Husband-Father-Brother-Uncle-Friend-Community Man
November 16, 1949 - November 6, 2020
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Larry on November 6, 2020, at the South Health Campus Hospital in Calgary, Alberta, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
He will be lovingly remembered by Danielle, his wife of 33 years, his son Ben, his four sisters Mary, Marg, Cecile, Jean, his brother Vince, numerous nieces and nephews and their children, his in-laws Amelia and Vince, brother-in-law John and many dear friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Anna and John Spilak.
Larry was born in Taber, Alberta and grew up on the family farm in Vauxhall. He came from humble beginnings working his way up in marketing in the early days, followed by land development and, lastly, local politics. He was also gifted with his hands, able to build anything from fences to furniture. He loved his latest hobby of tree farming.
Larry was larger than life to his family and friends. He was always genuine with a warm smile and an encouraging word, prepared to help wherever needed. His family was the center of his life. He found so much joy in watching his son Ben grow up and the many activities they shared together, including golf, fishing, cribbage and boating. Most of all, Larry enjoyed Flames games with his son, and he was the most enthusiastic fan. Traveling together as a family was a favorite pastime. Holidays spent at the family cabin with family and friends were particularly special.
Larry was a dedicated community man who proudly served the Foothills County council for 13 years, 9 of those as Reeve. He was a brilliant problem solver gifted at finding solutions for his constituents. Larry was greatly admired for his leadership skills and business acumen, having worked with many boards over the years, always respectful, always the voice of reason. In his time elected, he was integral in the development of the Scott Seaman Sports Arena, Crescent Point Regional Fieldhouse, the Heritage Pointe and Spruce Meadows Fire Stations, local ball diamonds, as well as many others projects. His legacy will live on in all he helped to build, as these facilities will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Special thanks to Dr. Tristan Hembroff, Jennifer MacDonald, Claire Mallet, Foothills Fire/EMS, the Oilfields Hospital, Foothills Hospital, and the South Health Campus Hospital for their excellent care.
If so desired, memorial donations may be made to the Foothills County FCSS for families in need ([email protected]) or the KidSport Larry Spilak Memorial Fund in support of children in need throughout Okotoks, High River and Foothills County.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a Public Visitation will be held, November 20, 2020, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Snodgrass Funeral Homes, 200 Woodgate Road, Okotoks, Alberta. Staggered entry is required.
A Private Funeral service will be held on November 21, 2020. Those who wish to attend the Funeral service via Livestream for public viewing can obtain a Zoom link available in the obituary on www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements gratefully entrusted to Snodgrass Funeral Home, Okotoks, Alberta.
