Marchuk, Larry

LARRY MARCHUK went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Friday, February 18, 2022, at the age of 69 years.  He was born in Yorkton, SK on June 21, 1952 to Nick and Patricia Marchuk.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife Barb and four children: Kelsey (Ashley), Kyle (Kristyn White), Kassidy (Derrick Mensch), and Kalin. Larry loved to be a Papa and he was grandfather to Jaeden, Kaya, Kaidence, Brooke, Nataley, Chase, and Maverick.  Larry is also survived by his mother, Patricia Marchuk, his brothers, Garry (Deb), Brant, and Grant and his sister Linda (Terry), mother-in-law Ann, his sisters-in-law Gwen (Whit), Tanya (Elbert), and brother-in-law Rod (Dee), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Larry was predeceased by his brother Allan Marchuk, his father Nick Marchuk, and his father-in-law Roy Sterenberg.

Larry was the first of six children and loved to play practical jokes on his siblings almost as much as he loved playing hockey.  Hockey defined his childhood likely more than any other single aspect.  It's been said that the minute the ice was available, Larry would lace up first thing in the morning, often not retiring his skates until well after dark.  Meals were eaten - skates on!  Eventually, Larry played hockey in Germany after high school for a year, but his professional hockey aspirations were cut short when he injured both his knees playing the sport that he loved so much on summer break. 

As a child, Larry's summers were spent at Good Spirit Lake where his family ran "Pat's Diner" and Larry's love of fishing and the outdoors was born. 

In his late teens, the family moved to Alberta where Larry continued to reside until his passing.  He met and married the love of his life Barb in 1990 and together they raised their four incredible children.  Larry and Barb both enjoyed watching the kids' sports activities and musical events and Larry would quietly swell with pride with each of his children's accomplishments and successes.  The kids all inherited Larry's love of the outdoors and much time was spent together fishing, hunting, and camping.

Larry was a jack of all trades and worked in outdoor renovation work until he and Barb took over Larry's parents' store, Purple Springs Confectionary in 1992.  Lifelong memories were made there as were lifelong friends.  Eventually, they sold the store and Larry got involved in building playgrounds for Blue Imp playgrounds.  The children all had a hand in working with him and he always considered himself the luckiest guy in the world to have had that opportunity.

Larry was known for his quiet strength, his 'grinch smile', his ability to move past any crisis.  When he made friends, it was for life.  Larry, Curly and Moe are a shining example of that as were many of his hockey buddies, his driving buddies and a multitude of neighbors-turned-friends. 

Larry's absence here will be felt for our lifetimes, but the knowledge that we will see him again, the knowledge that he knew where he was going, makes our parting not a 'good-bye', but instead it is 'see you soon'.  It isn't hard to imagine Larry working alongside Jesus who promised that He went to prepare a place for those who believe in Him.  Larry believed. 

A Memorial Service will be held at MIZ CITY CHURCH, 502 - 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Peter Coyne officiating.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Larry, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.