Larry Brown

After a long and courageous fight with multiple health issues, Larry had to leave us to mourn his loss but find comfort in the amazing life that we had the privilege of sharing with him. After a marriage of 40 years and 4 days I feel so inadequate to write this obituary. But here we are.

Larry loved fiercely and unconditionally. We met by chance but felt that we had known each other forever. We joked that we had known each other in a previous life. We blended 2 families --- his daughters, Lee Ann, Natalie and Brandy and my sons, Ryan (Erin), Regan and Michael (Shawna). This was not without its trials but in the end we are closer than most biological families. He was so happy when Natalie moved back to Kenora to be closer to family. We are all struggling in our own ways to move forward without him.

Next to his family, Larry’s other great love was building things. He worked in the construction trade for all of his career and won the respect of employees and colleagues alike for his honesty and attention to detail. He was a man of honor. His son’s Regan and Michael followed in his footsteps into the trade and Brandy became a real expert in working with wood and power tools which gave him great pride. He continued to build even after he lost most of his eyesight with the support of his family and his talking tape measure for help with some measurements.

His third great love was his summer camp at Pipestone and his beloved Pachanga. Summer brought the race to camp where, in our youth, we lived for July and August with our children and then grandchildren. Emma, Kayla, Cassius, Jacob and Fallon all looked forward to reuniting at camp every summer and this summer will be no exception. Uncle Ryan will still be baiting their hooks and teaching them how to lumberjack. We will honor Papa but continue to care for and find joy in camp.

How do we incapsulate such an incredible life into a few short sentences. Of course we cannot. But you who knew him, know who he was and he cherished your friendship.

Larry hailed from Chicago but saw Canada and Lake of the Woods as his home. He leaves one sister Margaret to mourn his loss and nieces and nephews (Sandi, Donna, Steve, Scott, Mark, Brian, Jim, Mike, Bill and Bob) and their families. His other 3 sisters, Sally, Sue and Muriel (his baby sister who was also a wanna be Canadian), predeceased him as did his parents.

He will also be missed by his Canadian family, Greg (Liz) and nieces and nephews Sean, Stacie, Travis, Aaron, Kelly, Bruce and their families. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law Cheryl Ann and his mother and father-in-law.

As a family we all thank family and friends for their support and kindness. We are also thankful to Dr. Brad Kyle who cared for Larry over the past few years with such kindness and compassion. He always took the time to listen to him and support him.

Larry did not wish to have a formal service so will be cremated immediately and we will plan a gathering of family and close friends at the camp this summer.