Paul Larson was born October 5, 1921, the son of G. Larson and Mrs. H. Larson, of Provost, Alberta. Paul Larson enlisted in the Canadian Army in the west, where he resided previously, and would earn the rank of Corporal. Corporal Paul Larson married Mary Louise Larson (nee Baikie) on August 14, 1943 in St. George’s Church, Sarnia. Mary Louise was a Private of the C.W.A.C., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Baikie of Sarnia. In the wedding party were Cpl. Harry Keen and Kay Baikie. Paul and Mary Louise Larson would have one daughter together, Patricia Ann Larson, born February 24, 1944 at Sarnia General Hospital, (while Paul was overseas).
On February 24, 1945, Corporal Paul Larson would lose his life during fighting in Italy, at the end of the Italian Campaign, as a member of Seaforth Highlanders of Canada overseas; ironically, Paul died on the exact date of his daughter’s first birthday. In late March of 1945, Mary Louise Larson, who was residing with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Baikie, 120 Cobden Street, Sarnia, would receive a telegram from Ottawa informing her that her husband, Corporal Paul Larson, has been killed in action overseas. Shortly after, his death was confirmed when Captain (the Reverend) H. Durnford, the chaplain of the unit, sent a letter telling Mary Louise of the high esteem in which her husband Corporal Paul Larson was regarded by his officers and fellow soldiers in the regiment. In mid-May of 1945, a short memorial service for Pte. Paul Larson was held during the morning service at St. George’s Church, Sarnia. Paul Larson left behind his bride Mary Louise of one and a half years, and their one year-old daughter Patricia. Twenty-three year old Paul Larson is buried in Ravenna War Cemetery, Italy, Grave V.F.22.
SOURCES: A, B, C, D, E, F, L, N, 2C, 2D