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Larry Giesbrecht

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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.

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.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Alf Carboni

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I had the pleasure to work with Larry at CKY TV and years later for him on the show, Gospel for God. The crew and Larry had a few good laughs during dinner out while on location when recording that show.  My sincere condolences to Larry’s family. Alf Carboni 

Heather Mutcheson

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I met Larry during the high school production of Little Women.  I enjoyed his friendship, wise counsel and world views for a number of years following this.  I am very sorry to hear of his passing.  Sending my condolences to his family.

Barbara Czech

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Larry and I worked together at CKY for eight years. As he was a far more experienced reporter, he would sometimes give me gentle advice--always with a smile. He was a professional, calm and dependable colleague. I last saw Larry three years ago at the Winnipeg Airport, as he was flying off for another film shoot. As always, he had a big smile and we shared a few laughs. I'll remember him fondly. Barbara Ross Czech

Paul Loewen

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Larry lived around the corner from my house in the early years.  He was dubbed "King Clancy" as we spent countless hours playing ice and "ground" hockey.  When he smiled, his whole being exuded genuine warmth and love.  He will be greatly missed by his boyhood and adult friends.  Much too soon, once again, we have lost a good man.

Harvey Kehler

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

My condolences to the Giesbrecht family. Larry and I lived together for a while in Winnipeg and shared many laughs together. A great witty friend. 

Al Kehler

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Larry and I share a hometown, and I was proud of him during his radio broadcast years. Then we hired an administrative assistant - Marianne! And then Larry went with me to Ethiopia in circa 1996 to make a film for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. He was open, happy, always a bright spot, always interested, always engaging.  I’ve lost my two brothers to cancer, and my mother was right: “Cancer is cruel.” I lean back in faith, peering through mystery to the promise that God is love.  Larry was a good man.  I sorrow with you. I pray peace for you.  Much affection in remembrance, Al Kehler

Chris Toews

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

A valuable lifelong friendship with a truly rare and admirable person has sadly ended. But the memories of our relationship will live on. RIP my friend. 

Laverne Toews

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Sincere regrets on the passing of a friend. Condolences  to Marianne and Candice and family. May he rest peacefully. 

Derrel Barkman

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Was most upset and sorry to hear of Larry's passing. We traveled quite a few years of school together and I always appreciated his friendship. Unfortunately our paths took us in different directions and we lost contact until meeting again via Facebook. Rest in peace, Larry. Condolences to his family.

Gary Lelond

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I met Larry while he worked at CKX. Over the years our careers change and we drifted apart different cities and provinces but any time we had a chance Larry was always available for a catch up coffee at Chapters Starbucks. I'll miss those special times. My condolences to Marianne and Candice, Rest in Peace 

Lou Reimer

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

What can you say after literally a lifetime of friendship? Always ready with a quip, ready for a debate, a Low German saying or joke. We had reconnected in the last few years, but lately Covid got in the way of that. Rest In Peace my friend.

Danny Unrau

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Larry Giesbrecht, a wordsmith, quick with a quip and a humorous twist, in either English or Low German. Insightful, sensitive & wonderfully soft-heated, a justice seeker.  I will sorely miss the frequent connecting we kept up these past 29 years since l left Winnipeg.  Rest in peace, friend, you were more than  what you believed you might be.

Rick Fast

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Many of Larry's overseas trips would begin with a conversation at Mennonite Central Committee's office in Winnipeg. He'd drop by with an idea or we'd have something in mind for him. Some of MCC's most popular videos were produced by Larry. When I retired we'd still meet for coffee from time to time simply because we enjoyed each other's company. I'll miss him. ⁣Rick Fast

Carol Miles

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Saddened to hear Larry has gone on.  His optimism was inspiring, as was his care for family, and recognition of friends.  We knew Larry through Marianne,  and his work with Foodgrains Bank.  Last we talked was at a Bomber game, ever optimistic!  A loss for family and friends! Carol and Gerry Miles

Sheila Shearman

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Our families had kids very close to each other. Jenny, Holly & Scott,  Erin & Erin, and Candice.  Birthdays were always so much fun with Lenny throwing peanuts and the kids scrambling to catch them.  Lots of memories with all the kids together. Once the kids started school life got busy and sort of drifting a part. I always loved Larry’s quick wit and his twinkling eyes.   May we all hold these memories close to our hearts. Love to you all. ❤ May you be looking down on all of us Larry & enjoy all the people that loved you spread around.  You touched so my lives my friend. ♥️♥️

Pam Poley

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

We were neighbours with Marianne and Larry for 22 years.  Over those years we watched our children grow up and celebrated their birthdays, we shared BBQs and enjoyed sitting out on hot summer nights.  Great memories of Larry and his family.  Our deepest condolences to Marianne, Candice,  Irene, Viola, Frank, Dennis, Sandy and their families.  I hope the fond memories you have will bring comfort today and for years to come.  ❤

Bob Kroeker

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

My memories with go back to when Larry and I first connected regarding a project in Egypt for which he produced a documentary. Our friendship followed and I have fond memories of riding together when we both had motorcycles. There were many coffees at Starbucks in St Vital Center. My last one was in 2019. I am sad to lose him and offer condolences and prayers to you Marianne, and your family.  Bob Kroeker

Chas van Dyck

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I have known Larry for many years, ever since he set the romantic sparks flying with my cousin, Marianne. We had so many good times together, BBQ’s, camping trips, and so many more occasions. And then when my dear wife Joanne came into the picture, things just continued. Larry was one of my attendants at our wedding, and the four of us had many happy times together. Larry formed a special bond with our son, Jon, who really misses Larry as well. We count ourselves blessed to have known Larry and look forward to our meeting again! Much continued love to Marianne and Candace!

