Richard Larsen's presence

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Larsen, who died Thursday at age 73 after a long illness, had a courtly, gracious style that shaped his writing and reporting during a career that spanned five decades. In a long, fruitful career, he took time off from journalism to work for politicians in public office - both Republican and Democrat.

Larsen, a Seattle native and University of Washington graduate, worked in and around politics for most of his career, including 23 years at The Times. He took early retirement in 1992.

Civility and evenhandedness were the hallmarks of Larsen's relationship with the political figures who trusted and respected him, and faithful readers who followed his insights.

Larsen never wasted a trip out of the office. He always returned with another nugget, a useable tidbit or an idea for a column. This work ethic also produced a biography of Washington Sen. Scoop Jackson, and a best-selling book about serial killer Ted Bundy. Larsen even had a cameo appearance in a courtroom scene of a TV drama taken from his book about Bundy's murders and eventual execution in Florida.

On The Times editorial page, Larsen was a supporter of higher education and a champion of the University of Washington's Bothell campus. At the morning editorial staff meetings, he was invariably courteous of opposing views but could reduce a colleague's argument to tatters with his wit.

Dick Larsen was of that older breed who earned his role of political commentator by knowing the people he covered and gaining their respect.