Hyer Larsen Dead At 84

Mr. Hyer P. Larsen of LaBelle, Florida passed to a better place on November 5, 2013. 

Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey in 1929, Hyer graduated from high school at the age of 17 and joined the United States Army. Following basic training, he was assigned to the Korean Peninsula prior to the outbreak of hostilities. Completing his enlistment, Mr. Larsen returned to the United States and entered Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. While a student at Duke, Hyer competed on the varsity basketball team as a Duke Blue Devil, an honor he would cherish for the remainder of his life. 

While at Duke, Mr. Larsen joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps as a marine recruit. Unexpectedly, Mr. Larsen was recalled to active duty as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He served a second tour on the Korean Peninsula, this time under combat conditions. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered during combat .

Returning from Korea, Mr. Larsen re-engaged his studies at Duke. After graduation, Mr. Larsen was first employed by AT&T in New Jersey. He soon recognized that a 9 to 5 corporate job was not his cup of tea. 

Having an entrepreneurial mindset, Mr. Larsen began a very successful career in various enterprises, including ownership of a liquor store, a restaurant, a marina and culminating in several very successful automobile dealerships in both New Jersey and North Carolina.

It was in New Jersey that Mr. Larsen began his love affair with boating. An avid boater, at various times he owned more than a dozen power boats ranging from small runabouts to large Hatteras motor yachts. An accomplished seaman, his boating adventures ranged from the waters of Canada, to the Bahamas and many trips between New Jersey and Florida.

When Mr. Larsen retired to Florida, he became a resident for many years at the Lighthouse Colony Condominiums in Lighthouse Point. He was an active member in his condominium association, often serving as President or in any capacity where his service could be used.

Mr. Larsen is predeceased by his first wife Doris. He is survived by his present bride and boating companion Patricia "Bailey" Larsen, his daughters Carter Ann Rollins of New Bern, North Carolina and Stacey Larsen of Malabar,FL, his step-daughter Teresa Barrett of Green Cove Springs, FL, grand-daughters Lacey Brisson and Alexis Larsen, grandsons Peter Rollins and Talbot Larsen and great grandson Blake Larsen.

A memorial service celebrating Hyer's life will be held at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle, FL on Saturday, November 9th at 2:00 PM.