When Raymond was bom, his mother's doctor, John Haggen, had gone duck hunting. Raymond's father found a mid-wife to help with the birth—a Sister Carlson. On examining the baby, it was found that Raymond had club feet. His parents were very disturbed and were determined to correct the deformity. During the first three years, several attempts were made by various doctors. Finally, he was taken to Holy Cross hospital in Salt Lake City where a Dr. Hosner split the instep on each foot, lengthening the cords between the feet and leg muscles. He then put Raymond's feet in plaster casts for about six months. Dr. Haggen (the local doctor) later removed the casts and placed some iron braces on Raymond, which he had to wear for nearly three years. The surgery corrected the problem and Raymond was able to wear normal shoes like all other boys or girls his age. In telling of his early life Raymond said, "I have been eternally grateful to my parents for the determination, patience and love they showed in helping to correct this deformity." Raymond early learned discipline from his parents. Following one of his first days in the Mayfield School, Raymond and a cousin played on the way home from school until almost dark. In his own words, "Suddenly I noticed father coming along the road on oursaddle pony.'Well,'I thought,'this will be real nice. I can get on the horse behind father and ride home.' I noticed dad had a buggy whip with him. These whips were made of a stiff handle about four feet long with a heavy piece of string about six inches long on the end. Well, father didn't let me ride. He said, 'you will have to learn to come home when school is out. Now get for home as fast as you can go and if you need it I will give you some help.' The help he gave was to flick my backside with the buggy whip every once in a while so the lesson would sink in. Needless to say I remembered where I belonged when school let out." Growing up on a farm, Raymond was given chores. He learned about responsibility very early. He learned to effectively use the farm machinery, the old dump rake and the plow. Usually, he had three to four horses. Because of his skill, he was often hired by local farmers for custom work. During his life he held many Church positions. He served on the MIA stake board, in the Sunday School, and the Sunday School stake board; he was also Scout Master for three years. For nine years, he was in the bishopric ofthe Morgan Ward. In 1947, he was called as first counselor to President Clarence Rich. Then in 1952, he replaced President Rich as president ofthe Morgan Stake. There he served for nineteen and one-half years, until March 1972. Elder Gordon B, Hinckley when releasing President Larson noted, "Ofthe 570 stakes now organized in the Church, at the time of their release this stake presidency served the longest. . . . President Larson, President Jensen, and President Brough have served the entire nineteen and one-half years together, creating a close-knit relationship between the brethren that would be difficult to equal anywhere." President Larson stated on his release, "We have not always been in complete harmony on every matter, but there has never been a time when a 265