On Monday, November 4th, 2019 Larry peacefully slipped away from us. Larry was raised in Nelson, BC by his parents David and Edith and grew up alongside his older brother Dave and younger sister Eileen. Larry’s lifetime career with Cominco (now Teck) followed his schooling in Nelson and years at the University of BC. Larry’s career took him to numerous locations in BC and remote communities such as Pine Point in the Northwest Territories. His life changed significantly upon accepting a transfer to the small community of Riondel, BC where he met an attractive young nurse named Lois who also worked for Cominco. Larry and Lois were married on June 28, 1960 and their life together brought them to their forever home in Trail, BC where Larry continued to work for Cominco in the accounting department until his retirement on August 15, 1985. Larry and Lois enjoyed many years together travelling, camping, reading and dancing until Lois’s passing in October 19, 2005.
Larry was a wonderful conversationalist, interesting storyteller, avid reader and a kind gentleman with a sharp wit that he shared with all those who had the pleasure of spending time with him. Larry was an important member of the many family gatherings over the years with always an open ear as he enjoyed his time well spent with extended family and his coffee buddies in Trail.
Larry’s love of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking and downhill/cross country skiing was a passion well into his 80’s. It was only a short time ago that he still wanted to buy a new bicycle and challenge the mighty Columbia river just one more time with his kayak (thankfully he didn’t actual venture out on that one). Larry was also a talented artist and woodworker, for those fortunate enough to receive a piece of his woodwork or wood paintings they are truly blessed with a treasure.
In January 2018 Larry began residing at the Castleview Care Centre in Castlegar, BC where he made many new friends, staff and residents alike. Larry celebrated his 90th birthday this past July and he laughed as he shared one of his proudest life accomplishments. Larry beamed as he told how he was so pleased to have surpassed the number of years worked for Cominco by receiving his pension cheque for more years than he worked for Cominco – well done Larry!
Larry leaves to celebrate his life just the way he wanted – with no fuss, fanfare or service. Larry is survived by his sister Eileen Madelung of Nelson, the many members of the Madelung and Webster families and friends he gathered through his lifetime.
The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Castleview for the excellent care Larry received while there.
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Jenny Carson
Your genuine kindness and enjoyably witty conversations will be missed. Love you Uncle Larry!
Gabby Levesque
Always enjoyed hearing your stories and joking around at the cabin about launching the kayak right off the truck!
Will miss you lots Uncle Larry ❤
John Webster
On behalf of the Dave Webster family [sons John, Hugh, and Chris,] the following was composed by Dave’s wife, Jeanne. Shortly after my husband, Dave [Larry’s brother] died, John and I travelled to Castlegar to be with Dave’s family and visit with Larry at the Castleview facility. We were so very glad to share time with him, short as it was. I recall, in 1992, myself, Dave, Larry, [and friends,] took on the adventure at Bowron Lakes to do the famous canoe circuit. Prior to reaching the Cariboo River, Larry decided I should be in his canoe to serve as the ‘lookout’. Larry gave me instruction on how to deal with rapids, and how to ‘sweep’ to make sharp turns. I performed one maneuver successfully, and we were applauded by German tourists on the river bank. “Thanks Larry!” When we arrived at the Cariboo River, I missed seeing a deadhead in the murky water. THUMP! Larry called out, “we’re going over, Jeanne!” Luckily, due to his expertise, we were saved! It was a wonderful experience, and there are many more treasured memories!
Gail Mackenzie
We are very sad to learn that Larry is no longer with us . He was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed .
We will treasure the warm memories of our times together in Trail and Castlegar.
Thank you to cousin Judy for the obituary honouring Larry’s interesting life .
Gail ( Le Fort ) and Ian Mackenzie
Adrienne ( LeFort ) and Hugh Jones