LARRY VERNON KIMACOVICH

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LARRY VERNON KIMACOVICH

July 31, 1957 – February 14, 2026

Our hearts are heavy. We’ve lost a good one; a father, a brother, an uncle and dear friend. He was the thread that kept our social fabric intact. Larry brought people together. He was the one who everyone loved to be around; who made the family dinner, the backyard BBQ, the night out, the camping trip, the family reunion, any occasion… that much better. Indeed, Larry made life better for anyone who was blessed to know him, and he’s already dearly missed. But a tragic accident has taken Larry from us, at a far-too-young age.

Larry was born in Dauphin, Manitoba, the fourth child of six, to August and Nettie Kimacovich. His Mom’s nickname for him was Romeo, acknowledging his charming and disarming personality at a very young age. His early years were spent in Garland, Manitoba, where his family roots run deep. The Kimacovich family moved to Dauphin in 1965. As one of the Kimo brothers, Larry gathered many friends and formed relationships that remained throughout his life. Larry was very active in sports, including hockey goaltending, and played snare drum in the town marching band. He attended Dauphin Regional Secondary High School, and took part in the 50th anniversary of his graduating class in the fall of 2025.

The Kimacovich household was a bustling one. As one of five very active boys in a family of six, the siblings’ recount that Mom’s soundbite lessons and Dad’s quiet but formidable lectures served as their North Star in life. He set out on his own, moving to Winnipeg in 1975 to attend Red River College to study graphic design. Later, he worked as a relief agent/operator at CN, and then moved to Edmonton until his Dad passed in 1978. At that time Larry and his brother Gerald returned to Dauphin to maintain the family home and care for their ailing mother, who also passed that same year. Both brothers remained in Dauphin allowing their youngest brother Ric to complete the school year in their hometown. In 1979, Larry returned to Winnipeg where he has remained since, initially working in construction and later attending university. Larry was artistic, studying fine arts at the University of Manitoba. He created many works in pencil and ink and was talented in home and commercial building design.

An entrepreneur at heart, Larry along with Gerald, launched the very successful Kimo’s Bar-B-Que and their famous Kimo Dogs in 1984, the very first propane BBQ vendor in North America. Vendors from New York City and Toronto travelled to Winnipeg to observe and record the Kimos in action. With his warm smile and laugh, and his relaxed and genuine style, Larry could strike up a conversation with anyone. He soon turned his attention to real estate, working for a time with his brother Leonard, before finally settling with Re/Max. A hugely successful career followed with Larry selling hundreds of homes, helping thousands of clients, while winning countless awards over almost 40 years. He said he knew he was getting old when he started selling houses to the third generation of families. Later he would also bring his nephew Billy in as a partner, guiding and setting him on his own successful career path.

Larry married Leslie Stewart in 1994 and in their 19 years together they had two sons, Wyatt (1996) and Jacob (1998). Larry loved being a Dad and he and the boys meant the world to each other. Larry loved to travel and he instilled that love in the boys travelling as a family to Mexico, ski trips to the Rockies and many other places.

Having grown up in small towns, with a large, Ukrainian extended family, and spending decades in real estate, his network of friends and acquaintances was truly astounding. Former classmates, gym friends, motorcycle buddies, clients, business associates, it didn’t matter how you knew him, when you were with Larry, you were guaranteed to hear two things; his infectious laugh, and a, “Hey Kimo!” from somebody.

Always building and tinkering, Larry could fix pretty much anything, and his garage and various storage containers became legend. If you needed something, Larry probably had it. And if you needed help with just about anything, Larry was there to lend a hand without expecting anything in return. He’d just be there for you. He loved his wheels. He usually owned a few cars at once, had a succession of motorcycles and a virtual parade of trailers, campers, and RVs. Hitting the open road was an obsession and he did it whenever he could. For years, he’d head to the Dominican Republic with his good friend Pat Neill, or down to Mexico with friends, and with Leslie and the boys in the RV to enjoy beach life to its fullest. In recent years, Larry spent 3 or 4 months each winter driving his RV, motorcycle in tow, to Texas and Mexico, getting to know the locals, spending time with new-found friends, while sharing beautiful pictures of his adventures.

Larry was passionate about music. From the early days of punk to independent rock groups, roots, blues, to alt country, whether you were at his place, out for a drive or sitting around a campfire, you were guaranteed to hear the perfect playlist. That love turned into action in 1991 when Larry and his brothers donated seed money to help the struggling Dauphin Country Fest stay afloat and grow; something which earned them lifetime memberships to the festival.

For Larry, the love of family ran deep. He loved that he was part of a large extended family of cousins, aunts and uncles, and all the familial roles he was blessed with. These relationships shaped the man Larry became; he was a beloved brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, friend and, the role he treasured most, a Dad. He was dearly loved by all his family and always made time for them. He loved sitting around and reminiscing with cousins. He was a man of integrity, always showing up to visit with aunties, supporting loved ones and friends through challenging times, and offering a helping hand wherever he could. And as a guest of his, you never went hungry. Larry always made sure there was food; lots of food.

On St. Valentine’s Day, 2026, Larry died suddenly as a result of injuries received when he was struck by a motor vehicle while riding his bicycle in Port Aransas, Texas. In the blink of an eye, one life was taken, and many forever altered. Although we could not be with Larry at that moment, we take comfort in knowing he died knowing he was loved, and doing what he loved; spending time down south, enjoying his life.

Larry leaves to mourn his sons Wyatt and Jacob, his sister Joanne (George) Sluzar of Ottawa, his brothers Gerald (Bonnie) and Terry (Marilyn) of Winnipeg, and brother Ric (Marlene) of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, and countless friends here and abroad. He was pre-deceased by his parents August (1978) and Nettie (1978), and his brother Leonard (2016).

Each of us who knew Larry will have our own memories and stories that will undoubtedly bring a smile to our face. Whether it’s a cousins’ party, a family reunion, a gathering at his home, holiday travels, attending a concert, going out for a beer, or perhaps buying a house; the connecting thread of this wonderful man will remain with us all. We are all better for having known him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 20, from 1:00 -3:00 p.m., at the Manitoba Club, 194 Broadway in Winnipeg. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry’s name to the Ride for Dad or the charity of your choice are appreciated.

Vichnaya Pamyat - May your memory be eternal.

Tributes: www.cropo.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2026