Lawrence “Larry” Macklem
February 9, 1952 – March 17, 2022
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the Vermilion Bay Lions Hall with Alice Bloomfield officiating.
Interment will take place at a later date.
On Thursday, March 17th 2022, Lawrence Rae Macklem, born in 1952 in Fort Frances, Ontario to Marjorie and Milford Rae, died peacefully at his home on Blue Lake. His last day was a good one, he puttered about the house and the yard working on projects… digging a hole in the ice for fishing with his grandson, snowshoeing and making chili. Pleased with his work, Larry enjoyed supper with his wife Nancy (Dzeoba) and then he fell asleep downstairs in his chair. He never woke up.
It’s a bit hard to believe. I think we all just figured he would always be there.
Larry was indefatigably positive. He was a dynamo, a leprechaun, a unicorn… A complex thinker who challenged and engaged everyone around him in his warm and unpretentious way. Always thinking of others, Larry could be counted on to make sure that his family and friends got what they needed. Notably he often wasn’t shy about telling us what he thought we needed. Sometimes it was hard to get a word in edgewise.
An incredibly smart man, he was a computer pioneer. Graduating from the University of Manitoba in 1974 he worked at customs and excise in Ottawa and then with potash in Saskatchewan before moving to Winnipeg to work with the MB government in various departments as a computer systems analyst. His was a mind that could think around a problem and build solutions. He was proud of his accomplishments in work.
Outgoing, energetic, curious, friendly, resourceful, helpful, and charitable. Larry lived life to the fullest. He made friends wherever he went, loved to travel, and see the world. He had a lifelong fascination with flying. Larry was happiest being outdoors and especially being on the lake with a fishing rod in hand. He felt he won the lottery of life, retiring in northwestern Ontario and mucking around with all of his projects.
Larry loved a good political argument and engaged with anyone who was willing. He worried about the world and tenaciously talked about it. Larry never looked away.
We can remember Larry swimming in the sunset or sitting serenely in his boat or mischievously giggling across the table or walking purposefully towards some project he was working on.
We mourn for our Larry. He was a devoted husband, a supportive father, doting grandfather and loving son. He was a big part of our lives. He did such a good job at providing for the people he cared for. He will be missed.
Larry joined the Masonic lodge and was passionate about carrying on the tradition of the order. From boy scout leader in Saskatoon to his time working with the Lions in Vermillion Bay he always stayed active and got involved in his community.
We have heard from many of his friends and relations this week and we’ve laughed and cried and really enjoyed their kind words and memories. We are grateful that he had such good friends.
Larry is survived by Nancy, his wife of 48 years, daughter Kari and son Patrick, grandson Keith, mother Marjorie, sister Marilyn, sister in law Julie, cousin Scott, nephew Matthew and others who were in his heart.
Donations may be made to the Lions Club Vermilion Bay or Canadian Cancer Research Alliance through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca or sent to ndzeoba@gmail.com
