Lawrence Douglas Ross
April 29, 1948 - February 25, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Larry Ross. He passed away peacefully at home, in the early morning of Saturday February 25 after a brief, but fierce battle with cancer.
Lawrence Douglas Ross was born on April 29, 1948 to Duncan and Florence Ross in Teulon, Manitoba. He was raised in the Teulon/Gunton area on the family farm.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife Evelyn Ross, daughter Tammy Ross, sons Douglas Ross (Pamela), Clinton Campbell (Kristen), grandchildren Taylor, Cyara (Gabe), Colton, Shelby (Nik), Ashton, great-grandchildren Wya, Wrenley, Larson, sisters Beverly Yakubicka (Erny), Marilyn Woychyshyn (Dave), brother David Ross (Donna) and sister Fran Dziadek (Wayne).
Larry was predeceased by his parents, Duncan and Florence Ross and his older brother Wayne Ross.
After he graduated high school, Larry worked for a while at the Co-op lumber store in Teulon before he set out to join the Air force search and rescue auxiliary squadron in Alberta. After that, he came back home to Manitoba to become a Conservation Officer with the Manitoba Government. His first posting was in Clandeboye, MB but his career moved him to many other locations around the province. Hadashville, Whitemouth (where Tammy was born), Portage la Prairie (where Douglas was born), Grand Rapids, Riverton, back to Grand Rapids, Pine Falls (where Clinton joined our family), Swan River and finally Boissevain which was his last posting before he retired. He had a tremendous passion for his career and enjoyed working with different people from all walks of life. He created many lifelong friendships with coworkers and friends made in different communities we lived along the way. A lot of these people became like family and we were always happy to reconnect no matter how much time had passed.
Upon retirement, Larry found himself looking for things to occupy his time. While working for Natural Resources, Larry did a rotation in Churchill helping out with the Polar Bear Patrol. He loved his time there so much that he felt that guiding polar bear and beluga tours once he retired was something he would like to give a try. Once the season was done in Churchill he thought he would like to try some backcountry guiding and spent time with various outfitters during the hunting and fishing seasons over the next few years. Ultimately, Dad’s health took a turn for the worse and it was time to truly retire and rest.
Larry had a passion for wildlife and was an avid hunter, trapper, fisherman, outdoorsman and conservationist. He volunteered for years as both a Scout leader and an instructor for the Hunter Safety program, educating and inspiring many young people to safely and ethically hunt. Among his students were his children and grandchildren, who became successful hunters and wildlife stewards while also creating fond memories of times spent with Dad/Papa.
He was also a gifted carpenter and helped many family members and friends with renovations, repairs and new builds. When his children were small he made them headboards, waterbeds, various toys/puzzles, a pool table, shelves, as well as pirate beds and treeforts for his grandchildren...and the list goes on. When he put his mind to trying a new skill, he usually mastered it. Everything from restoring antique boats to designing a lightweight trapper sleigh.
Larry also enjoyed giving back to the community by volunteering for many different programs such as the Boy Scouts, Lions Club, Hockey coaching and local volunteer fire depts.
Larry was a quiet man who had a great sense of humor. He loved hearing and sharing stories, especially those that elicited a chuckle. He had an immense appreciation for a well-executed practical joke.
He was a soft-spoken man of incredible integrity and patience, which made him such a formidable teacher in all aspects.
He will be missed.
As Larry wished, cremation has taken place as arranged with MacKenzie Funeral Home. And a celebration of his life will take place on March 7th, 2:00 pm at the Gunton Greenwood Hall.