Joan Ensign Larsen, age 88 passed away quietly in her home in Sandy, UT on Monday, September 19th from a brief illness. She was born March 27, 1928 to Peter Horace and Mary Shearsmith Ensign. Joan was raised in the Magna-Garfield area and graduated from Cyprus High School in 1946 then went on to attend the University of Utah. Friendships forged in those early years became lasting and very dear to her.
In 1948 Joan married Warren George Brown. They moved to Salt Lake City and subsequently had four fine children. This marriage ended in divorce. Joan married Austin Ellis Larsen in 1974 and together they enjoyed a rich and full life with their families and many friends. Austin taught Joan how to hunt and together they made an unbeatable team.
Joan worked in the scientific community for four decades. She spent 20 years at the University of Utah School of Medicine, retiring from her position as Executive Secretary to the Department of Vivarial Science in 1992. She served on committees for the American Association for Laboratory Science (AALAS) and was elected to its Executive Committee from 1985-86. In 1988 AALAS presented Joan with the Joseph J. Garvey Award for her accomplishments in administration, education and support programs relating to the humane treatment of animals used in biomedical research. During her many years associated with national AALAS, she authored the AALAS Branch Manual and the AALAS Leadership Manual.
Along with her beloved husband, Austin, she remained active in organizations that reflected their interest in habitat conservation. They were Ducks Unlimited Sponsors in Perpetuity (Diamond Level), co-founders of the Southeast Colorado Habitat Foundation, benefactors of the Water for Wildlife Foundation as well as the Utah Wetlands Foundation. Austin and Joan were also benefactors of Washington State University.
A member of the LDS Church, Joan held various positions of leadership throughout her life. She also loved music and enjoyed singing in duets, trios, choruses and particularly, in a barbershop quartette.
She is survived by her sons Drew (Pat) Brown and Cory (Liliana) Brown, daughter Nancy Brown Kidder, stepsons Reed Larsen, Nick (Cari) Larsen, Brent (Carla) Larsen and Ron (Sheri) Larsen as well as 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren from the Larsen family. Preceded in death by husband Austin, daughter Heidi Brown Hilton and brother Horace (Hop) Ensign. Joan loved her children unconditionally, adored her grandchildren and delighted in the birth of each great grandchild.
Joan cherished her family and many friends and enjoyed times spent with them at their cabin in Mountair Canyon and at their beach home in San Carlos, Mexico. Together with Austin she enjoyed hunting, fishing, family activities, reunions with friends and traveling the world together.
Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the Northridge Ward, 11196 S Wasatch Blvd. (3500 E). Viewings will take place from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, September 23, 2016 at the Larkin Sunset Garden Mortuary at 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd (10600 So.), Sandy, Utah and at the Northridge Ward from 9:30 am to 10:30 am prior to funeral services. Internment will be in the Lehi City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan's name to the Water for Wildlife Foundation, 545 W. Main Street, Lander, WY, 82520. Online condolences: www.larkincares.com
