LARRY WHITNEY

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LARRY WHITNEY Peacefully and surrounded by the love of his family, Larry passed away on the morning of July 17, 2017 after a brief period of declining health due to cancer. Larry will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 34 years, Carol Scott, mother Lee Whitney, daughters, Kim Siddall (Kevin) and Susan Sullivan (Wayne), granddaughters, Lauren (Joshua), Julia, Whitney and Brooke, brother Jim (Brenda), extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Jim. Larry was born July 22, 1942 in Saskatoon. He grew up in Morse Place in Winnipeg, graduating from the University of Manitoba with a degree in Civil Engineering and later a certificate in Public Administration. Larry started his career with PFRA in Regina, and returned to Winnipeg in 1969 after two years to join the provincial government, where he worked in Water Resources branch for the bulk of his professional life, serving on a number of international and interprovincial water management boards and commissions. In April, 1997, Larry became the point man for the province during the Flood of the Century, keeping Manitobans informed with his calm and honest demeanor. Larry was honoured to have been named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International in 1997, and to have received the Lieutenant Governor's Medal for Excellence in Public Administration in 1998. He was an active member of Sturgeon Creek United Church for many years, serving on a variety of committees, as Chair of the board, and also teaching Sunday School. Larry made his family the center of his life, allowing his daughters and granddaughters to grow up feeling loved and supported, and that he wanted nothing more than to spend time with them. In fact, he had a way of making everyone feel warm and welcome, and his hugs were legendary. His daughters' friends felt like an extension of the family, and were often treated to his famous blueberry pancakes. He was "Banjo Owl" for Brownie Christmas caroling, attended endless school concerts and plays, coached softball, and never went camping without his guitar and the Scrabble board. He enjoyed his life with Carol, travelling to Maui for many years, and then to Cape Breton, where he took his job of "controlling the lobster population" seriously. In Winnipeg, he was king of the patios, and took every opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine and a nice meal in the sunshine. He also enjoyed golf and cooking for friends and family. Larry was an avid musician and music lover. He played "anything with strings", financing his university education by playing in bands. He particularly enjoyed his many years as a founding member of Sturgeon Creek United Church's Three Day Band, and in recent years, weekly practices with the Southglen Fiddlers. His taste in music was broad and diverse, and he loved to talk about his latest song or artist discovery. Larry was kind and gracious, genuine and principled, had an amazing smile and told terrible dad jokes, and we will miss him. A celebration of Larry's life will take place at Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson Drive, Winnipeg at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 24, 2017. In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry's memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, or to the charity of your choice. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Jul 22, 2017

LARRY WHITNEY Peacefully Larry, beloved husband of Carol Scott, passed away on the morning of July 17, 2017 after a brief period of declining health due to cancer. A celebration of Larry's life will take place at Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson Drive, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 24, 2017. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

Publish Date: Jul 21, 2017

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 22, 2017