Bruce Raymond Larson Obituary
Bruce Raymond Larson, the exuberant heart of the St. Joseph River Yacht Club and a lifelong fixture of the home decor industry, passed away in late February 2026 at the age of 77.
Born in Chicago on June 15, 1948, Bruce’s soul was forever tied to the water. Raised in the Sauganash neighborhood, his happiest childhood memories were formed during summers at the family cottage and boathouse on Lake Michigan. This bond with the lake anchored his life, eventually leading him to the harbors of St. Joseph.
A proud graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology, Bruce was a creative force in his youth, famously producing the film “These Those Faces” featuring a young Rod Stewart. That early creative spark eventually found its true calling in the world of home decor. Bruce transitioned from the lens to the showroom, becoming a master of "the connection" by bridging the gap between manufacturers and retailers nationwide. He took great pride in teaching this art to his son, Carl, from a young age.
To know Bruce, however, was to know him at the St. Joseph River Yacht Club. For 25 years, the club was his true north. As a mainstay of the Entertainment Committee, Bruce was the architect of the club’s social life, pouring his energy into booking bands and planning events. He was truly in his element when the music was loud and the club was full, living for the late nights and the camaraderie of what he called his “500 friends,” representing the club's entire membership. He was deeply grateful for the club staff, who humored his obsession with perfect stage lighting but, more importantly, looked after him with genuine affection. It was a well-known joke among his inner circle that you wouldn't see Bruce before noon, as he was likely still resting from the previous night’s festivities.
Above all, Bruce was an empowering father and a proud Grandpa. He was never happier than when he watched Carl marry Julie on Silver Beach. Bruce helped perfect that day with a steel drummer on the sand and brought the celebration to life with the reception band, Libido Funk Circus, famously getting everyone out on the dance floor. In his later years, he deeply cherished a special visit to Buffalo to meet his grandson, Jude, and loved hosting tea parties in the pool with his granddaughter, Pepper. He also leaves behind his favorite four-legged friend, Tuna the French Bulldog, who never failed to provide the affection Bruce adored.
Bruce is survived by his son, Carl Larson, and his wife, Julie; his grandchildren, Pepper and Jude; and countless friends at the St. Joseph River Yacht Club who will forever miss his energy and spirit.
Bruce’s family invites all who knew & loved him to join us in celebrating his life. Please stop by to share memories, drinks, and music—the way Bruce would have wanted. Saturday, April 4th, 4:00–6:00 PM, St. Joseph River Yacht Club, 1 Lighthouse Lane, Saint Joseph. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Bruce’s honor to the St. Joseph Junior Foundation, dedicated to youth sailing and water safety, or to the Friends of Berrien County Animal Services, in honor of his love for Tuna.
