Larry Gordon Powshik

Larry Powshik was a gentleman, quiet, calm and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned him the respect of others. He was very smart, witty, and pragmatic. He was tall and thin, with dark hair and sparkling green blue eyes.

He was born in Brandon, Manitoba in 1948 to Gordon and Gladys Powshik and grew up in Thunder Bay, ON. His father served in WWII, where he met his mother who immigrated as a war bride from England after the war.

Growing up in the Powshik household was a bit different than most homes. There were good times to be had, but there were challenges as well. His childhood helped him to become resilient and hard-working. Larry had a sister, Carol, who was 18 months younger than him and a brother, Gary who was 13 years younger. Larry was always close to his sister because of their closeness in age. Some of his best friends as a child were Larry Prozac and Dave Carson. Larry had a mixed large breed lab, named Buster who was his best friend for 10 years.

While his teachers and friends generally thought of Larry as being a serious person, he had a good time in high school, graduating from Westgate High School in 1966. His favorite classes in high school were math and woodworking. Larry was a very logical person who enjoyed learning facts and stats. In his spare time he liked fishing, hunting and playing hockey and baseball. Larry’s baseball skills were very strong and he was very proud to become the coach of a men's league baseball team at the age of 17.

After high school, he left his hometown to attend Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie. Larry excelled in his courses, had a lot of fun and made life-long friends, including one of his best friends, Steve McMaster. He earned his undergraduate in Civil Engineering at Sault College in 1970. He had intended to move back to Thunder Bay after finishing college, but he got a job and met Colleen, and stayed in the Sault.

He was hired by the City of Sault Ste. Marie Engineering department in 1969 just before graduating college. He worked as a construction inspector for almost 34 years, monitoring the work of various contractors to ensure the work was done correctly, on time and on budget. He had a strong work ethic and was respected and well-liked by his co-workers.

On May 20, 1972 Larry exchanged wedding vows with Colleen Catharine McComb at the St. Luke’s Cathedral. Committed and devoted to Colleen, Larry held endearing, traditional values about marriage and family life. He was a source of strength for Colleen. He was not a particularly emotional or expressive person, he was more stoic; but he was dependable, and he worked hard to make his family happy. Their first home was on Hawthorne Street, in 1974 they purchased their property at 41 River Road and built their dream home on the St. Mary’s river, that he lived in for the rest of his life.

Larry was blessed with three children - two daughters, Kelly (1975) and Christine (1978) and one son, Brent (1979). Larry brought the same traditional values in his marriage to bear on how he raised his children. He was a good parent to them, always firm yet fair in his dealings. He was able to stay calm even in the chaos of young kids.

Larry was the family patriarch and could always be relied on to seek practical solutions to problems. He loved family gatherings and always looked forward to Christmas turkey dinner.

He also founded a tourist business with his wife and in-laws, Glenview Cottages and Campground, that he owned with his family from 1977 to 2016. He helped his father-in-law, Jim build the campground in 1982 and assisted with the outdoor maintenance and financial side of the business.

Larry became an active member of Pee Wee Hockey as a coach when his son was playing hockey. He started coaching with Remi Gentes, who had a son the same age. After their sons finished playing hockey they continued to coach together, mostly High school hockey for Sir James Dunn High School and later Superior Heights High School. They coached together for 35 years. Larry was the strategist of the coaching team. His daughter Christine also served as the team trainer for several years. Their hockey team enjoyed a lot of success, winning numerous City Championships, OFFSA Championships and out of town tournaments over the years.

He wasn’t huge into watching NHL hockey in recent years, but he especially enjoyed watching the annual World Junior Hockey tournament. He loved the Toronto Blue Jays watched all their game or listened to them on the radio. He followed them closely and knew all their stats.

Politically Larry identified as a Conservative. He believed in individual freedom and responsibility, small government, free markets, and fiscal responsibility. He supported the Conservative party.

Larry enjoyed many memorable vacations. For their honeymoon Larry and Colleen visiting Western Canada. As young adults they visited Mexico and Florida with their friends Steve and Kara Lee. When the kids were young, they enjoyed family trips to Disney in Florida and Wisconsin Dells. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a trip to North Carolina in 1997. In 2000 they went to Scotland and Ireland, along with Brent and Kelly when Brent competed in the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. From there they also visited Edinburgh for the Golden Jubilee of the Military Tattoo and Dublin for the Homecoming Show for Riverdance. Colleen surprised him for Christmas 2005 with a trip to the Kentucky Derby and Keeneland Racetrack in Kentucky. He also enjoyed visiting Ottawa to visit Kelly when she lived there in 2002 and Brent after he moved there in 2016.

