tale he told me about how he had been working on the plumbing that was reducing the flow that feeds the Doc Larsen Water-tub. He was crawling back in amongst the brush to find out where the roots had inundated the lines, when he realized he had crawled into a vacant mountain lion den. He said knew this because there was a deer carcass off to the side that had been supplying food for some time, there was a soft dirt area where you could see the lion had been lying or sleeping, and there was a tree branch that had deep scratch marks where the lion had sharpened its claws. At that point he said he carefully crawled back out the same way he came in, and thought he could let that plumbing problem continue a little longer.

My second choice is when I came across Doc and his neighbor working on the new Oak Springs Trail. They were putting in some final touches when Doc told me the work of putting in the trail was done, but it was our job to ride that trail as much as possible to pack the trail down firm before the rains hit. His comment stays with me whenever I’m on these trails, and I think it always will. We were very lucky to have Doc’s help to establish and maintain our Sunland area trails.

With fond memories,
Jacqy Gamble

The trails will not be the same without Dear Doc Larsen. I spent many happy years collecting wonderful memories riding upon trails that Doc created and maintained. He has left a wonderful legacy and surely inspired some to continue the cause. Heaven is a better place now, God has called Doc home to tend the trails in paradise.