Orland Martin Francis Larson

It is with sadness and gratitude for a long and purposeful life that we announce the passing of Orland Martin Francis Larson. He died in Saskatoon on February 18, 2026, at the age of 94. He was held in his daughter Annelise’s arms as he took his final breath.

Born in southwestern Saskatchewan on March 6, 1931, Orland was the second of four sons of Leonard Larson and Miranda Irene Engdahl. The early loss of his mother shaped him deeply, and he carried her memory throughout his life.

Orland devoted more than sixty years to teaching and mentorship. After graduating summa cum laude with a BSc in Arts Education from the University of Wisconsin, he pursued advanced studies and went on to build and lead jewellery and metals programs in Halifax and Calgary. Early in his career, he worked in northern Canada and served as a school principal in Qikiqtarjuaq, bringing art education to communities in the eastern Arctic.

A master goldsmith, he delivered hundreds of workshops across Canada and internationally. He believed in “helping others so they can help someone else,” a philosophy that guided his work with students and artisans around the world. He was also deeply involved in the leadership of Canadian craft organizations and remained a passionate advocate for the word ARTISAN.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Orland was an enthusiastic host and cook who loved gathering friends and family for long nights of great food and conversation. He was a disciplined walker, an avid reader, and rarely without a camera. He appreciated the beauty of nature, good oatmeal with lots of brown sugar, a properly cold gin and tonic, and the quiet integrity of well-made things.

He often said he had lived a long and useful life.

He is survived by his daughters Annelise and Jennifer, sons-in-law Chris and Jim, his younger brother Dale, grandchildren Mira and Rowan, his dear companion and friend Sakchai Vichayapak, his Cambodian students and “sons” Suon Nhim and Vanna Norm, and many extended family members, students, colleagues, and friends.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.