Former Holstein Association Executive Secretary
Charles Larson Passes Away
Charles Larson
Charles Jay Larson, former Holstein-Friesian Association of America Executive Secretary and dedicated dairy industry leader, passed away on June 15, 2015; he was 89 years old. Larson served as Executive Secretary of the Holstein-Friesian Association of America (now Holstein Association USA, Inc.) from 1975 to 1978.
Born in Middleton, Connecticut, Larson graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor of science degree in animal husbandry in 1950 and from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1951 with a master of science degree in animal genetics. Following graduation, he returned to the family Registered Holstein dairy farm until 1955.
Larson’s career with the Holstein Friesian Association of America (HFAA) began in October, 1955. He began his career at HFAA in the Advanced Registry Department, quickly taking on administrative responsibilities for the Holstein genetic improvement programs. From 1962 to 1975 he held several positions assisting long-time Executive Secretary Robert Rumler. Larson also served from 1968 to 1978 as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Holstein Friesian Services, Inc. (HFS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of HFAA. In August, 1975 he was promoted to Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, a position he held until 1978, when Zane Akins succeeded him.
Following Larson’s successful career at HFAA, he joined the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, serving internationally as an Agricultural Trade Officer for five years. He then took on the position of CEO for a livestock export company, retiring in 1987.
Larson took pride in his accomplishments at HFAA, in particular the design and development of the HFS, Inc. international dairy cattle export operation. Under his leadership, exports of Holstein cattle experienced a seven-fold increase to more than 55,000 head annually. He was well-known and highly respected both nationally and internationally for his knowledge of and passion for the U.S. dairy industry and the Holstein cow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the A.R.C.H. Room at Porter Medical Center in care of Porter Medical Center, Porter Drive, Middlebury, VT 05753.
Memorial services will be held:
June 19, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.
Addison Community Baptist Church
4970 Vermont Route 22A
Addison, VT 05491
802-759-3293
Arrangements are under the direction of the Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home, 117 S. Main St., Middlebury, VT 05753 tel. 802-388-2311.
