Ludwig John Larson, Jr., DTCM US Navy (Retired) of Pensacola, FL lived his 73 years loving life to the fullest. He valiantly fought a long and difficult battle with lung cancer and died peacefully on Sunday, March 13. 2011 at Covenant Hospice with his devoted wife of 52 years, Jackie, by his side. Lud was born in Duluth, MN to Ludwig John Larson, Sr. and Eleanor Larson and was one of six children. Wanting to see the world and serve his country, Lud joined the US Navy at the young age of 17 and spent the next 30 years traveling the world, raising a family, proudly serving our country and rising to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. He met and married the love of his life, Jacqueline Azoulay, while serving in Morocco and they had two children, Angela and Eric, who had his heart at first site. Lud retired from the Navy in 1985 and received his degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and embarked on his second career as the General Manager of the Residence Inn by Marriott. Although he retired from that career after 17 years, he was not ready for the recliner. Lud personified living life to its fullest by spending the next chapter of his life traveling with his wife, Jackie, as well as family and friends; spending time with his children; attending the sports and school events of his pride and joy, his grandsons; being an avid fan of the Ice Pilots; spending time with friends and perfecting his beloved game of golf. Lud was a magnetic force and a natural born leader. He made a difference in the life of those whom he came in contact with and held many titles, proudly. He was a devoted and loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather and friend. Never at a loss for words, Lud was a mentor to all by sharing his life experiences and truly caring about the lives of those whom he met. This quality served him well throughout his leadership roles during his career in the US Navy and with the Marriott. In addition, Lud was an active member of the community, serving on the boards of the Tiger Bay Club, Executive Board of Pensacola Chamber of Commerce and was a graduate of Leadership Pensacola. His parents and three of his siblings predeceased Lud. Lud enriched the lives of his family and is survived by the love of his life, Jacqueline Larson; his loving daughter, Angela Kercher and son-in-law, Allen Kercher; his devoted son, Eric Larson and daughter-in-law, Ana Laura Ibarra, his pride and joy, his grandsons, Tyler, Nathan and Jackson Kercher; a sister, a brother and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, along with a legacy of friendship to all he touched. Services will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Barrancas National Cemetery with Rabbi Rick Shapiro officiating. Visitation will be held at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The family wishes to express its tremendous gratitude to Dr. Thomas Tan, the staff of Covenant Hospice at West Florida Hospital, James and Ann Maine, Luds devoted golfing buddies and US Naval personnel and many other friends who visited and offered up prayers as Lud battled through many surgeries, rehabilitation stays and his final few weeks at the Hospice Center. Lud knew you were there and drew strength and comfort from you. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to be made to the Covenant Hospice, 5041 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola, Florida, 32504. The love and care that Lud and his family received during his final days were serene, loving and will never be forgotten. HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.