Christopher R. Larsen of Rockport, MA., known to all as Slim, husband of 44 years to Amy (French) Larsen, died on September 12, 2023, in a mountain bike accident in the woods directly behind his home.
Slim was born in Farnborough, Kent, England on September 18, 1958, to Patricia M. (Crameri) Larsen and the late Frederick A. Larsen. He descended from a long line of free-thinking designers, driven to perfection and mastery in their chosen professions. His grandfather Agnew E. Larsen, a pioneer in early flight, received the 1930 Collier Trophy for outstanding achievements in aircraft engineering. Slim’s father Fred forged a career in architecture, designing for hospitals around the globe, all with his rapidly expanding family in tow, orchestrated by Slim’s fearless, inquisitive, take-charge mum, “Paddy.”
Slim described his childhood as idyllic, embracing the diverse experiences of living in England, Hawaii, Greece, Nova Scotia, and Massachusetts, where he eventually settled and raised his own family. His ability to connect with others and form lasting friendships was matched only by his contagious zest for life. For a time during his teenage years, Slim’s family lived in Manchester by the Sea, MA. There, he met the love of his life Amy. However, his family then moved from Massachusetts to Sambro Head, Nova Scotia, Canada. During those years he would hitchhike down to see Amy, often walking for miles and sleeping by the side of the road. After high school Slim and Amy embarked on their shared life’s journey, building friendships, traveling out west in their Chevy LUV truck, and living in Seattle, WA. Following this adventure they returned to Massachusetts, settling in a rambling old house in Pigeon Cove, where they raised three children and hosted friends and family gatherings. Their door was always open.
Slim developed his artistic talent at a young age, beginning his woodworking career in Seattle. His innate ability and desire to attain mastery were soon evident. At the age of twenty, he received first prize in the furniture category at the Pacific Northwest Arts and Craft Fair, surprising many seasoned craftsmen. As time went on, he honed his skills to a high level of artistry, yet he was always unassuming, preferring to let his work speak for itself.
After returning east with Amy, Slim pursued his love of wooden boats, finding employment as a boatbuilder at Manchester Marine in Manchester by the Sea. During this time, he restored his own 35-foot sailboat which moored in Gloucester Harbor. It provided a live-aboard home for the family, which had now grown to include son Aubrey, daughter Samantha, and beloved mutt Rahji. Charlie, their third child, would join the family in 1997. Slim shared with his children an appreciation for all the things he loved; art, music, nature, skiing (anyone who ever skied with Slim returned with a memorable experience), sailing (ditto!), and the sea and sky above. Fittingly, each of Slim and Amy’s children has pursued a career inspired by their father.
In 1985 Slim ventured on his own and established Slim Larsen Design. Since then he has created master furniture pieces and custom interiors for countless clients throughout the North Shore and Boston areas. He put his heart and soul into his work, and for this reason anyone who possesses a Slim Larsen creation also possesses a piece of him. The only things he valued more than his craft were his family and friends.…
In lieu of flowers, please commit a simple act of kindness in Slim’s memory, or perhaps plant a tree (for the future generation of woodworkers!).
A wonderful memoir of a talented, kind human. Thank you Greg!
That was well-done, Greg. I’ll plant several trees.
Thank you for sharing “Slim’s” wonderful story. That was a very nice tribute to his life. As the saying goes, only the good die young.
Best wishes to his family during this difficult time of sorrow.
Greg,
A very telling story…. Well done.
Joe