Gary Eugene Larson of Brookings – avid naturalist, loving husband, and proud father of two – passed away Friday, June 26, 2020, at the age of 69.

Gary was born Aug, 27, 1950, in Grand Island, NE to Richard and Donna (Daberkow) Larson. He completed high school and college in Kearney, NE and went on to earn a PhD in botany from North Dakota State University in Fargo. He served as a professor and researcher at South Dakota State University for 36 years, specializing in plant systematics and taxonomy. Gary took great pride in his work and had numerous accomplishments during his career, including the publication of two textbooks with colleague James R. Johnson: Plants of the Black Hills and Bear Lodge Mountains and Grassland Plants of South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains. His greatest enjoyment, however, stemmed from his passion for teaching and interacting with others. Over the years, Gary shared his deep appreciation for nature with countless students, friends, and family.

On July 14, 1990, Gary was united in marriage to Pamela (Julson) Larson in Garretson, South Dakota. They were blessed with two children, his son Ross and daughter Alyssa.

Gary was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder, Sunday School teacher, and member of various committees. He loved birdwatching with friends in the Brookings Birding Club and South Dakota Ornithologists Union. Gary’s long list of hobbies and talents included fishkeeping, winemaking, cooking, photography, fishing, and – above all – gardening. His love of growing things captured his gentle, nurturing character, and his generosity was evidenced by his frequent gifting of fresh produce and homemade salsas, jams, and pies. Gary will be remembered for his kind heart and goodwill toward all.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Pam; son, Ross (Aikaterina Assimacopoulos); daughter, Alyssa; brother, Ronald (Rhonda) Larson; father-in-law, Paul Julson; sisters-in-law Barb (Greg) Franka and Bev (Steve) Howe; brother-in-law, Wayne Julson; and one niece and five nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rich Larson; mother-in-law, Ruby Julson; sister-in-law, Paula Matthiesen; and nephew, Jeremy Franka.

Private family memorial services will be 2 p.m.Saturday, July 18, 2020, at First Presbyterian Church in Brookings.  Visitation without the family present will be from 12 noon until 4 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2020, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings.