Gaylen Charles Larsen, 82, passed away peacefully, Friday, October 2, 2015, surrounded by his family. He was born July 16, 1933 in Manti, Utah to Charles Larsen and Vonda Sanderson. Married Janice Frost in 1955 (later divorced).
He is survived by three children, Steve Larsen (Shawnna), Kelly Thomas (Terry), and Janalyn Larsen-Schab, 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his loving parents, his brother James, and sister Cheryl Hales.
Gaylen was an Eagle Scout, graduated North Sevier High School, Snow College and BYU where he earned a degree in accounting; he is also a graduate of Pacific Coast School of Banking.
He served as a paratrooper in the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1955.
His long and successful career in banking spanned more than 30 years and began at First Security Bank [1956-1960]. He went to work for the Bank of California, but missed Utah and returned home where he opened the East Murray Branch of Valley Bank. He was with Valley Bank and Trust for 27 years where he finished as Executive Vice President; he went on to be President/CEO of Utah Bank and Trust, where he retired for medical reasons.
He served as a President of Robert Morris Associates, was on the board of the Utah Bankers Association, and a member of Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. Gaylen was chosen Boss of the Year by the Salt Lake Jaycees in 1971. In a letter submitting his nomination for the boss honor, his employees said, \"Gaylen serves as not only a boss but as a true friend, having a sincere interest in our daily job accomplishments as well as outside achievements.\"
Gaylen loved tennis, golf, fishing and hunting, camping at Fish Lake, back yard barbeques, and always looked forward to his family Christmas Eve open houses.
Special thanks to the Hillside Rehab Center for the excellent care he received. Gaylen loved to sing to the nurses and staff there and made many friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 11:00am, Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd (10600 S), Sandy, Utah. Viewing from 9:30am to 10:30am prior to the services. Interment at Eastside Cemetery in Salina, Utah.
