Larry William Dorosh

With our deepest sympathy we announce the unexpected loss of Larry William Dorosh, who was deeply loved by all. Born in Vernon on December 26, 1948, to parents Alex and Anne (Prokopetz.) Larry had one sibling Elsie (Fester) who was 9 years his senior. Larry graduated from Clarence Fulton Secondary School. He worked at his brother-in-law, Art Fester’s gas station in his teens and early twenties. He went on to complete his education at BCIT in the early 70s where he trained as an Electronic Technologist. It was after that time that he was introduced to his wife Debbie (nee Dixon) and many others who became lifelong friends. Larry and Debbie were married in 1976 and went on to live first in Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island, before buying a beautiful property near Brentwood Bay where Larry built their family home. Daughters, Kassia born 1980, and Gillian in 1983, both grew up in Brentwood, fell in love with horses and went on to become active members of the “H-people” community. Outnumbered in a house full of horse lovers, Larry turned his love of working outdoors, his penchant for inventing ways to “work smarter, not harder”, and his love for his family into a beautiful barn and riding ring for the girls where their horses still live today.

In the 60s Larry discovered his rock and roll side, playing the bass guitar in a local band. Their music got out there and they toured around the BC interior, breaking hearts and eardrums along the way. Every rock and roller needs an excellent set of wheels with a great sound system and Larry committed to this by rebuilding a red TR250 and installing a record player in the back with entertainment speakers. The record player skipped a bit (for gravitational reasons!) but that just added to the entertainment portion of the journey!

After graduating from BCIT Larry was employed at the Department of Oceans and Fisheries where he worked until he technically retired at the age of 55. “Technically” retired because leaving Oceans and Fisheries just freed up more time for him to use his skills with his timber mill and backhoe to keep making the equestrian dreams come true for his horse girls. He tackled many projects around the farm and for friends; with massive tree milling sessions for all to join and marvel at his portable sawmill.

Larry faced all challenges head on and taught himself many skills throughout his life. He was an avid gardener, an excellent cook and master perogy maker! With his culinary expertise he and friends would gather at Bill’s (Lout) house to undergo their tradition of preparing sausages. He also hosted many gourmet dinner parties on rotation with their close friends. He took all changes in stride both personally and professionally and kept up to date with technological advances along the way, often improving them to better suit his own needs with his Dad-inventions! Annual trips to the Okanagan’s Kal Lake at his sister’s place, were always looked forward to and Larry enjoyed connecting with old friends and family there each year. Larry loved spending time on the water showing off his water-skiing talents. In his semi-retirement, Larry looked forward to his weekly golf games with his close friends Tim, David and Frank, and being among his many friends during curling games. No data regarding handicaps or balls lost on the course was available!

Larry was an active environmentalist and loved the great outdoors! He grew up on skis within his hometown mountain Silver Star and spent many happy hours in the famous Okanagan powder. He later taught himself how to snowboard and would pick and choose if it was a boarding or skiing day based on the conditions. He looked forward to the annual ski trips that began in the 70s and continue today. He closed out this last season in March with a memorable day in the mountains with his grandsons, Lynx and Orion, who have inherited his love for the powder.

Larry will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was an incredibly kind, genuine, easy going, loving man who was up for whatever life offered. He is survived and left loved by his wife Debbie (Dixon), daughters Gillian and Kassia (Luke) grandsons Orion and Lynx, niece and nephews Debbie, Gerry, Glen and Brian.

A Celebration of Larry’s Life will be held Sunday November 10, 2024 @ 2:00 pm @ Kildara Farms ,11293 Chalet Road, North Saanich, hosted by Fresh View Events. Close friends and family are invited to RVSP to [email protected] with Celebration of Life for Larry in the subject line.

Feel welcome and encouraged to leave stories and photos of Larry below. ❤