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LARRY CHARLES O'BRAY
Born: May 27, 1935
Date of Passing: Dec 04, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryLARRY CHARLES O'BRAY May 27, 1935 - December 4, 2012 After a long and happy life, Larry passed away peacefully at home. Larry was born in Calgary, Alberta, the youngest of three children. Professional horse racing was a big part of the family's life and Larry's petite stature enabled him to work as a jockey; racing his father's horse. Larry's jersey, which sports his signature four leaf clover, remains a treasured piece of family memorabilia. At the age of 16, Larry was thrown from a horse and broke his leg. Who knew what a stroke of good luck it would turn out to be? On crutches, and unable to race, Larry's friend invited him to the movies, where he was introduced to a beautiful 14 year old girl named Dorothy. Larry and Dorothy soon became inseparable. They married when he turned 21 and Dorothy 19. Larry joined the navy and they spent the first few years of married life in Victoria. Larry ultimately joined Transport Canada, where he enjoyed a long career that took the family across Canada to Edmonton, Saskatoon, Ottawa, and eventually settling in Winnipeg. He retired as the Director of Crash and Rescue for western Canada airports. Larry and Dorothy raised four beautiful children together, three sons and one daughter. It was a busy household, with Mom and Dad actively involved in all of the kids' sports and activities. In 1976 Larry and Dorothy bought a plot of land at Albert Beach, and together, they built the family cottage. Larry loved to tinker and putter, and was constantly making improvements; including the eventual addition of the sunroom and guest cottage. Summers at the lake with his kids, and eventually grandkids and great-grandkids, were among Larry's happiest times. Friends of Larry's introduced him to The Villages retirement community in Lady Lake, Florida. Larry and Dorothy liked it so much they purchased a home. Larry loved his place in Florida. He spent many hours on the golf course, and when he wasn't golfing he would tinker and putter, and make household improvements just like he did at the cottage. Larry loved it when his kids came to visit during the winter. Larry's penchant for mischief, combined with his inability to sit still, occasionally landed him in trouble. Imagine Dorothy's surprise when she returned home from errands on a summer afternoon to find that Larry had painted the doors to their home bright purple! To say that Larry was good with his money would be a huge understatement. We liked to tease Larry that he could pinch a penny tight and squeeze two pennies out. It was pure sport for him! Perhaps the best way to remember our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great- grandfather, is to share his signature quote which he offered up at least annually at the Christmas dinner table When was the last time we made a toast to Larry? The beloved patriarch of our family, Larry will be deeply missed by his wife of 56 years Dorothy, his children Scott (Darlene), Clay, Kelly (Debbie), Susan (Jim), his grandchildren Erin, Joel (Sam), David, Barry, Coalby, Breanne (Chris), Graham (Sydney), Sara and his great- grandchildren Dawn, Gabe, Beth, Ryan, MacKenzie, Brandon, Ava, Austyn, Christopher, and Ethan his siblings Ted (Betty), Jackie (Bill), and their families, as well as Dorothy's brother Jim (Cathy) and their family. Larry will be fondly remembered by his dear friends Nick and Del, George and Shirley, and Don. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Larry can be made to Siloam Mission. In keeping with Larry's wishes, the family will hold a private Irish Wake at a later date. He was an extraordinary man and we look forward to celebrating our good fortune to have loved him and been loved by him. Let's all make a toast to Larry!
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 08, 2012
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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He taught me how to fish, play chess he taught me every thing I know. I am truly grateful to have such a wonderful grandpa like that. - Posted by: Gabreil (grandson) on: Oct 15, 2015
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We are so sorry for your loss. We are lucky to have known Larry. A lesson to all of us on how to live a life. - Posted by: Pat and Kathy Curtis (Friends) on: Apr 19, 2013
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Dorothy we are so sorry to read about Larry's passing! He was such a wonderful man and we regarded him as a very dear friend. Our hearts go out to you and pray for strength for you and your family at this difficult time. If you feel up to it we would like to hear from you. You were always very special friends. Love Karel and Sheila - Posted by: Karel and Sheila Kessels (Friends) on: Apr 02, 2013
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Hello Dorothy and family. Very sorry to hear of Larry's passing. We used to look forward to him visiting Alan's place for a can of beer in the afternoon and he was always so helpful if I wanted to borrow a tool to fix something at Alan's place (which was pretty regular) he will be sadly missed. Kind regards Mike and Bob Mansfield UK - Posted by: michael astill (friend) on: Jan 17, 2013
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Werner & I met the O'Brays in Florida and shared many happy memories. What a wonderful couple, I felt like I had known them all my life. It saddens me to think that Larry has left us at such a young age and my heart goes out to the family, especially Dorothy. I know eventually the tears stop to flow and the heart stops breaking, but the memories never go away. Larry, be sure to say 'hello' to your second best friend and hold your glasses high. - Posted by: Marge Sluchinski (Friend) on: Dec 17, 2012
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Larry you will never be forgotten, but forever missed, You were very special to us - Posted by: Judy and Rick Rajotte and family (Friends) on: Dec 16, 2012
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I have been blessed to know both Larry and Dorothy through my parents, Jack and Janet Grunsten, and have shared many good times (and a few drinks!) with them at Albert Beach as well as at The Villages in Florida. Claire, Elise and I were so lucky to have been able to see Larry at the beach in July during our last trip "home" from Australia. We will all miss his kind heart and his cheeky sense of humour and we extend our deepest sympathy to Dorothy and the family at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Laura Ovens (nee Grunsten), Claire, Elise and Greg (Friend) on: Dec 15, 2012
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Many great memories at Rosen Lake and Florida. We are blessed to have had the greatest Uncle in the world. His favorite quote when there was a problem was, build a bridge and get over it. - Posted by: Ken and Tami Van Cleave (Uncle) on: Dec 12, 2012
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I will miss you - Posted by: Gord (Favourite of all relatives ) on: Dec 12, 2012
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Our daughter worked with Dorothy and through her met Dorothy and Larry. Through them we Also discovered Albert Beach and built our home next door. Over the years Larry and I cut a lot of trees and had many misadventures. My tool shed became known as Larry's shed as I would find him leaving the shed early in the morning many times. We also shared many a bubbly together, and will have another one for him. - Posted by: Wayne and Jeanne Antaya (Frienda) on: Dec 12, 2012
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We extend our sympathy to Dorothy and the entire O'Bray family. We heard of Larry's passing while at The Villages, which has become our winter getaway, thanks to Larry & Dorothy. We share their love of it along with our cottage at Albert Beach, where we were lucky enough to have them as neighbours. You know we will have a few toasts to Larry! - Posted by: Jack & Janet Grunsten (Friends) on: Dec 09, 2012
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Please accept our sincere condolences on Larry's passing. We have many fond lake memories of him and your family. Here's to Larry! - Posted by: Tim and Susan Turner (Family Friends) on: Dec 08, 2012
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Our deepest sympathy to the O'Bray family. We are fortunate to have considered Larry and Dorothy our friends. We will miss running into Larry at Thief River Falls. We will miss him dropping in when at Kelly's. We will remember the good times. - Posted by: Lawrence and Gladys McInnes (Friends) on: Dec 08, 2012