Obituary - Allan Larson

Roger Pownall (Catering) pays tribute to his former colleague Allan Larson, who died on 22 July 2012.

Allan Larson, former bartender at the College, died on 22 July 2012. Roger Pownall (Catering) pays tribute to his former colleague:

“Allan was born in New York and after national service in Germany, he came to Imperial in October 1971 and began working under Brendan Clements in the Union Bar. In those days the Union Bar was part of Refectory Services under Victor Mooney’s overall management. Allan took over the running of College Block (Sherfield) Bar in 1972 – a job which also entailed running bars for dinners, conferences and exhibitions. At this time, College Block Bar was very popular and was the focal point for admin staff to meet at lunchtime. During the late 1970s and 1980s the Holland Club was redeveloped and, as a result, Sherfield Bar was closed and Allan became based in Southside Bar until his retirement in September 2005.

Allan was a well-known figure around campus during his time at Imperial. He employed hundreds of students to work for him on a part-time basis and many of these would return to College in later life to see him. Indeed, there were many ex-students and staff at his bedside during the weeks of his final illness. Allan was larger than life in many ways and will be sadly missed.

There will be an evening to share memories of Allan’s life in the Holland Club on Tuesday 16 October from around 18.00 and anyone who wishes to attend is invited to do so. We are also encouraging people to email memories and photos for display on the night: these can be submitted via r.pownall@imperial.ac.uk.”