It is with much sadness that we inform you of Larry's passing.
He was born February 4, 1923 on a large farm near the rural community of Hay Lakes, Alberta; the second of eight children to Robert and Emma (Watts).
Growing up and working on the family farm, he acquired the physical skills, stamina and grace that served him so well throughout his life.
During WWII, he enlisted with the PPCLI's (Princess Patricia Light Infantry) and was sent overseas at the young age of 21. He survived action in the Italian Gothic Line campaign and though wounded, later took part in the liberation of the Netherlands. Upon his return to Canada, he followed the love of his life, Maxine Clayton, to Courtenay, where they were married in 1947. They built a home and settled on a small acreage north of town and had 5 children. They farmed the land, raising cows, pigs, chickens, vegetables and fruit.
Larry was a master carpenter and was the construction foreman (and sometimes designer) of many of the iconic buildings in the Comox Valley - including the Courtenay Legion, the "new" addition to the CRA Hall, St. George's United Church, St. Joseph's Hospital and the curling rink. He received several awards and accolades for his excellent work.
He served on the local Carpentry Union's executive for several years. In his younger days, he was an avid curler and also an active member of the congregation and various committees at St. George's United Church, as well as the Courtenay Fish and Game Club and a lifetime member of the Courtenay Legion.
He was a resourceful and skilled outdoorsman and he loved hunting, fishing, camping and gardening - taking meticulous care of his own home and yard until the very end. He died "in action" at the age of 92, after working on his lawn - a peaceful and sudden end, exactly as he wanted.
Larry was predeceased by his wife Maxine (1995), his infant son George Leslie (1953) and his young daughter Jeanette (1972). He leaves behind his children Gordon (Anna) Porto, Portugal, Allan (Joanne) Edmonton, Alberta, Lorna (Kent) Mangles - his adoring grandchildren Daniella, Lillian, Carol-Lee, Ashley (Katie) Mangles, Kylie Mangles, step grandchildren Bridger and Jason Mann, his most precious great-grandchildren Austyn and Mason Mangles, his only remaining sibling, brother Robert (Carol) Spirit River, Alberta, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, in-laws and extended family. He also leaves behind his dear friend Frieda Wood, with whom he shared many years of mutual interests and support after the untimely loss of both their spouses.
Larry lived a good long life and will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered.
A “Celebration of Life" will be held at the Courtenay Legion on Friday, April 17, at 1:00 p.m.
Flowers gratefully declined. The family would welcome donations with gratitude to the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of your choice.