Richard LARGE

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LARGE: Richard Walter Large was born October 19, 1922 near the town of Riding Mountain, Manitoba to Walter and Zella (nee Gunson). Richard attended Tobomore School and worked during his youth at road construction, in lumber camps and for many farmers. Richard joined the Canadian Army on October 16, 1941 in Winnipeg and trained there as well as Camp Borden Ontario, Windsor Nova Scotia, Debert Nova Scotia. He travelled overseas on the SS Aquatania and served in the United Kingdom and continental Europe with the Armoured Corps Reserve Unit and the 10th Canadian Armoured Tank Regiment as tank operator. After returning to Canada in 1945 and his discharge in February 1946, he returned to Manitoba to work in lumber camps and mines. On July 22, 1948, he married Phyllis Darlene Hallen at the Anglican Church in Neepawa. They lived in the Birnie district where Richard farmed with his father for 6 years. During that time, he also continued working various jobs in mining and oil rigs. Richard and Phyllis purchased a farm in the Glendale District in 1958 where they resided until 1967 when they purchased another farm just a few miles down the road. It was here they continued to farm until 1997 when Richard’s health forced him to retire. They then moved to Minnedosa and later to Brandon. Richard was a member of the Kelwood Legion for 66 years (the last 16 as an Honorary Member). Richard enjoyed farm life and later on took to showing his Belgium horses in parades and taking part in the old time thrashing. His greatest joy was his family and spending time with all the grandchildren. Many hours were spent with Grampa playing card games, going to the Legion for different functions, and helping on the farm. Richard loved sports!! Whenever he could, he would attend any sports game the grandkids were taking part in. Richard was predeceased by his only son, Kenneth Richard of Victoria BC (1949-1983), brothers Ralph (1933), Edward (1983), Gordon (1997), Robert (1997) and Burton (2003), parents: Walter (1965) and Zella (1981) He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Phyllis Large, daughters, Patricia Beer of Somerset, Mb; Marguerite (Darrell) Hasiuk of Truro, NS; Kimberly (Blair) Delmage of Brandon, MB. Also survived by grandchildren Jordon Helm (Large), Jason (Vanessa) Beer, Spencer Beer, Daniel (Karen) Hasiuk, Kollin (Nathalie) Hasiuk, Timothy (Anneliese) Hasiuk, Benjamin Delmage, Lindsay Delmage, and Robin Delmage. Richard also has seven great grandchildren, Jaxon & Landon, Jakob & Devyn, Jett & Talia and Liam. A private family graveside service will be held at the Riding Mountain Cemetery. Following, a celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kelwood Legion Club Room where friends and family can gather. Donations can be made in Richard’s memory to the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba 105 - 500 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3X1 or the Lung Association of Manitoba 8 - 940 Princess Avenue Brandon, Manitoba R7A 0P6. Dobchuk Funeral Home, McCreary, Manitoba. Telephone (204) 835-2004. The Heritage of Neill, Dobchuk & Anderson, providing over a century of service.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 28, 2012