Richard Larsen left Denmark in 1928 for the
opportunities available in a new country. He
arrived in Lloydminster with only $4.20 in his pocket and with little knowledge
of the English language. He knew he
could realize his dreams only through hard work.
He toiled as a farm labourer in the summer and as a woodcutter in the
winter earning $3.00 for each cord delivered to town.
It wasn't long before he had put enough money aside to purchase a
homestead with a real home, a big improvement over his uninsulated granary
shack.
Richard started a meat processing business under the name Empire Locker and expanded
it into a, slaughterhouse locker plant, and butcher shop complex.
He served as president of the Saskatchewan Locker Association and as a
judge of its annual cured meat competitions.
He enjoyed giving candy to the kids when they visited the locker plant
with their parents. He served on numerous boards, committees and pubic service
organizations too numerous to mention. He
was a Rotarian, a Paul Harris Fellow, a Royal Arch Mason, and was involved in
both Credit Unions. He was active
in the First Baptist Church, the Mayors Prayer Breakfast, the Exhibition
Association and 4-H Clubs. He attended functions faithfully taking pictures to
show on subsequent visits. He was
an alderman for 20 years, a deputy Mayor, and he served on numerous municipal
boards and committees.
Richard was vitally interested in preserving the history of Lloydminster and
district. He was Chairman of the Barr Colony Museum Committee and the
founder of Lloydminster's Museum. He
was involved in the Glenbow Museum and each of the Museum Associations in
Alberta and Saskatchewan. He
received numerous public service awards for his contributions to the community.
Richard will be remembered as the founder and promoter of Lloydminster's museum,
which bears his name.