1925 - 2023
Larry passed away on October 1st, 2023 peacefully in his sleep, he
left us with a smile on his face. He was ready and he went on his
own terms.
Larry was born in Canoe, B.C. on March 28th, 1925 and grew up
swimming in and skating on the Shuswap.
Larry enlisted in the RCAF in 1943 at 18 years of age. He flew 33
missions out of England as the rear gunner in a Lancaster bomber.
Larry and Naomi met in Vancouver while they were both in the Air
Force and they were married in 1946.
They started there life together in Canoe BC where Lyle was born
then they moved to Regina for 8 years where Paula, Vicki, Valerie,
and Ronda were born. They then moved the family and settled in
Okotoks in 1956 where Dana and Janine were born.
Larry became a Journeyman Carpenter in 1952 and worked in the
trade for 30 years and built and renovated buildings across Alberta
and Saskatchewan. He owned his own company starting in Calgary
and then in the Okotoks area.
In the early 80’s he wanted a change, and went into Landscaping and
Excavating with his own company. Larry loved going to work and
finally sold his last piece of equipment and retired at 81.
Outside of Family and work Larry loved to coach Hockey and Baseball
and he coached for many years and influenced many young athletes
in Okotoks and the Foothills area.
When he finished with coaching and working Larry and Naomi
travelled and cruised around the world and everywhere they went
they danced. Larry loved to dance and danced until he was 93
and he would drive for hours to dance to his favourite band, the
“Badlanders”.
When not dancing Larry would go anywhere anytime to watch his
Grandkids and Great Grandkids play sports of all types. He could
always be found Saturday morning at the rink watching hockey
before going to Denny’s for breakfast. In March of 2023, he was
still in the arenas watching hockey and many locals wondered, “How
many games as he watched?”
Larry was pre-deceased by his wife of 66 years, Naomi, his sister
Norma, and brother Keith.
Larry was survived by his sister Lori, his seven children, 18
Grandchildren and 32 Great Grandchildren. You could say he had a
life well lived.
Larry’s celebration of Life will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home at
200 Woodgate Road in Okotoks at 10 am on October 17th. This will
be an informal celebration of life and please feel free to wear a sports
jersey and bring your stories to share as that is how he would have
wanted it.
Condolences can be sent to www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com and
in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Veterans Food Bank.
