ANDRE LAURENT LAJEUNESSE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ANDRE LAURENT(LARRY) LAJEUNESSE March 13, 1936 January 2, 2017 Larry was born in Debden, SK, the youngest of ten siblings. He was predeceased by his mother, Marie and father, Athanase. He is survived by his sister, Juliette and brother, Jean-Louis. His quiet and positive manner endeared him to his family, particularly his many nieces and nephews, who will miss him sorely. With his sense of humour, he made friends easily. He will be greatly missed by his friends and the Garry family. He will be especially missed by Pauline, Lorenz, Doris, Natalie and David. After attending Jesuit College in Edmonton, he moved to Winnipeg in 1961. He worked for Building Products, Canadian Gypsum and then, before retiring, the Province of Manitoba. He actively played hockey and baseball until only a few years ago. He enjoyed camping, canoeing and reading, particularly about Canada. Many summers he enjoyed family reunions and other gatherings in Debden. He worked, until recently, compiling the family genealogy In Winnipeg, Larry joined The Fort Garry Horse, a militia regiment(now part of the Army Reserve), where he became an officer and eventually commanded the regiment from 1970 to 1973. He oversaw the transition of the regiment's role from tanks to armoured reconnaissance. He then served at a higher headquarters. On retirement from the Army Reserve, he became a member of the Regimental Senate, the Regimental Association and The Fort Garry Horse Foundation. He was chairman of the Senate for 25 years. He was a director of The Fort Garry Horse Museum and Archives at McGregor Armoury, starting in 1978. With other volunteers, he helped develop it into an accredited military museum. He enjoyed museum conferences throughout Canada, where he was able to exchange ideas about museum programs. One of his major contributions was the digitizing of the lists of members of the regiment starting from 1912. This is a valuable source of information for family members and others. Many thanks to the staff at Foyer Valade and Victoria General Hospital for their compassionate care. There will not be a funeral service. A celebration of his life will be held by June, 2017. Donations in Larry's memory, may be sent to The Fort Garry Horse Foundation, at 551 Machray Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R2W 1A8.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 07, 2017