LARRY (LAWRENCE) RAMSAY CRANE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

LARRY (LAWRENCE) RAMSAY CRANE, Q.C.

With sadness we announce the passing of Larry (Lawrence) Ramsay Crane Q.C. in North Vancouver, British Columbia on June 30, 2020.
Larry, the son of the late Reginald and Pearl (Ramsay) Crane, was born in Fort William (now Thunder Bay), Ontario, on May 22, 1935. He graduated with a Commerce degree from Mount Allison University, New Brunswick, pursuant to spending his first year of studies at the University of British Columbia. After a job in sales brought Larry to Winnipeg, he met his future spouse Diana Laycock and decided to pursue a career in law. He then attended the University of Manitoba and graduated with a Law degree in 1967. Larry spent his entire career in corporate and commercial law at the firm of Aikins MacAulay and Thorvaldson (now MLT Aikins), where he became a partner and was recognized as Queen's Counsel (Q.C.) for exemplary service to the legal profession. Larry practiced law until age 77 and was a trusted advisor to his clients, many of whom became his friends.
Larry grew up with a colourful cast of characters in Fort William, where he was known for working many different jobs, which included painting the rocks of Chippewa Park at a very early age. As a young man, he was an avid swimmer and played football and ice hockey. In later life he coached his sons' youth hockey teams, and enjoyed skiing and curling. After moving to Winnipeg, Larry met Diana at the Winnipeg Canoe Club in 1963 when he asked her to dance. They were married in 1965 and shared a full and joyous life for 55 years, spending all but the last few months in Winnipeg. Larry took pleasure in the design of the two houses where they raised their family, first on Robindale Road and later on Ridgedale Crescent, both in Charleswood. Larry loved to entertain and always welcomed friends into their home.
Larry was a perennial contributor to his community. He was a long-time member of the Manitoba Masonic Order and Khartum Shriners. He spent many years in the Shriners Motor Patrol, Cycle Escort, and The Royal Order of Jesters, where he was able to combine his loves for motorcycles, travel, camaraderie and charity. He was an active member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba and enjoyed working behind the scenes on many provincial campaigns. Larry also celebrated his Scottish heritage with his support of the St. Andrew's Society. A member of many boards for non-profit organizations such as the Victorian Order of Nurses, Rainbow Stage, Charleswood hockey associations, Shriners Motor Patrol, Shriners Cycle Escort, Charleswood United Church, the Charleswood Curling Club, and the Manitoba Cancer Foundation; he was awarded the Governor General of Canada Centennial Medal for his dedicated volunteer work.
Above all else Larry was devoted to his family and friends. His favourite moments were spent at his cottage in Minaki, Ontario, where he fished, swam, took his grandchildren waterskiing, performed constant repairs and enjoyed many a walleye feast cooked by Diana. In addition to his children, Larry raised three Boxer dogs and indulged his interest in fashion and cars – there was little space in both his closet and his driveway because Larry could not resist a good value. In later years he enjoyed travelling and getting to know the families of his children's spouses. Larry was a friend to many and always a gentleman. He sincerely embraced people from all walks of life. He was quick with a warm hand shake and enjoyed striking up a conversation with nearly anyone, undeterred by lack of a common language. Some of his other treasured pastimes were supporting the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers and playing the stock market with his late brother-in-law Grant Laycock.
Larry will be lovingly missed by his wife, Diana, his children, Brian (Alexandrine), Allison (Stephen) and David (Joelle), his brother David (Maureen), Dona Laycock, Rita Houle and their families. He was most proud of his 11 grandchildren: Owen, Tess, Cléa, Juliet, Simon (Brian and Alexandrine); Bennett, Amelia, Davis (Allison and Stephen); and Madden, Evie, and Xavier (David and Joelle). He will be always remembered for his kindness, sense of humour, open mind, good nature and above all else, generosity.
In accordance with Larry's wishes, cremation has taken place. Due to Covid-19 and travel restraints, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 25, 2020