Lawrence Elmer Owens

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our much-loved father and grandfather, Lawrence (Larry) Owens, who passed away at Lions Gate hospital on March 26, 2024.

Larry was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan to parents Todor and Zena. Of Ukrainian heritage, Larry’s father Todor was a farmer who owned a section of land near Yorkton, Saskatchewan.

Larry had a friendly, outgoing, charismatic, upbeat personality which drew people towards him. You would often hear him whistling a merry tune. He had a wonderful, hearty, joyous laugh.

On July 12th, 1958 Lawrence married Carol Symington, the love of his life and became the devoted father to Roderick and Larry Jr. in 1959 and 1960 respectively.

Larry had a long career working for various trust companies and lived in many cities across Canada, namely: Winnipeg, Calgary, Dawson Creek, Edmonton, Windsor, and Oshawa before moving to Vancouver in 1978. He finished his career working for The Ministry of Consumer and Corporate affairs where he audited credit unions and trust companies.

Larry was very athletic and excelled at hockey at a young age. He was scouted by the NHL and invited to try out for an NHL farm team. He turned down the offer to concentrate on his trust company career. Larry also excelled at golf and became a talented golfer reaching a seven handicap. Larry was a member at Point Grey Golf and Country Club in Vancouver for over forty years and was still playing golf at the age of 87.

In the year 2000, Larry’s loving wife Carol passed away. Shortly thereafter he met a lady at church named Olga. He lived with Olga and her son Kirill for many many years. It was also around this time that Larry brought in a new family member, his prized, loved golden retriever, Nikkie.

Larry was a very social man and built relationships through trust companies and Kinsman clubs where he raised funds for various initiatives and charitable organizations. He had close friends spread out across Canada from Ontario to B.C.

He was a lifelong Christian, a regular church goer and looked forward to attending service on Sundays and chatting with the congregation, most recently at The Bridge Church in Deep Cove.

Larry was a proud grandfather to his son Larry Jr’s children, Amanda, born in 2001 and Trevor in 2004.

Larry is survived by his two sons Roderick and Larry Jr, grandchildren Amanda and Trevor, daughters-in-law Bonnie Lam and Elizabeth Owens, sister in law Sheri Rackham.

A funeral service and burial took place on April 9, 2024.