JUDGE LARSON'S WISE LEGACY

Because he retired more than a decade ago, many Utahns may have forgotten or never realized what an outstanding citizen they lost this week with the death of John Farr Larson.

In terms of either quantity or quality, Judge Larson set a demanding standard by which Utahns can measure other public servants.Upon his retirement in 1983, Judge Larson closed the longest career of any Utah Juvenile Court employee and one of the longest public service careers in Utah. After starting as a probation officer, he served 25 years in the criminal justice system, then spent another two decades on the bench as a juvenile court judge.

Among his many achievements, he successfully resisted several attempts to politicize the juvenile court and created what at the time was perhaps the finest computerized court information system in the nation. No wonder he was highly regarded nationally, serving on many judicial commissions, committees and study groups both as chairman and member.

But his best and most enduring work was helping to salvage the lives of young people in trouble who could count on a judge who tried hard to understand them and their problems.

Though he was a stickler for protecting the rights of juveniles in his court, Judge Larson always said the most important basic right for any child is one that can't be legally enforced - the right to be loved by his or her parents.

Wise and compassionate but stern when sternness was needed, Judge Larson left a lasting legacy that is best summed up by his own words about the proper philosophy for Utah's juvenile courts:

"I believe:

"That every person is of value, a status requiring respect, understanding, and careful consideration of rights;

"That if the alleged act is found to have occurred, the court, speaking for the state, must show its disapproval, often by restrictions on personal freedom; and

"That people are capable of change, given appropriate services, understanding and direction. Our goal is for each child to reach his potential, happy, responsible and free.

"Failing this, we all fail."