One of his favourite hobbies was personal finance and investing. He enjoyed following the stock market and became very skilled at researching stocks. He was mostly a value investor, tending to own stocks of blue-chip companies that had a track record of growing dividends over the years. He had his investing motto taped to his computer screen to remind him to “Wait for a fat pitch!!!” Initially resistant to getting a computer, he could often be found in front of the computer, developing and maintaining his investing spreadsheets. His patient, disciplined approach to investing brought him success.

When Larry retired from the City in 2003 he spent more time working at Glenview. That same year Brent and Kelly moved back to the Sault and the three of them joined Colleen in running the family business. After selling Glenview Cottages in June 2016, he was ready to enjoy retirement. He had begun the process early and had planned retirement well in advance.

Larry and Colleen were blessed with five grandchildren, Taelyn, (2004) Paxton, (2011) Teagan, (2010) Beau, (2012) and Bronwyn (2018). He had a special relationship with Paxton, as he and Colleen would watch him every school day morning and afternoon. He liked to visit Kelly’s family at their camp at Rock Lake. In 2020 he gave his old boat to Beau and enjoying seeing his grandson boating and fishing on the lake, sometimes joining him with his son-in-law Dave.

With retirement, Larry enjoyed puttering in his yard - he loved his garden, growing strawberries, peas, garlic, onions, carrot and lettuce. Larry enjoyed woodworking and made benches, tables and chairs for his and daughter’s yard. Larry continued to stay in touch with his friends - his former hockey coaching buddies would come regularly to visit. He and Colleen celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in May 2022.

Larry was a laidback man of few words but when Larry talked, the people that knew him tended to listen. He was committed to living the life of a good man who was reliable, practical and trustworthy. Most of all, he was committed to those he loved.

Larry Gordon Powshik passed away on November 20, 2022 at Sault Area Hospital, Ontario. He had a slow heart valve replaced in July 2022 in Toronto, recovered well, but got an infection in October that caused a major stroke.

Condolence Messages posted to Sootoday:

Colleen, Brent, Kelly and Christine, please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of Larry. We have many pleasant memories of renting cabins at Glenview and enjoyed Larry's company very much. Please take care,

Peter and Maureen Burtch

Condolences to the Powshik family. Have many good memories with Larry during our hockey involvement. And to Remi , so sorry for the loss of your dear and close friend. RIP Larry. Danny B. (Bertha)

Colleen, Kelly and family, so sorry for your loss.

Dean and Susanne Anderson.

Dearest Colleen and Family,

I’m so very sorry for your loss. We had some good times together and lots of laughs. This is my memory of Larry and you also will remember the good times. He will always be a part of you. Rest in eternal peace, my friend.

JudyCaruso

On behalf of the Ahde family, we offer our condolences to the Powshik family. You have our sympathy at this very sad time. Brent and family, may your loved one rest in peace. Sincerely Delvin, Linda and Jennifer Ahde.

Dear Colleen and family,

Remembering Larry as such a quiet and pleasant guy. We would like to send our sincere sympathies for your loss, thoughts are with you all.

Patty and Joe Kimball (McComb)

Colleen and family: So sorry to learn about Larry. Our sincerest thoughts are with you at this time. May all your fond family memories comfort you. Chris and Maurice McComb

Deepest condolences to Colleen and the Powshik family. I have many fond memories of Larry during my years at the city Engineering Dept. He really was a standup guy. RIP Larry

Syl and Carol Allard

Colleen, Brent, Kelly and Christine; we are so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. We sent our prayers and blessings out to all of you at this difficult time! ❤

Bonnie and Bob Thorpe

Colleen and Family,

I am so sorry to learn of Larry’s passing. Although I haven’t seen him for a while, I worked with him at City Hall and also with your Dad. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Patty Guerriero Page

A true sports family, we will remember Colleen, Larry and family from the past and in the future. RIP friend.

The Hilderley family Roy / Bernie

Colleen, Kelly, Christine and Brent, we offer you our deepest sympathy.

Larry and I came together over 35 years ago through miscommunication (because of my thick accent) about hockey, and it was the best misunderstanding of my life. Our passion for hockey brought us together. It was the wonderful journey of camaraderie, joy, and laugher that created an amazing friendship.

Thank you my best friend.

Remi & Kirsten

Christine and family…so very sorry for your loss. May fond memories of your dad help you through this difficult time.

Sincerest sympathies, KarenLuxton

Colleen, Kelly, (David), Christine,(Simon),Brent, (Kelly) and Family. So sorry for your loss of Larry. Larry had a great sense of humour, was very friendly, a hard worker and great to work with at City Hall. Ken and Jen Fleming

So sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. A wonderful man. Coached hockey with me.

. Always there for his family. My condolences to all the family. Tony Donato

To all the Powshik Family, I'm sorry to hear of Larry's passing. Many good memories of him with the pipe band as well as my time on the Sir James Dunn hockey team with him and Remi behind the bench.

