Michael L. Larsen

Michael L. Larsen died on Monday, Apr. 2, 2012, in Spokane, due to complications from a stroke. He was 64 years old. Mike grew up mostly in the Seattle area. He spent a few years in Vancouver, Wash., returned and graduated from Shorecrest High School in 1965 and then the University of Washington, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1970. Following his undergraduate studies, Mike obtained his Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga Law School 1974.

As a passionate attorney and defender of those in need, Mike practiced criminal and family law in the both Tri-Cities area and Vancouver, Wash., for 25 years. He finished the last 10 years of his career working as Lead Defense Attorney in the Public Defender’s Office for the Colville Confederated Tribal court system.

Upon his retirement in 2009, Mike volunteered for the Legal Aid Society and Volunteer Attorney Services. He went to trial on behalf of those who could not afford legal assistance and also held free clinics. Additionally, he loved teaching paralegal courses at Regional Community Colleges.

Mike was a voracious reader, and imbued his children with a love for books. He loved to golf, fish and work on his boat. Mike was a fan of the open road and traveled all over the Pacific Northwest on vacations and road trips with both his family and friends.

Mike is survived by his daughter Sumerlin Larsen, (fiancé, Rich Lesperance), of Tacoma; his daughter Serena Larsen, of Seattle; his brother Ed (Sri) Paige, of Indonesia; his sister Diane (Mike) Ralston, of Maple Valley; several nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends and colleagues.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at the Spring Street Center in Seattle, on June 2, at 12:30 p.m.. The family is suggesting remembrances be sent to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, or to Volunteer Attorney Services in Wenatchee.