Larry Larson made magic by blending art, business

Larry Larson, an award-winning graphic artist whose clean, innovative designs found their way into the city of Tacoma's seal and scores of other commercial projects, was an illusionist at heart.

The magic extended into every corner of his life, from his work and fine-art paintings to his hobbies of raising Alsatian dogs and cooking gourmet meals.

Mr. Larson died Feb. 17 of pancreatic cancer. He was 66.

The Tacoma native was nationally known for his elegantly simple signs, including those for Western International Hotels and Weyerhaeuser. In 1965, he was one of three finalists in a national architectural-art contest won by Pablo Picasso.

He also had a small-but-thriving business that turned his love for vintage racing cars, such as his 1959 Porsche 356, into car-print wearable art snapped up by comedian Jerry Seinfeld.

"Larry was a visionary," said his brother Bruce Larson of Tacoma. "He was in tune with a lot of things . . . and had the ability to put what he felt on paper. With a few movements of a brush or pen, he could put together elements that not only were aesthetically pleasing but also profoundly functional."

Mr. Larson had been drawn to art and magic while growing up among six siblings. By 11, he was studying the vaudeville "show card" artists at the Pantages Theatre in Tacoma, and by 14, he had his own sign-painting business. At 16, he had presented a "Medicine Man" act during a touring carnival.

After serving in the Army and studying at the Rhode Island School of Design, he returned to Tacoma in 1959 and opened Larry Larson Sign Co. His storefront displays and other designs earned him awards as well as jobs that included the Seattle World's Fair.

In 1965, he had a one-man show of his work at the Seattle Art Museum.

He closed the sign company in 1968 and began his graphic-design practice developing logos and visual ideas for regional clients. His work may be seen in designs for landmarks such as North Pacific Bank and Harbor Lights Restaurant.

"My father never talked much about his accomplishments," said his daughter Laurie Larson of Kingston. "But everything he did had that creativity. He didn't really have a favorite project."

Also surviving are his other children, Kari Larson of Redmond; and Christopher Larson, Ketchikan, Alaska; his other siblings, Donna Eyres, Puyallup; Mary Michener, Tacoma; and Gordon Larson, Chehalis; and four grandchilren.

A memorial celebration is planned for 1 p.m. March 11 at the home of Laurie Larson and her husband, Brad Pugh. Directions: 360-297-5035.