Larry Robert Taves

My name is Larry Taves and I was born in Chilliwack, BC on December 25,1938 to Dorothy and Leonard Taves. I was an only child in a family that had deep roots in this community, which I always considered to be my home.

At the age of 10 we relocated to Quesnel, BC, and 6 years later moved to Kamloops, BC. It was there, at Kamloops High School, that I met my future wife, Marilyn McKay. We were married on September 30,1960 just a few months after I enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

We welcomed our first child, Cheryl, in July of 1961. She was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba during our posting there. Two years later, in 1963, our second child, Deborah (Debbie) arrived while stationed in North Bay, Ontario. Our family was now complete.

I served as an AI Jet Navigator during my 13 years in the military before taking an early retirement. I logged over 1600 flight hours on both the CF100 and CF101 Voodoo all-weather interceptors. Flying was my passion and a highlight of my military service that took us to many postings between Ontario, Quebec and BC. We ultimately landed in Victoria, which we would call home for many years.

In retirement I began a new chapter in my life as an entrepreneur in the restaurant industry. I began as a franchisee of a fast food establishment, owning four locations. I then transitioned to district manager, overseeing the operations of all new franchises on Vancouver Island.

In the 1980’s Marilyn and I took on the challenge of envisioning and establishing a restaurant of our own. We opened the Block n’ Tackle, first in Duncan, BC and then subsequently in Victoria, where our two daughters joined us in the business.

Later in life to further fulfill my thirst for knowledge, I enrolled at the University of Victoria and graduated in 1998 as a mature student, earning my MBA at the age of 60.

In 2002 we moved back to Chilliwack and joined the Cheam View United Church, which became our extended family.

I am survived by my wife of 63 years, Marilyn Taves (Mckay), two daughters, Cheryl Taves (Keith Baker), and Deborah Taves-Stewart (Ferdinand Alcos), my precious granddaughter, Madison Stewart, and my closest cousin Mildred Dargatz and her family.

My journey ended on October 27, 2023. A celebration of my life will be held on December 2nd, 2023 at 2:00pm PST at Cheam View United Church on 45835 Spadina Avenue, Chilliwack, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chilliwack Hospice, in gratitude for their compassion and caring that comforted me during my last days with my beloved family.