Larry Matthew Grift

It is with deep sadness that we share that on December 2, 2022, in the presence of family, Larry passed away at St. Boniface Hospital. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Sheri (Parry LePage) and Pam (Clint Braun), his granddaughters, Adara and Melodie LePage, his sisters Joanne Lippens, Mary Ann Stewart (Mike), along with in-laws Maria Almeida-Grift, Dan Ostryznik (Marilyn), Joanne King, Diana Reimer (Ernie), and nieces, nephews and cousins from the Grift, DeBaets and Ostryznik families. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Fran, by his parents, Yohan and Mary, his sister, Marlene Demchuk, his brothers, Bert, Ed and Archie, and numerous in-laws.

Larry was born in St. Boniface in 1944 and grew up on a dairy farm in Transcona. Larry loved the farm, and was sure he was going into farming, until he met Fran – and decided he loved her more! Instead, he went into Civil Technology at Red River College, where he graduated just 8 days before their wedding. He worked for Dillon Consulting for many years before moving to the City of Winnipeg in 1984 to work as a bridge inspector until his retirement in 2004.

After marrying on July 8, 1967, Fran and Larry lived in St. Vital for two years before settling back in Transcona. However, the farm was still calling, and Larry would occasionally have to go get the cows that had wandered into the Starlight Drive-In. Larry and Fran bought their first house in 1972, and formed friendships on Larche Crescent that endured long after everyone had changed neighbourhoods. They were blessed with many good friends.

Larry loved football, and played for the Transcona Nationals and in intramurals at St Paul’s High School. He was a lifelong diehard Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan, and shared season tickets with Clint and Sheri, often taking Adara when she was in town. Larry also loved golfing, and golfed regularly with his brothers Archie and Bert before they passed, and often with Pam and Clint, or Parry and Melodie. He was an avid bowler, having bowled with Fran at the Transcona Seniors at Roxy, and more recently joining Dakota Lanes.

He was the kindest man, driving his daughters and their friends everywhere when they were young, and then doing the same for his granddaughters when they came along. No man has happily sat through so many gymnastics events, musical theatre performances, piano and dance recitals, nor driven kids to so many track meets, as our father! Dad was always there for us when we needed him, without fail. He was a regular Red Cross blood donor, and supported many charities. We will miss him always.

The family is grateful to St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care for the excellent care provided to Larry in his last days. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, a memorial donation may be made to CancerCare Manitoba.

As per Larry’s request, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on December 19, 2022 at Green Acres Funeral Home and Cemetery, Hwy #1 East at Navin Road, Winnipeg.