Kyle Lappage

Colleen, Kelly, Christine, Brent

I am sorry to hear about the death of Larry. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. My deepest condolences.

Brian Seccareccia

Rip coach Larry

Jeff Williamson

Our condolences to Colleen and family. Paul enjoyed working with Larry for the Engineering Dept of Sault Ste. Marie for 30 years. A good co-worker and friend.

Paul & Carol Cameron

Dear Colleen and family,

I have not seen Larry for many years, however I remember him from the City and of course as your partner in tourism at Glenview, in our community. Such a great guy, I am very sorry for your loss - far too soon. I pray God's blessing and comfort for you all at this time.

Sincerely, Susan Myers.

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Colleen. All the wonderful memories you shared over the years will help keep Larry alive in your hearts.

Colleen and family.

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Lois Mills.

Our deepest condolences, Colleen. Brent. Christine and Kelly. Larry was definitely a very supportive husband and father. Great host for our first family reunion held at Glenview Cabins a few years ago. Such a wonderful man who gave his all to everything he undertook or his family was involved in. So sorry he has been so ill for some time. He is now free of pain and suffering.

Ernie & Ginny Gulyas

Sending our sympathy & prayers 🙏 to Larry’s family & friends.

Rest In Peace Alfea John & family

Colleen and family, Carol and I are so sad to hear of Larry's passing. We certainly have fond memories with the Pipe Band and all the great times associated with those years along with Brent and of course Jim and Pearl. We got to know your family, and my discussions with Larry in the sports arena were a pleasure (with a couple of pints of course). Please accept our condolences.

Roger and Carol McMillan

Colleen, Kelly, Christine and Brent, we are truly sorry for your loss. Larry was always so much fun. Lots of fond memories with him laughing. Our sincere condolences, Angela and Marc Zoellner.

Colleen and family, I would like to express my deepest sympathy on the passing of Larry, We have fond memories of Larry following the pipe band and Kyle playing high school hockey. Take care, Karen Lappage and family

* * * * * * * * * *

POWSHIK, Larry Gordon, May 12 1948 - November 20, 2022.

With sadness the family announces the passing of Larry Powshik in his 75th year with his family by his side. Born in Brandon, MB and grew up in Thunder Bay, ON.

Beloved husband of Colleen Powshik. Proud Father of Kelly Derbyshire (David), Christine Powshik (Simon Bernier), and Brent Powshik (Kelly). Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Taelyn & Paxton, Teagan & Beau, and Sloane, Fiona & Bronwyn. Brother of Carol Cardy (Al) and Gary Powshik, Brother-in-law of Gordie Kostenuik, (late Kerry). Best friend of Remi Gentes and the late Steve and Kara Lee McMaster. Predeceased by his parents Gordon and Gladys Powshik and Parents-in-law Jim and Pearl McComb.

He moved to Sault Ste. Marie in 1970 to attend Sault College, where he met Colleen. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May of 2022.

He worked in Engineering for the City of Sault Ste. Marie for 30 years. He was co-founder and long-time owner operator of Glenview Cottages & Campground (1977-2016) along with his wife and in-laws, and later his kids.

He was a great dad, supportive and proud of his kids in all their endeavours. He coached Brent in hockey, cheered on Christine in soccer and was the only Dad in the pool for Kelly's synchro team's parents' days. He instilled in them the importance of education, discipline, a strong work ethic and a love of sports.

Larry was well known in the local hockey community, and spent over 25 years coaching various levels of hockey, mostly high school hockey with Remi and Sir James Dunn and later Superior Heights.

He enjoyed family get togethers, pizza, beer and the Blue Jays. He loved puttering in his yard and always appreciated a beautiful afternoon BBQ which we were fortunate to have this summer. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and baseball player/coach.

Although he disliked flying, he enjoyed some epic trips, including to Scotland when Brent competed in the Pipe and Drum World Championships in Edinburgh and to Kentucky to see the Kentucky Derby.

He was always there for us. We are grateful for all he taught us and shared with us, and all the wonderful memories we have. He will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the ICU team in the Sault, especially Dr. Ghosh and nurse Erica, as well as Dr. Hollingsworth, the ICU team in Sudbury, especially Dr. Singh, Dr. Cavanagh, Dr. S. McIsaac, nurses Tina and Mike, and the Cardiac ICU team at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto for all their efforts and Kindness. Thanks also to the nurses and staff on SAH's 3A and 3C for their compassionate care.

A celebration of life will be held at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E., 705-759-2522) on Thursday, November 24, 2022 from 2pm - 4pm.

Memorial donations made payable (by cheque or online) to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of choice would be greatly appreciated by the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Powshik family.