Dear Editor,
On Saturday, Oct. 23, 2004 my wife and I drove to Thomson to pay our last respects to my brother-in-law James (Bill) W. Larson, who passed away on Oct. 22, 2004 from a long battle with diabetes.
Bill moved to Thomson many years ago to be close to his daughters, Sharon and Bobbie. He was caring for my sister, Dorothy, alone in Louisiana who had contracted Alzhiemers at the age of 47. Dorothy was eventually placed in Thomson's local nursing home, where he saw her on a daily basis until she passed away five years ago.Bill was a New Orleans native and as diverse an individual you could ever meet. He had this Mardi Gras Dabloon and bead collection he would quite often set up for the citizens of Thomson to evaluate. He was never at a loss for words and would share his musical talent with the nursing home residents by playing guitar and singing his own songs for their enjoyment.
As I look back on this man's life I see a loving father of five children, a loving husband and caretaker, a lover of his community, Thomson and a proud Louisiana son. He will always be one of the toughest and greatest men I have ever been associated with. Not because he faced down the worst criminals as a New Orleans police officer or railroad detective, but because he battled Alzhiemers at my sister's side while battling his own illness of diabetes -- two of life's most devastating diseases.
I am of the opinion there are only the rare individuals who would have stayed with their spouse more than 20 years under such circumstances to a very known conclusion. This information of Bill Larson is being shared because Thomson has truly lost a wonderful person. While he and my sister would have thanked the people of Thomson for everything they did to help them over the years, it is certainly done without hesitation in their behalf.
People of Thomson thank you so very much for your help, kindness and understanding.
Gary Louviere
Charenton, La.
