1948 ~ 2021
With the heaviest of hearts, the family of Larry Cumming announce his death on February 15, 2021, while outdoors in the fresh air on his beloved lake.
His amazing presence will be forever missed by his wife of 40 years, Pat, and his children Jeff (Amanda), Ryan (Kerrie) and Sherrie (Darrin), and by his siblings Linda (Richard) and Randy. A host of other family and friends, both here at home in Manitoba and in his “second home”, his desert paradise in California, will also miss him. He has been reunited with two brothers, Bob and John, his parents Stuart and Marion, and with his parents-in-law.
Larry was a passionate man who cared deeply, and gave his all to those he loved, and the things he believed in. To feel the sunshine of his love was to know joy, contentment, and security. He lit up and commanded every room he entered, and the party really started when he arrived. His humour was legendary, wickedly irreverent, and ribald, his charm irresistible.
Larry was proud of his 40-year career with the same transformer company, and his remarkable natural abilities as a leader and an innovator of ingenious solutions to the multitude of production problems that arose daily on the shop floor and in the field made him a highly respected and valued employee. He travelled widely both in Canada and abroad during his years in Field Service, most memorably his trips to Kenya to supervise a multi-unit installation there. He truly was “the man” when you needed something built, fixed, moved, lifted, or figured out. Never afraid of a challenge, he did not quit until the job was done.
When he met Pat, they began a 43 year journey that could only lead to one place, the fulfillment of their dream to live at the lake in the home they designed and built in the place they both loved most. Transitioning from the tiny perfect cottage on the island at Nutimik Lake, to their much loved retirement home on Eleanor Lake, they wove a treasured fabric of friends, adventures and memories, so many wonderful memories.
His greatest love was being outdoors at the lake, or on the lake. He explored every inch of the lakes on the Winnipeg River, and the back trails in the North Whiteshell, on every motorized vehicle known to man, often dragging a friend, neighbour or one of the kids on their precious visits, artifacting, berry picking or simply enjoying the ride and exploring every dirt road he came across. His enjoyment of lake life and the outdoors truly knew no bounds.
Upon his retirement in 2006, he and Pat began a new adventure, the long awaited opportunity to finally spend precious time with his much loved and missed children in California. Winters were now spent exploring the rock and sand trails of Johnson Valley, tinkering with his 1966 Scout, and, best of all, spending time with the kids and their friends, becoming honorary dad to many of them, helping out with projects, teaching and mentoring, and just hanging out. These were indeed the most soul satisfying times of all.
As his years advanced, his youthfulness seemed to grow. His charm was ageless, and folks of all ages sought out his friendship, advice and assistance. Larry was a force to be reckoned with, and the hearts of those of us who loved him are broken. Words cannot express how deeply and widely his loss will be felt, but those who knew him and felt his love have incredible memories that will sustain us, connect us and unite us in celebration of the man he was to all of us.
Many thanks to the EMS and RCMP for all the care and compassion they showed towards our family. Special thanks to Dr. Robert Kroeker and Dr. Selena Papetti for the special care they showed Larry.
As he wished, a celebration of his life will be held for friends and family, at a time when we can safely gather again to share stories and a Rum and Coke in his honour.
www.soberingfuneralchapel.com
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Ken & Janice Sim
We don’t know where to begin… we will miss Larry so much. He was always here when we needed a hand with a project, or were looking for suggestions on how to build something. Any time he helped us with anything, it was always a great time, and of course he and Pat would join us in celebrating the completed project after.
We have many fond memories of Larry, however one of the best is of this winter when Larry cleared a path on the lake ice for the neighborhood to use to skate, walk, and enjoy the outdoors.
Andrew Lindsay
The impact of Larry on my life won’t be forgotten. We enjoyed so many good times on the boat, quad and sled. Always there to help and in a great mood, his love and passion for life was legendary. To all family and friends, I’m sorry for your loss.
Eleanorboyce
Dearest Pat
We felt so very blessed to have you as our neighbors at Eleanor Lake. My mother and father Frank and Doris Chonstke loved you both as their own. Larry was so loving and caring of my mom and dad. He helped them in all the ways a son would help / opening their gate abs putting on the fire in the cottage so that when mom and dad arrived (they were in their 90’s)
They had many wonderful times with meals and teas or drinks and desserts / it didn’t matter. Mom and dad loved them so very much. I too although living in Texas met Pat and Larry many years ago and I too loved them both. They are family so now at this time my heart hurts so bad for this incredible loss of a very precious soul.
I wish I could be there to hold you tight Pat.
A great man gone much too soon.
Love Eleanor and Barry Boyce
Sherry EDWARDS
Pat & Larry are one of my sister’s BF’s (Wendy & Glenn Fempel) Over the years, I have had the opportunity to spend a few hours with them both when I was visiting from Ontario.
Larry truly was a very special soul that just drew you in. His physical presence is gone but he will always be remembered and always present with his two loves. Pat and his lake home.
My deepest condolences to all who are family and friends
Jackie and Ken Lewis
Pat we are so sad to hear of Larry’s passing . Such fun memories at Eleanor Lake with you two ! Ken and I are thinking of you and are sending you a hug ! Xo
Colette C Preston
The addition of Larry and Pat in our lives made us look at life differently.
