Walter Larsen

Walter Larsen was born on a farm in Williston, North Dakota on 11/18/1934 to parents John Larsen and Gertrude Mosel. He was the youngest of four children and was raised by his father following his parents’ divorce.

He joined the US Navy at the age of 16 with the permission of his father and was later honorably discharged in 1950. While stationed at Port Hueneme, he was set up on a blind date by a fellow serviceman and met Lorna, a Santa Barbara native who he went on to marry and have three daughters with.

Following his military service, he attended UC Santa Barbara and graduated with a BA in History. He worked for the California State Division of Workers’ Compensation in Santa Barbara advancing to becoming a manager. While working full-time and raising his family, he attended night school at Ventura College of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctorate. He passed the Bar on his first try and later opened a solo law practice specializing in Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability cases–being one of the first attorneys in Santa Barbara to practice in this area of law. He worked with his wife Lorna who was his legal assistant. Over the years, he was mentor to many attorneys interested in pursuing a career in the WC and SS Disability fields and worked until the age of 89.

Interests and passions of Walter were his love of golf, of which he played on a weekly basis, a huge appetite for books, travel, and time spent with his family. He was also a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Santa Barbara and a proud Democrat.

Walter passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, December 13, 2025. Our family wishes to thank the medical team at Cottage Hospital that cared for him as well as Paloma and the staff at Sarah House for their compassionate care in his last days.

He was pre-deceased by his wife Lorna, and is survived by his three daughters Jennifer (son-in-law David), Priscilla, grandaughter Taylor Mae Meijer, daughter Pauli Larsen-Stosic, Esq. and son-in-law Damir Stosic of Sausalito, CA, and nieces Julie, Terrie, and nephew, Eddie, and their families.

A celebration of life will take place after the new year. For details please email: Sapphire963@gmail.com. Memorial donations may be made to Friends of the Santa Barbara Library and Santa Barbara Humane Society.