Larry Gagnon

Lawrence (Larry) William Anthony Joseph Gagnon born October 2, 1938, in Edmonton, died peacefully due to complications from Alzheimer’s and other dementia on the morning of July 24,2024.

The last three years of his life he spent in the Veteran’s Memorial Lodge at Broadmead.

He is survived by his wife Jeannie (nee Thorpe) sons Michael (Darlene), Wayne, and brother Glen, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He gained a loving daughter Kristine, upon his marriage to Jeannie. He was predeceased by his parents William, and Mary Jane (nee Kelly), his sister Maryanne and his oldest son Lorne. He was a veteran who served over 10 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, on many tribal class ships, and the Oriole.

One of Larry’s greatest loves was sailing, whether in fair or foul weather. Anyone who was lucky to sail with Larry loved his hospitality, the adventure of the high seas, whether it was dolphins banging on the bottom of the sailboat or riding the waves in a storm.

He had several different sailboats, the Kelly Girl a 32ft Thunderbird, which he lived aboard in Esquimalt. Jeannie and he acquired a 25 ft Balboa with a fixed keel named the Elusive lady and a 31 ft Newport named Windsong. He loved to fish, troll and drop a trap or two for crab and shrimp. Gunk-holing was one of his greatest passions, just dropping the hook to swing with the breeze.

He was also known to tangle with an octopus or two. He submitted this story for the magazine Pacific Yachting, which was published, earning him the nickname the octopus wrangler.

He worked primarily in furniture sales after leaving the navy, including Scandinavian Imports, Treasure House and Standard to name a few. He was a member of the Army and Navy clubs, devoted time to the Crisis Line in Victoria and moved to Penticton then Kelowna opening a mixed sportswear store making custom Ironman outfits, bathing suits and skating costumes. Moving back to Victoria in 1995, he worked with First Nations Education Services located in Sidney and Mount Newton X Road.

Larry was a long-standing member of the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada collecting stamps since he was 8 years old.

His final wishes will be carried out in September when the family gathers to honour his life. His unique sense of humour will be missed by all who knew him. One of his regular things was to call family back east when the flower count was on in Victoria boasting of the pink snow. Alas, the family black fig recipe will die with him.

The family would like to thank the numerous people who took care of him during his stay in the Lodge, and all those who took the time to visit him during his time there.