Robert Severt Larson, 89, founder of the Red Rock News, passed away Thursday, March, 24, 2016. He was born April 1, 1926, in Glendive, Mont., to Josephine and Benjamin Larson.
Robert was raised in Circle, Mont., and became a second generation newspaper publisher. His father, Ben, was the publisher of the Circle Banner, a weekly newspaper. Larson was a proud member of the U.S. Army as he served two years in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Upon his return, he attended the University of Montana in Missoula. On July 2, 1949, he married Loretta Puhr in Billings, Mont. Robert and Loretta moved to Phoenix in 1956.
The family often came to Sedona to beat the summer heat. They fell in love with the area and moved to Sedona in 1963, launching the Red Rock News on Oct. 3, 1963. Robert and Loretta published three newspapers in Northern Arizona with the help of their oldest son, Robert B. Larson. The papers are the Sedona Red Rock News, The Camp Verde Journal and the Cottonwood Journal Extra. The Sedona Red Rock News celebrated its Golden Anniversary in 2013. Over the many years of service to the communities they served, the Larsons donated to many civic organizations and were key to Sedona’s incorporation and the joint county formation of the Sedona School District.
Larson is survived by his wife Loretta, his three sons Bob [Vicki], Tom [Pam], Jerry and daughter Elizabeth Schweiss [Pat]. Robert and Loretta also have five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
A private family service is planned. If you wish to make a donation, please make it to the Sedona or Verde Valley charitable organization of your choosing.
