[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 191 (Wednesday, November 12, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1066]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF DONALD GEORGE LARSON

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2025

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Donald 
George Larson, who recently passed away at the age of 91. He was a 
beloved father, grandfather, and a pillar of the Fresno academic and 
civic communities.
  Born on September 5, 1933, in San Francisco to Bengt John and Olive 
Larson, Donald grew up in Kerman, alongside his twin brother, Phillip 
and older brother, Galen.
  A gifted student, Donald graduated early from Kerman High School and 
went on to earn degrees from College of the Sequoias, UC Berkley, and 
Fresno State. During his time at Berkeley, Donald played in the Cal 
Band and served as the beloved mascot, Oski the Bear.
  Donald found his true calling in education. He began teaching sixth 
grade in Caruthers and settled his way into a remarkable 35-year career 
at Fresno City College, where he taught history. Donald also taught 
current event classes for senior citizens from 1965 to 2010. His 
passion for civic engagement extended to local television, where he 
served as a trusted political commentator beginning in 1980.
  Donald believed deeply in the values of sportsmanship, mentorship, 
and community. He began scoring basketball games in 1948 and worked in 
the football chain gang at Fresno City College for over 30 years.
  Beyond the classroom and field, Donald brought joy to those around 
him through small gestures and grand traditions, most notably his 
legendary Christmas light displays, which turned his home into a beacon 
of holiday cheer and community spirit year after year.
  Donald held a lifelong fascination with Worlds' Fairs. His collection 
is housed at Fresno State's University Library and named in his honor. 
In recognition of his decades-long support of Fresno State, he was 
honored as the library's ``Top Dog'' in 2011.
  As a man of deep and steady faith, Donald was a devoted member of 
First Covenant Church in Fresno, where he taught Sunday school since 
1950.
  In his final years, he shared a home with his granddaughter Jessica, 
her husband Trevor, and their children, a time marked by love, laughter 
and enduring connection.
  Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Carol Kratt 
Larson. He is survived by his daughter Lynn Roth and son-in-law Daniel 
Roth; his grandchildren Jennifer Roth and Jessica Bryant, along with 
Trevor Bryant, husband to Jessica; and his great-grandchildren Rachel, 
Charlotte, and Isaac Bryant.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and 
legacy of Mr. Donald George Larson. His legacy as an educator, 
historian, and man of faith will live on in the countless lives he 
touched. We extended our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to 
his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.