Be thankful for what you have. Go after what you want with all your might. Enjoy every moment of your day. If it’s broken…fix it. and “think out of the box”.
We will carry Larry with us in our hearts and minds always.
Colette & Tom Preston
Jay Anderson
I love the part about being our “honorary dad”. Several Times while building my cabin and working on the new place he gave me some great advice.
Loved that guy.
Jay Anderson
Linda Woods
MY deepest sorrow for the loss of your Dad, Ryan and Sherrie! I only met him a few times, but instantly loved him as the man you described….funny,a commanding presence in a room, how he adored his kids, so fun loving…. It’s such a loss to lose him at such a young age. But he was where he loved..outdoors and loving life!
My heart and prayers go out to you and his entire family.
Linda Woods
Elaine and Ray
Our sincere condolences to Pat and Sherrie and Ryan ! Elaine and Ray and Chelsey Jeff Malone and Lennox
Okeefe’s
We will miss Larry VERY much. He was my desert brother – a force wherever he was. he taught us a lot and always there with a helping hand
Via con dios
Mike Gosselin
That was a beautiful tribute to Larry, he will surely be missed as heard by many. Much love to you Pat and your family. Mike Gosselin and Rick Plaseski xoxo
Linda L. Butler
Larry you will always be in our hearts forever and we will deeply miss you. This is your one and only sister Linda. It will not be the same without you. You were so special and smart. There was not anything you could not do. What a shock when Pat told us about your passing. I hope you were not in pain. Please rest now. Pat will have family to take care of her if she needs help. Love you. And miss you. Love your sister Linda L. Butler and Richard Butler You will be home in Heaven with your Mom and Dad , Bob And John
Denny Gagnon
My condolence to Pat and the family
Len & Shawn Trotter
Pat, our deepest condolences. Larry will be missed.
Rhonda & Larry
My husband Larry & I know Larry & Pat from the California desert. We were on a walk & saw a guy working on a cabin so we stopped & talked to him. After we were done talking Larry said we have “happy hour” every day at 4:00. Well that right there started happy hours & dinners with Larry & Pat for several years. What great friends they were. One year on their way to the desert they came to visit us in Oregon. That turned out to be the last time we were together. He will dearly be missed.
Jo-Ann Cumming
Pat, I was so sorry to hear of Larry’s death and want you to know that I will hold you in my heart in your loss. Although we haven’t seen a lot of each other over the years since growing up in homes a block apart, I always thought of Larry as my handsome, funny and charming older cousin and enjoyed a hug and conversation when family events brought us together. He was a good guy and will be much missed.
Steven Kotchorek
It has taken me a week to sit and reflect on the man we have all lost. A father, husband, brother and most importantly, a friend to all that met him. Larry was indeed one of those individuals that you could call upon in time of need, whether it be to ask a question/advice about anything at all or if you needed help with a project. I have a few completed projects of his around the house here that I look at every single day and shed a happy tear thinking back about how Pat and I would supervise the process while he slaved away. There was no job that he was not willing to tackle, even those that you somehow managed to dream up in your head he was able to turn into reality and bring to life. Trust me when I also say that Larry was his own critic. Nothing was ever ” good enough ” until it was perfect.
Looking back, there are so, so many memories of great times with both Larry and Pat that I could go on forever writing about them. The dinners, drinks, card games ( my Canasta partner ), fun times on the dock and in the boat not to mention all the laughter over the years over a Rum N Coke together.
Larry, you have left a large hole in the hearts of those who were blessed enough to be part of your life… I guess that means you lived a life worth living. Please know that Pat will be well taken care of by all that know her and just so you know, the one thing I will miss and cherish the most is walking though your door to that smile and hug and hearing you say ” Hey Dude!” You were like a father to me and for that I will always be grateful.
Rest in Peace my friend, I know that you will be watching down on us.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard ” – Winnie The Pooh
Wendy & Willie Friesen
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. The few times we visited with you and Larry he was always such an upbeat, friendly guy. Pat, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
John Dyck
Sorry Pat to here of your loss . Beverly and Larry are meeting again in heaven . These two were our best friends we will miss them dearly l remember all the corvette cruises and parties you guys hosted be safe take care
Ken and Janet Paseshnik
Pat we were very shocked and saddened to hear that Larry had passed away. Our thoughts are with you and the family during this difficult time.
Chris Aldridge
My sincere condolences to the family for the passing of your brother, husband and my high school chum, Larry. We spent many days and motorcycle escapades together in the 60’s. Those memories will never cease, just like the memory of Larry will never leave any of his family and friends. Memories are here forever.
Please contact me, if you so wish, if you have any type of celebration of life for Larry.
Chris
Janis chrest
Dear Pat and family
Such sad news
I cherish the memories of your home and hospitality
Larry took such good care of us on our visits
And our boat excursions around the lake
Sending you a big hug Pat
Kathy Beck
My condolences to you and your family Pat, I was so sorry to hear that you lost Larry. He was always such a wonderfully kind man and always good for a laugh. The kids and I will remember him fondly. Sending you love, Kathy, Cole, Julia and Dawson