This morning we received some bad news. William Larson aka Iraqgunz from M4carbine.net passed away.
I did not know him well, but had several interactions with him over the years. He was very well known in the industry and very well respected due to his knowledge and demeanor.
Here are some words about him from one of his close friends.
William Larson of Semper Paratus Arms passed away on Saturday, 29-June-2019.
“A Veteran of the US Army and US Coast Guard with 10 years of service to our Great Nation, Will had deployed to Iraq in 2005 in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He served as an Armorer and Instructor for the Department of Defense and well known private military companies. He also worked at highly respected companies such as BCM and SIONICS Weapon Systems.
Will is best known for his Armorer’s Courses that he taught across the United States. These courses were universally praised for the breadth and depth of knowledge that he shared.
Will’s no-nonsense demeanor, frankness and humor didn’t take long to endear him to people that may have known him by reputation. To those that know him and those that only knew him through the internet forums, his passing is both shocking and devastating. Our hearts are broken.
Will had touched countless lives, many of whom he barely knew, that was Will. He helped both individuals and companies and never asked for anything in return. Many companies owe their existence and success to Will and his wisdom and knowledge has benefited many individuals that are completely unaware that the gear they use and trust have Will’s fingerprints on it.
His contribution to the industry is immeasurable and he is impossible to replace. His passing is a great loss to his family and to those that know and love him in the industry.
As a community, let’s come together and do something for a man that’s done so much for us. The immediate goal is to address the hospital bills and other arrangements for his family.
We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and Thank You for contributing to the Memorial Fund.”
He left behind a wife and children. They will need some help. If you want to contribute to the fund, visit The William Larson Memorial Fund on gofundme.
RIP, Will. It is a sad day, indeed.
Rest in peace, soldier. Condolences to his family and friends.
Any idea why he passed? Accident or illness? Sorry to see him go.
I own one of those companies that would not have existed if I hadn’t met Will.
He was a mentor and true friend, And I will miss our weekly talks tremendously
His contribution to the industry cannot be overstated, and we will definitely feel the loss.
Mike
SOLGW
He had nothing but high praises for you at the class I just recently attended . I would love if you guys did a lower for Will and added stake it and possibly chinesium to the selector markings lol .
WILL LARSON WAS MY UNCLE; TO ANSWER SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS… HE PASSED AWAY DUE TO MEDICAL ISSUES, BUT IT WAS VERY UNEXPECTED.
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT FOR HIM!! HE WILL BE MISSED BY EVERYONE!
RIP Brother
He was a real subject matter expert and, most importantly, his knowledge came from the real world. I was hoping to bring him to South Florida to teach a course and deeply regret that it will not happen now. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends.
I never met him, but he was on a few forums that I belong to. I trusted his opinion and he was always willing to take the time to answer any of my questions. He seemed like a true gentleman. Rest in Peace. Prayers out to his family and friends.
I first met Will at the last Magpul Rifle course with Costa and the Yeti in Arizona. I wasn’t there to shoot, I was just there to support my wife in her first carbine course. On the second day the rifle of some young kid started failing . Will and I took a look at it and he quickly diagnosed the problem. Serving as both his vice and worktable, Will wrenched a piece of junk back into firing order, saving the day for a young man, clearly leaving an impression. About 18 months later I ran into Will at another course I attended in AZ. It was a potential shitshow from day one due to a range cancellation on us but Will was able to “wing it”, finding us alternative locations, saving the training. A particular Phoenix instructor known for AKs really owed Will for that one, but I doubt he ever made good. Will and I would PM back and forth on a couple of forums. I once sent him a new tool on the scene when the first batch sold out and he couldn’t get one. He hit me up months later asking if he could pay for it and I refused. It would do a lot more good in his hands, then mine. He was just that kind of guy. He will definitely be missed. Fair winds and following seas, Sir.