Catherine Kinney Larsen

May 8, 1951 - July 1, 2012

Catherine Kinney Larsen

(1951-2012)

 

Catherine Kinney Larsen passed away peacefully in her home on July 1, 2012.  Born May 8, 1951, in Hinsdale, IL, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth Parrish Kinney and Madeline Shriver Brennan Kinney.

She is survived by Frank S. Larsen, her husband of 40 years, son Michael S. Larsen (Jennifer), daughter Katherine A. Dent (Jerod), and four grandchildren.  She is also survived by brothers Frank R. Kinney (Katherine), William P. Kinney (Susan), Robert O. Kinney (Susan); sisters Ann Kinney Morin, Madeline Shriver Harris (Stephen), Ellen Kinney Folke (Richard); and nine nieces and nephews.

Catherine graduated from Cornell College, IA, with a degree in education.  Over a 30-year career, she taught hundreds of kindergarten and first-grade students, most of them in Park City.  She was an avid participant in the activities—biking, camping, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, skiing—available in our community.

Animals, especially dogs, were her passion.  For forty years she trained and showed cheerful, friendly dogs who earned countless conformation, agility and obedience titles across the country.  Her particular focus was training her dogs for animal-assisted therapy, working with sick or emotionally troubled children and adults.  In October 2000, she and her dog Kirby were awarded Utah’s first Governor’s Points of Light Award by Governor Mike Leavitt for her volunteer work.

Catherine will be remembered for her sweet, gentle personality, her remarkable ability to communicate, especially with children, and her staunch support of her family and friends in her quiet, magical way.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, July 8, at 3:00 PM at Park City Community Church, 4501 North Highway 224, Park City.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, to Friends of Animals Utah, or to a charity of your choice.

In Loving Memory

We lost touch years ago, But have many fond memories from times I spent visiting with you after your transplant surgery when you lived in Silver Creek. I know there were many happy souls waiting to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge. Be at peace with your four legged family now.

Jan Nemcik

Park City, Ut

I guess this is part 2...Anyway, I know Kirby was waiting for her and what a grand reunion! God's plan perplexes us always, and I pray His love will be there for your family

Cori Congino

Heber, Ut

We are heartbroken over losing Cathy. Cathy was a very very special person, I wish I could be half the person she was. Frank our heart goes out to you.

Richard and Gail Clark

Fort Collins, CO

We are so sad to hear about Cathy's passing, although we have always known that her health was fragile. I know that after her transplant surgeries, Cathy relished every day that she had with her family and friends. Cathy was the most gentle, loving person. We were privileged to know her since college together at Cornell. Our love and prayers to Frank and family.

Doug and Ginger Smith

Salt Lake City, UT

I am saddened to hear about Cathy's passing. It has been many years since I have had the opportunity to talk with Cathy or Frank but certainly remember with great joy those long ago days at Cornell. Frank and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bruce Frana

Cedar Rapids, IA

I met Catherine only once when I was visiting Ellen in the summer of 2010. We hiked, and went to her house for breakfast the next morning. (crepes----mmmmmm) She had the confident air of someone who is accomplished but doesn't feel the need to flaunt it. A gentle yet strong woman who will be missed.

Carol Dawson

Shawnee, Ks

I started the book this afeoonrtn on my Kindle and read it until my flashlight gave out tonight. (I am reading the Kindle by flashlight so as not to wake my husband). Your story is amazing and your journey of faith a blessing. We are missionaries in Jamaica. I saw you on the fox cable affiliate here on a broadcast of Huckabee.

Wandersom

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I have only read the first 4 chapters of Texas Roads, which I bouhgt in the Kindle version for my phone. It's the first book I have read in a long time that I am having trouble putting down. I wouldn't have guessed this is your first novel. I love it! Keep them coming!

Michael

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Dr. Helen, you wrote, "Did you know that 86% of all adolescent seidicus in the U.S.are comitted by boys? And the real problem? Nobody gives a damn."The "nobody gives a damn" has been the problem for as long as I can remember for kids in trouble.If they don't have strong parents, somtimes super strong parents, or a tough but caring grouchy uncle Charlie with a farm in Oklahoma you can send them to, these kids are really in trouble.My Brother was single and in the oil & gas business in Wyoming. He finished raising our nephew thru high school who was on the run from the law in Illinois.Matt was lucky he had his "Uncle Kirk". Matt made it, but just barely.Most of the "lost boys" need an "Uncle Kirk" but damn few have them.When family isn't there to care, these kids are looked on as a "problem to be managed". They are the high voltage personalities caught somewhere between getting a real life that always seems just out of reach, or permanently wharehoused in prison.In a couple of weeks my son & I are going to visit one of his boyhood friends ... in San Quentin Penitentary, he gets visitors once a month. Jesse has been in trouble since kindergarten. The high end suburbs never fit for him. He needed a grouchy (but loving) uncle Charlie, he didn't have one.No one gives a damn, these kids are alone, completely alone and they know it.

Peter

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