Larry McLennan
December 17, 2023
December 17, 2023
December 17, 2023
Larry (Laverock) Lorne McLennan, aged 86, of Surrey, B.C. passed away on December 17, 2023 after a brief hospital stay.
Larry is survived by his loving wife Jan (Jeanette), his four children: Vicky (Ian), Debbie (Brent), Linda (Mike) and Stephen (Corli); His nine grandchildren: Jesse, Douglas (Kaylie), Patrick, Jasmine (Vincent), Kelsey, Justin, Natalie, Karlee and Morgan; his two great grandsons Landon and Rory.
Larry was predeceased by his five brothers: Stewart, Harold, George, Dennis, Ken and his three sisters Barbara, Ann and Wendy.
Larry was born to Albert and Norah (Marrs) McLennan on August 19, 1937 in Revelstoke, B.C. Albert and Norah raised him alongside his eight siblings in East Vancouver. Growing up Larry had a close knit family that instilled in him the values of love, compassion, hard work, and the importance of family. Larry and his siblings were a rambunctious group that enjoyed a life time of antics, teasing and adventures together.
Larry met his loving wife, Jan while traveling in New Zealand; they were married for 61 years. Together, they built a beautiful life together; in New Zealand, Australia and eventually settling in Canada where they continued to raise their four children. Larry cherished his family above all else.
Larry retired after 36 years of dedicated service with the Hudson Bay Company where he was well respected and appreciated by his colleagues.
Throughout his life Larry made a positive impact on the lives of many by generously sharing his time and lending his “handyman” skills to any needed project. One of his greatest passions, as a gifted carpenter, was creating many beautiful pieces for his family, friends and charitable organizations.
Some of Larry’s special memories were camping with the family, coaching youth soccer, travelling with Jan, volunteering with local charities, watching his grandchildren’s sports games, hosting and attending big McLennan family gatherings.
Larry had a quick wit, a playful sense of humour, and a generous spirit. He was a loving, supportive, devoted husband, Dad, grandpa and great grandpa; he was very much loved and will be greatly missed.
No formal celebration of life will be held. Larry’s immediate family will honour and remember him in private celebrations of life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Variety - the Children’s Charity of B.C.
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
I am so sorry my special friend Jeanette, I will treasure the wonderful time we had with Larry five years ago. We met all those years ago when he came to NZ and fell in love with my special school friend Jeanette, and the years we spent together with our children before you embarked to Canada Larry's special home.
Our love to you all and deepest sympathy.
Raywin and Ron NZ
~ Raywin Tuohy
Vicky and Family!!
Sending love and support in your difficult moments. I’m so sorry to hear of your dads passing.Thinking of you as you heal.
Warm regards,
Tracy
~ Tracy Riley
So many memories, especially helping uncle Larry with coaching soccer. The great Port Moody Sparks
~ Graham McLennan
Much loved always remembered. His skills were unique as his life was. I will always remember Uncle Larry with his love of family and cherish the family get togethers. Much love to Aunt Jan and family 😘😘
~ Cochrane
Dear Jeanette, my heart goes out to you at this very sad time. When you have been happily married as long as you and Larry, and Barry and I, it is hard to imagine Setting out alone.
our friendship has been from afar for sixty years or so, but I have warm memories of great times together when we were nursing. The tears, the laughter, and the jokes .
i pray that happy memories of Larry, and good times together will sustain you, and comfort you and your family.
Barry joins me in sending love to you all
Annette xxx
~ Annette Denholm
Jan and Family, my deepest condolences to you all. I was so sorry to hear the news today from Karen......I so wanted to touch base with Larry recently as we had lost touch. I loved working with Larry and his team and yes he was extremely well respected for his overall demeanor, personality and work ethic. He is one person in my career with HBC that I truly respected. Word cannot express how I am feeling and he will be missed by many. A life well lived. Hugs.
~ Cathy Bach
My condolences to my Canadian aunt and cousins,
Larry and I have been separated by very large oceans most of my life, however I remember the few times I met him as someone who never hogged the limelight but somehow still made a welcoming impression. His generosity with his time didn't go unnoticed, quick to share a story and held his, his wife's and his children's achievements with great pride.
He leaves behind a memory of someone who did his bit never expecting a parade, but enjoyed being part of the lives around him.
As we say in Australia "he's had a good innings"
Farewell Larry