Master and Commander
Posts: 1005
Location: NE Florida | Subject: Saturday Obit
LARSON Peter N. Larson, well known business leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, died September 1, 2023 at the age of 84. Peter graduated from Oregon State University in 1960. Upon graduation he married Maryle Brumfield on June 10, 1960. He joined the Navy and became a Nuclear Submarine Officer. In 1967, upon completing his Navy commitment, he joined Johnson & Johnson in the Information Technology Department. Peter then transitioned to the Consumer Products Marketing Group and became a Group Product Director. He was awarded his Law Degree from Seton Hall University in 1974. In 1978, Peter joined Kimberly Clark as President of Consumer Products and lead the launching of Huggie Disposable Diapers; a multibillion dollar brand today. He was recruited back to Johnson & Johnson in 1990 as Company Group Chairman for North America. Having excelled in that assignment, in 1992 he was promoted to Worldwide Chairman, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products with sales of $8.8 billion dollars. J&J’s largest business segment. This included category leading brands Tylenol, Neutrogena, BAND-AID Brand Adhesive Bandages, Johnson’s Baby Products, and Johnson & Johnson First Aid Products. In 1995, Peter once again departed J&J to become Chairman and CEO of the Brunswick Corporation, a world leader in recreational products. An office he held to 2000 and his retirement. Brunswick is best known for their bowling alleys, pool and billiard tables, Mercury outboard motors, and Sea Ray boats & yachts. Peter and wife Lee moved to Scottsdale following his retirement and took up residence at Maravilla, a Senior Resort Community. Peter and Lee, who he met while going to college, traveled the world together including Western Europe, Asia, South America, Latin America, and Africa. Their Africa big game hunting trips were their biggest adventures. Peter served on numerous Board of Directors including, CIGNA Inc, COMPACT Computer Inc, COTY Cosmetics, N.Y. Stock Exchange, U.S. Winter Olympic Committee, St. Mary’s Food Bank and The Advertising Education Foundation. The Larson’s philanthropic endeavors are widespread and touch the lives of thousands. They provided significant financial support for two large apartment buildings in New York City to provide housing for the homeless. The first was named “The Christopher” after their son who died in a tragic motorcycle accident, and the second was named “The Lee” in honor of Peter’s wife. In addition, they helped build and fund a Youth Center in Evanston, Wyoming for underprivileged school age children. The center is named “The Dana” in honor of the Larson’s daughter Dana. Locally, Peter & Lee provide ongoing financial support for the St. Mary’s Food Bank, Honor Health Hospital, The Music Fest, and Arizona State University. This is in addition to the New York and Wyoming projects. Peter is survived by his wife Lee, daughter Dana, son-in law Wayne Boote, and grandchildren Izzy and Gunnar, adopted son Ryan Artigues and wife Charlotte, and brothers Rick and Steve Larson. He will always be remembered for his quick wit, and the sharing of his time, talent, and treasure to improve the lives of the less fortunate. Contributions can be made to the St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix, Arizona to honor this extraordinary businessman, philanthropist husband, father, and grandfather. A special thanks to Messinger Indian School Mortuary.
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Saturday Obit
