Glen Russel "Russ" Larson

Glen Russel “Russ” Larson passed away on April 20, 2026, after a courageous yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on March 15, 1945, in Washington, D.C., Russ moved with his family to Colorado at a young age. It was there that he first developed his lifelong love for the mountains and the outdoors. He graduated from the University of Denver in 1969, earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Shortly after graduation, he married the love of his life, Janifer Williams. The couple celebrated 57 wonderful years of marriage, spending 54 of those years building their life together in Utah.

Russ was an exceptional skier and instructor. In the winter of 1973, he began skiing at Snowbasin, where he earned his PSIA Level 3 certification. He took immense pride in his many years instructing for the Earl Miller Ski School and always considered having Earl Miller as a mentor to be the highlight of his career. He was later recruited by the newly opened Deer Valley Resort, where he spent the next 20 years teaching clients—including celebrities like Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, and Tony Danza—and, most importantly, his own grandchildren: Selby, Bode, and Josh.

An avid outdoorsman year-round, Russ spent his summers cycling. He was a dedicated supporter of the annual MS 150 bike event in Cache Valley, his team famously painted their fingernails red. He enjoyed hiking, fishing, camping, and golfing with friends and family. He and Jan shared a deep passion for Jeeping, and they loved attending the Easter Jeep Safari, the Labor Day Campout, and the Mile-Hi Jeep Club's All-4-Fun Week.

A devoted father and grandfather, Russ spent countless days traveling across the Western United States to watch his sons, Chris and Eric, ski race. That same dedication carried over to his grandchildren, as he loved watching them dominate on the soccer pitch and baseball diamond. He cherished sharing his love of sports with his family.

When fall arrived, his attention turned to hunting. He spent many cherished days chasing ducks and pheasants with his sons and grandsons; he shot his last pheasant over the point of Cassidy, on November 29th. He particularly loved the pursuit of elk; a crowning achievement was taking a beautiful 6-point bull at Deseret Land and Livestock while hunting alongside his lifelong friend, Johnny.

Russ’s deep affection for animals was a hallmark of his character. Throughout the years, he was a devoted companion to many four-legged friends who shared in his outdoor adventures. He held a special place in his heart for his four Golden Retrievers: Robin, Maggie, Biff, and Trapper; his Black Lab, Sawyer Brown; and his two Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Shadow and Sammie. One of Russ’s most cherished final wishes was to be reunited with all of his beloved dogs at the Rainbow Bridge.

He is survived by his wife, Janifer; his sons, Chris and Eric; his grandchildren, Selby, Bode, and Joshua; and his brothers, Ron and Bob. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Elinore Larson, and his sister, Martha Larson.

A private service will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to the medical professionals and caregivers who provided Russ with such compassionate care:

• Carl Gray, MD
• John Hemmersmeier, MD
• Mary Almony and her staff
• Ogden Regional Hospital
• The fabulous staff at Fairfield Village.
• The care of all the Angels at Atlas Hospice.
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In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Russ to: Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief and Rescue www.cbrrescue.org (Click on "Donate Now")

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah.