[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E437-E438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LEGACY OF JOHN ``PHIL'' LARSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 2026

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life 
of John ``Phil'' Larson, a devoted father, friend, and public servant, 
who passed away on April 23, 2026, at the age of 92.
  Phil was born on September 5, 1933, in San Fransico, California, 
alongside his twin brother, Don Larson. He was raised on his family's 
farm near Kerman, California, where he developed his deep faith, 
humility, and tireless work ethic that would guide him throughout his 
life. After graduating from Kerman High School in 1951, he went on to 
further his education at Fresno State and Point Loma University.
  In 1953, Phil answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in 
the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably until 1956, 
including two winters in Korea, and completed his reserve service in 
1961. His time in uniform reflected his lifelong commitment to service 
and sacrifice.
  Phil met his wife, Joyce Henriksen, through Fresno First Covenant 
Church. They were married on March 21, 1959, at Kingsburg Mission 
Covenant Church, beginning a 67-year marriage grounded in faith, 
partnership, and devotion. Together, they raised two children, Tim and 
Lisa, and built a life centered on family and community.
  Phil dedicated much of his career to agriculture, beginning on his 
family's farm near Kerman before joining Wilbur-Ellis company in 1963. 
Spending over 38 years with the company, he built a reputation for 
integrity, expertise, and lasting relationships, retiring in 2000. 
Beyond his professional work, Phil's leadership in agriculture was 
widely recognized through his service on the Fresno County Farm Bureau 
Executive Board, including two years as president, where he advocated 
on critical water issues affecting California's Central Valley.
  In 2002, Phil was elected to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, 
representing District One. As a steady and principled leader, he 
expanded services in underserved communities, improved libraries, 
supported educational partnerships, and contributed to infrastructure 
projects like Veterans Boulevard. Even after he left the board in 2015, 
he remained committed to enhancing life across western Fresno County.
  As a proud alumnus, Phil received the President's Medal of 
Distinction from California State University, Fresno, in 2014, for his 
lifetime of service.
  Above all, Phil was a man of strong faith and unwavering dedication 
to his family. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Tim and 
Lisa; grandchildren, Tanner, Haylee, and Lindsey; and five great-
grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Olive, 
and his brothers, Galen and Don.

[[Page E438]]

  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
John ``Phil'' Larson. His legacy of faith, service, dedication to 
agriculture and commitment to family and community will undoubtedly 
continue to inspire all who knew him.

                          ____________________