Ralph Christianson

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I must add my condolences to the list.  I worked with Larry at CKY TV as I was a film camera man, and he was an ace reporter.  I enjoyed working with, he tried to teach me to parallel park, but to no avail.  However whether we were covering the legislature or business stories he always did a first rate job on covering the stories in a fair manner. Ironically he came from Steinbach and long after working with him, my wife and I moved to the Steinbach area where I have learned why he he was such a decent guy, its just in the neighborhood of decent people. I saw him once more about two years ago at Artist Emporium  while he waited for his wife to find an art deal.  I did not know at the time how much of a blessing that visit was and I am thankful to have seen him one more time.

Abe & Marian Funk

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

My cousin Larry was a quiet out-going friendly person,  and I spent many good times chatting and reminiscing over coffee at family Christmas & Easter gatherings etc. Many other family members enjoyed our good time discussions. .My family frequently made a point of meeting Larry & Marianne & siblings at the local mall, or Smittys for lunch when we made trips to WPG . Sadly Covid put a premature stop to such pleasures of late.. Larry's passing leaves a void in the lives of many. Our sincere condolences to Marianne, Candice and the rest rest of the family. We pray for you❤   

irene schmiddtke

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

My name is Irene(Mantie) Schmidtke.  I moved across the street   from the Giesbrecht family when my Dad died in 1958 and lived there until 1969 when my mom died.  With a  few other kids on the street we would play outside  especially at the swing set on the vacant lot.  He went to school with my brother Ron.  I still live in Steinbach and walked down the street  for old time sake and wondered where everyone  is.   I remember he was involved in broadcasting. Strange that I read the Free Press obituaries to see life.  Condolences  to the family.

Bob Neufeld

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I met Larry in 2002 when I was working for John Aaron Productions, later on I started to do some freelance work for him and in 2005 I started working full time with him. For the next 10 years we produced over 20 documentaries and a television series. I enjoyed every minute working with CLG Communications. What I enjoyed most was our twice weekly breakfast meetings. We started every meeting with a complete analysis of Bomber news in the summer and Jets news in the winter.  I am sure he is watching down on his favorite Winnipeg teams. I still miss those meetings. Larry was a great boss and a much better friend. I will miss him deeply. My condolences go out to Marianne and Candice    Bob Neufeld

Joy Mckay

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I had the pleasure of having Larry as  a neighbor for many years.  He always had a smile and a kind word. My condolences to Marianne and Candice.   Joy McKay

Ruth Eisler

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I am one of Larry's cousins from Brandon, We had the pleasure of having him here for a short while as he worked at CKX.  He went on to CKY and then went on to start his own company.  Larry was always a very interesting dynamic man and he will  be greatly missed.  Our hearts go out to his family.❤

Lyle Frieen

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

So sad to hear the news of the passing of ‘Clancy’. He was funny, witty, and insightful but it never seemed to get to his head. I remember clearly his response to a question in David Voth’s English class in Grade XII when Clancy responded “Empty casks sound loudest.” That was his motto. He was a great actor with a voice gifted from the gods. I too was in the caste of Little Women at the Steinbach Collegiate Institute and Clarence was the absolute star! What a loss.   Lyle Friesen

Jonathan van Dyck

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I’ll miss talking photography and travel with him. Comparing stories and hearing about his adventures was always something I looked forward to. 

Shaun Roemich

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Larry took this kid from the North End of Winnipeg on some incredible journeys to Brazil, Jamaica, Germany and India to tell some important stories.  I feel blessed to have had the chance to be involved in these projects as a video journalist (Larry always gave us news photographers credit where credit was due) as well as his go-to guy for many years on all things technical.  I never thought I'd miss the terrible Dad Jokes Larry would leave me with as I sat down to edit in his basement edit suite but I've shared many of them with friends and given credit to Larry, for better or worse.  Thank you, my friend, for expanding my world view.  I miss our beer in rural Germany after missing our turn off on the Autobahn three times in a row.  "Isn't that our hotel... Again?". Thank you Larry.  You are missed.

Thomas Niel Mirus

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Worked with Larry back in the late 80's.  He was doing a story on Poaching and Natural Resource Officers plus additional spin off stories.   All that work he did and by golly ........he got it right on.  A pleasure to work with. More like a partner riding with you.
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