CLARENCE

"LARRY" GIESBRECHT

September 4, 1948 – January 11, 2021

“….I hope people remember

the times we laughed together....”

 

This is what Larry wanted to leave

with his family and friends.

 

Larry Giesbrecht passed away peacefully, after a battle with cancer, the morning of January 11th, 2021 with his wife and daughter at his side.

 

Larry was a man of faith and family. Left to celebrate his life are his wife Marianne; daughter Candice (Joel); sisters, Irene and Viola (Heinz); brother Dennis (Sandy); and brother-in-law Frank. Larry was predeceased by his parents, Jac and Helen Giesbrecht and by his sister Elma.

 

Larry loved to travel. And travel he did. He was fortunate in that his work took him to places he would likely not have had the chance to visit on his own. From the Mountains of Afghanistan to the garbage dumps of Recife Brazil, from the Pyramids of Egypt to the campsite in Rushing River. He enjoyed it all.  With him through it all was his camera. His love of photography went hand in hand with his love of travel. From documenting his travels to quiet scenic nature shots to simple shots and videos to share with his family back home, letting them know where he was and what he was up to. But with all the world he had seen, his favorites would be sitting at the water’s edge with family at some Canadian Shield campground, listening to nature and pointing out any wildlife that happened by.

 

Larry loved routine and nature, and nature brought him inspiration. His early mornings were frequently spent at the floodway, newspaper in hand, sipping his coffee, watching the river flow and listening for Meadowlarks. Or he’d be parked at Maple Grove facing south watching the traffic flow. This quiet calmed him and allowed his creativity to blossom and the stories would take shape. This would generally be followed by a walk at St. Vital Centre with his Mall Walking friends. After the laps were done, more coffee drank and some stories shared, jokes told, he would head back to the office to start the day. His love of nature was evident in his enjoyment in selecting and planting trees to compliment the ever-changing landscape that was their back yard.

 

Larry enjoyed people. His 50 year career in media starting in a small radio station in Altona  to becoming an independent film maker making documentaries around the world brought him in contact with many different people from all walks of life. Through this, many friendships were forged that lasted a lifetime. Added to the friendships from his youth, he was a very wealthy man.

 

Above all, Larry was a caring and devoted family man. His love of family was absolute and he strove to enrich their lives in every way he could.  He was always there to listen and help work out a problem, or to share in a success. Many a mile was logged driving through Assiniboine Park discussing the issues of the day. The family camping trips to Rushing River and the trips out west to the coast are cherished memories for all. He was always there for them.

 

Larry was a kind and compassionate Husband, father and friend. He will be missed.

 

Larry has requested that no funeral be held. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined later. In the meantime, Larry’s family kindly requests that his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing your own photos and/or memories and stories using the comment section on this page.

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The family would like to thank the Cancer Care specialists at HSC and Victoria General Hospital for their kind and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Larry's name to Harvest Manitoba.