Lawrence (Larry) Paul Demchuk passed away peacefully on January 2, 2003 at the age of 53 years. He was a loving husband, father, brother, son, grandpa and friend.
His smile was infectious and he could light up a room with his caring heart. He was a courageous man who fought through many hardships, giving strength and courage to all that had the pleasure to get to know him.
He was born February 23, 1949 in Canora, Sask. to Nick and Jean Demchuk. He fell in love with Caryl, his little red riding hood in the summer of ‘66 and were later united in marriage on September 9, 1967. They raised four children together, filling their home with love and laughter. He worked in construction for many years as a labourer and foreman. On March 10, 1990 a vehicle accident changed his life forever; suffering a high level spinal injury he was given little hope to survive, but survive he did! Giving us many more years together, he was a resilient man who always seemed to bounce back.
He and Caryl loved to travel as much as they could. Driving and vacationing throughout the Okanagan and Caribou. He loved to cruise in his wheelchair and spent much of his summers on the shores of Harrison Lake picnicking with his loved ones.
He was an avid Canuck fan, enjoyed The Price is Right, and the BCTV News. He enjoyed a good cup of coffee sometimes two and all the good food Caryl cooked.
He had a passion for horses, antique cars, country music and sang like a superstar. He loved each of his grandchildren and the love was returned. He was a “good grandpa’’ who often drove them around snuggling them into his footrest.
He lived his life full of love. He missed his Caryl’s love so much; he is now embracing her in heaven. He will be sadly missed and always remembered.
Larry leaves behind his children, Sherry (Frank) Hunter, Teresa (Colin McLean) Demchuk, Dean (Lisa McKay) Demchuk, and Christina (John) Campbell; his mother Jean (Demchuk) Spencer; grandma Homeniuk; a sister Judy Redekopp; a brother Ron (Barbara) Demchuk and their families; his grandchildren, Ashley, Clinton, and Jake Hunter; William, Nicholas, and Jonathon Demchuk; Devon, Miranda Campbell; and brothers and sisters-in-law.
He is predeceased by his wife Caryl Demchuk; his father Nick Demchuk; grandparents; and his mother and father-in-law, Jim and Evelyn Bell.
A Celebration of his Life and memorial service will be held at the Salvation Army Community Church on January 10, 2003 at 2 p.m. with Major Don Law officiating.
Should family and friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory may be made to a memorial bench trust fund at HSBC “The Estate of Larry Demchuk’’.