Paul D. Larson

Paul D. Larson passed away on January 20th, 2024 at the age of 77. Paul was born in Alpena, Michigan on October 7th, 1946 to Josephine and John Larson. He grew up in Oscoda, Michigan and wintered with his family in Sarasota, Florida throughout his childhood. Paul earned his Bachelor’s of Education degree from Florida State University and was a beloved teacher. He spent the majority of his 36 year career with Sarasota County Schools at Booker Elementary, Middle and High School as Athletic Director and P.E. Department Head, finishing the last 11 years as Technology Facilitator. In 1981, Paul, with his college roommate and fellow teacher, Jim Price, coached the Booker High School boys track and field team to a State Championship. His winning team remarkably consisted of eight first year runners coached at a school without a track. He was known by many in town simply as “Coach,” and former students would greet him as such years after his retirement. Paul loved Sarasota for its warm weather and beautiful beaches. He joined the Sarasota Sailing Squadron and quickly found his passion for sailing. He later became Director of the Sarasota Youth Sailing Program, revitalizing the summer camp to a year round competitive program. With wind in his sails, he cruised to many exciting destinations including Cuba, the Bahamas, Belize, Mexico, the Chesapeake and beyond. After his retirement from teaching, Paul set his sights on crossing the Atlantic Ocean on his sailboat, Sea Star. In May of 2007, he left Florida to follow his dream, sailing to the Azores with his partner, Cindy, and dear friends, John and Daniel Pether. Paul and Cindy spent 16 years sharing the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea with countless friends and family aboard his two sailboats, Sea Star and À Bientôt. Paul had a zest for life, finding joy in the beach, traveling, gardening, photography, animals, technology, gadgets, electronics, and coffee at the farmers market. But most of all, Paul enjoyed being with his family, friends and his dog, Mabel. He was a loving and dedicated father, grandfather, friend and partner. Paul is preceded in death by his brother, John Larson. He is survived by his partner of 25 years, Cindy Shedden, his daughters Sarah (Cord) Van Nostrand and Megan (Ryan) Parry, and his grandchildren, Lauren, Keaton, Ann, and Reed. Paul lived life to the fullest and followed his dreams. For the past two years, he valiantly fought stage IV colon cancer and never let his diagnosis get in the way of his travels and shared experiences with family and friends. He is loved by many and will be missed greatly. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 3:30 PM at the Sarasota Yacht Club. 1100 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the Fight Colorectal Cancer organization (FightColorectalCancer.org).

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Paul D. Larson

October 7, 1946 - January 20, 2024