Members of Kenneth C. Larson Jr.’s family, including his wife, Donabel (left of the sign), unveil the new highway sign that will be placed in remembrance of Larson.
On Oct. 15, Sen. Gene Yaw hosted the Kenneth C. Larson Jr. Memorial Highway Sign Unveiling Ceremony at Penn College’s Professional Development Center.
The event was attended by dignitaries, family, colleagues and community members. Yaw opened remarks, recognizing Larson’s contributions to Lycoming County’s infrastructure, thus enabling the growth of the region. He also thanked Bob Garrett, president/CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, for recommending the highway naming project in memory of Larson.
Michael Carroll, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, noted Larson’s dedication to creating a reliable transportation network, enhancing access to our region, jobs and economic success. Larson’s work on Interstate 180 and U.S. Route 15 continue to boost economic vitality and connect our region to the rest of the United States. Larson’s vision for future improvement lives on through the I-99 Corridor designation and the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway.
State Rep. Jamie Flick highlighted Larson’s 14 years of service in the U.S. Navy Reserves and thanked all veterans in the audience for their service. He noted Larson’s life was defined by vision, connection and the belief that infrastructure is the lifeblood to join communities together, enable relationship building and create opportunities for economic growth.
State Rep. Joe Hamm recognized Larson as an advocate and servant leader. In the Navy, and through his years at PennDOT and Larson Design Group, Larson was always serving others and made a lasting impact on the community and region. Hamm thanked Larson’s family for sharing him with our region, as our communities have benefitted from the work that he inspired and led.
Terry Krezmer, chief human resource officer & senior vice president and board chair for Larson Design Group, spoke of the 35 years that she knew Larson. He was a proud dad and grandfather, engaged in moments that matter – athletic games, performances and family milestones. Larson led with purpose and integrity and built communities. He also was committed to creating career opportunities to keep talented engineers and architects in the region. With over 150 employees at Larson Design Group, Larson’s vision and leadership live on: He encouraged people to live with purpose and lead with humility.
Ashley Larson spoke of her grandfather’s dedication to his family roots. He never missed a theater performance and participated in family activities. He enjoyed laughing and loved seafood. She also noted that Larson’s dream was to retain talented engineers and bring people back home if they left the area, and that dream continues to be realized for many. Ashley Larson closed her comments with a statement shared by her grandfather: “Never forget where you came from and the people who helped out get there along the way.”
To close the event, members of the family were invited to unveil the new “Kenneth C. Larson Jr. Memorial Highway” sign. The portion of Interstate 180 from the Lycoming-Northumberland county line to the interchange with the existing U.S. Route 15 and U.S. Route 220 in Lycoming County is now designated, and the sign will be placed along this route.