However your path may have crossed with Larry - whether at a local restaurant like the Lakeview where he often sat for coffee, or somewhere on the road when he was hitchhiking - you surely would remember the interaction you had with him.

To some he was known as a jokester who liked putting a smile on people's faces. To others he was more of a funny man, someone people couldn't quite figure out why he was who he was.

Larry had an impressive memory and knew a lot of history, especially about the Red Lake area where he was born and remained until his passing at the age of 74.

He grew up in the small mining community of Madsen with his family (parents, Alice and Jim, and sister, Loraine). In high school, Larry played sports like football and baseball, and eventually graduated with his diploma through the Red Lake Adult Learning Centre.

He was a collector of a lot of things, including cars, magazines, and hats. One of his most prized possessions was an autographed picture of Roy Rogers.

Those who knew Larry well got to experience his hidden talents as a music man. He was a poet and songwriter who liked to play guitar. Throughout the late 1980s and early '90s, Larry was the recipient of numerous awards like the "Golden Poet Award" from World of Poetry, "Poet of Merit" from American Poetry Association, and had his work published in poetry books including the "American Poetry Anthology" edited by John Frost and "The Best Poems of the '90s" by The National Library of Poetry.

Larry loved spending time with his closest friends like Chris Hartman and Don Wilson. He often attended music nights at the Legion to hear Don play and sing with his band members, Jim McCann and Gordon McIntyre.

As a traveler, Larry had many adventures. When he hitchhiked, he made contact with countless people, and it was through the kindness of strangers that he could always get to where he was going. Sometimes it would be a short ride over to Balmertown for ice cream from Balmer Video, Dryden to Walmart for bananas, or across the country to Winnipeg, Calgary, or Vancouver to visit friends and relatives. And so it's been told he once visited Graceland, the place where Elvis Presley lived.

Despite life's challenges and his diagnosis of schizophrenia, Larry had a strong faith and relationship with Jehovah. He was always grateful to be wherever he was, and held on to hope for the future. He had a special bond with his sister, Loraine, who was his caregiver, and he knew he could always depend on her. His brother-in-law, Bill, was also a great support.

He will be lovingly missed by his nieces Kerry, Crystal, and Pamela and their loved ones, and extended family. Pamela credits him for being an inspiration for her book, "Speaking UP About a Mental Health Crisis".

Larry was a Jehovah's Witness, he attended the Kingdom Hall, and often read the holy scriptures. One that Loraine would often say to him as a reminder was the Lord's prayer, "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven." He always thanked God for his blessings.

Larry's family would like to thank our loving community, all staff at the Northwood Lodge, the nurses and doctors at Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital for their care, the clinic, paramedics, Ontario Provincial Police - Red Lake detachment, Canadian Mental Health Association, Community Counselling and Addiction Services, and all the local businesses and people who showed him compassion throughout the years.

Larry passed unexpectedly but peacefully. A public celebration of his life and interment of ashes will be held at a later date (Summer of 2026, date to be announced).

Donations may be made in Larry's memory to Harmony Centre for Community Living or Northwood Lodge Home for the Aged through Red Lake Chapel, Box 237, Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0.