It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we wish to announce the passing of Larry Bowness of Enderby, BC, on June 5th. Born October 8, 1953, he passed away at home, following a most courageous seven month battle with lung cancer. He fought so hard and never complained and when talking about it would always say, “What is, is.” His heart gave out but his will and his mind never would have. His last day was spent attending Kris’s graduation and a prouder Dad, there never was.
He is survived by Leslie, his loving wife of 28 years; his son Steve (Lindy) and his sweet granddaughter, Remi, of Red Deer, AB and his son Kris (Jen) of Kelowna, BC. He also leaves his parents, Hazel and Sumner Bowness of Peers, AB and his sister Darleen (Dan) Burkinshaw of Stettler, AB and nephew Michael; as well as in-laws, Ed and Ann Barbazuk of Edson, AB.
Larry was pre-deceased by Osama Bin Ladin and The Oprah Show.
He was raised in Peers, on the family farm, and after graduating, went to work in the NWT, an experience that he remembered fondly all his adult life. He and his Dad started Boss Truck Service, hauling water and oil for many years before expanding into oil production and then building Cutbank Oil Treatment Facility at Niton Junction. After selling the cleaning plant in 1997, Larry spent the next few years managing the Edson offices of Total Oilfield Rentals and then Formula Trucking, spending the summer months at Mara Lake, BC at our summer cabin. In the spring of 2004 he bid farewell to Edson and moved to BC, which was his dream come true. He owned and operated a Snap On Tool Truck and enjoyed the work, as well as the social side of his route, which took him from Chase to Revelstoke. After purchasing most every tool made by Snap On he sold the truck and co-owned Custom Cut Machines in Salmon Arm where he worked until it was sold in the fall of 2010.
Larry loved … so many things. First and foremost, his family. He was so proud of his boys and their girls, and often said that we were all he needed to be happy. He loved fast boats and fast cars and spent many hours on the McLeod River in his riverboat. When he was young he purchased a 40 Chevy from his grandpa and when the time (and finances!) were right, he rebuilt it - a project he shared with Kris - and loved touring the interior of BC in it. His passion was sledding and the most enjoyable days of his life were spent in the mountains on his sled, spending time with two of his best friends. His mechanical knowledge was self taught and extensive, and he could often be found in his shop tearing a motor or sled apart and showing anyone who wanted to learn how to put it back together. He loved watching programs about things that he had done in his life that brought back many fond memories.
Larry was a good man, a wonderful husband - second to none - an amazing father and a loyal friend. His knowledge has been passed on to so many people and he will be fondly remembered for the many laughs and good times that he brought to all around him.
Thank-you to all of you that supported us in every way through this difficult time. We appreciated each and everything so much.
Lar, you left us far too soon, but we know you tried so hard. We will never forget you and never stop loving you. Thank-you for a wonderful life.
Where there is great love, miracles happen Where there is sunshine, smiles appear Where there are rainbows, hope springs eternal All of these ours, because you were here.
At Larry’s request there will be no funeral, but a get together is planned for family and friends at the Edson Legion on June 18th at 1:00.pm
In lieu of flowers charitable donations would be appreciated to The McMurtry/Baerg Cancer Centre,C/o Vernon Jubilee Hospital, 2101-32 Street, Vernon BC, V1T 5L2
E-mail condolence can be sent through Larry’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com