Larry Erwin Klein
1941 July 31 – 2023 Nov 14
It is with much sadness that we share the passing of Larry Erwin Klein on November 14, 2023. He was the beloved husband of 58 years to Lynda, cherished father to Michael (Tina), Jacquelyn (Michael), Carmen (Ryan) and Tamara (John) and adored grandpa and bubba to Darien, Megan, Emily, Erinn, Cate, Jake, Patrick and Jack.
Our dad was born on July 31st,1941 and raised on the family farm near Melfort, Saskatchewan, growing up with his brother Denny, cousin Bob and good friend Gerald. His mom, Irene, was a teacher and writer; his dad, Erv, was a farmer, stockman, hunter, fisherman, trapper, mechanic, carpenter and pretty much anything else associated with life on the land. From them, he learned how to work hard, waste not and be an all-around decent person.
While working the farm on break from engineering studies, he signed up for pilot lessons on a whim, having never been in an airplane in his life. Those solo hours in the sky sparked what became his life-long love of aviation, and he left school, joining the Air Force as a navigator to fly full time and see the world.
At a posting in Rivers, Manitoba, Dad met our mom, a teacher on the base, and married her 11 months later on his birthday, which was, in his words, the ‘best birthday present ever’. With Mom, and their growing family in tow, they lived the nomadic military lifestyle with home always being where his family was.
After twenty-five years in the military, ‘the best possible job in the world’ as Dad called it, and facing another transfer, this time with 4 teenagers in tow, he decided to ‘take one for the team’, hung up his flight suit and took a job with Transport Canada where he remained until he retired.
In retirement, Dad continued to see the world with Mom and good friends. He also took much satisfaction in his workshop to create something incredible out of an old pile of wood. However, his greatest source of pride was his family, and he rarely missed an opportunity to spend time with them.
He is forever our greatest champion, and we miss him more than words can say.
We would like to thank friends and family for their kind words, visits and support to Mom and Dad over the last few months. Thank you also to the oncology care team at the Ottawa General Hospital.
A celebration of Dad’s life will be held at the Orleans United Church, 1111 Orleans Boulevard, on Friday, December 1st at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Ajay Bucktowar
Melodie & Tom Campbell
Dearest Tami, John, Patrick and Jack,
Our deepest condolences to you. May your beautiful memories sustain and bring you comfort during this difficult time.
May God bless you and your family during this time and always.
Rilla and Peter Prince
Larry had a wonderful sense of humour and great smile. He talked about his flying days and travels with the Air Force and his family. Carmen asked him to write down his thoughts in answer to various questions this past year. His words were made into a book which became a very interesting read and a special keepsake for his family. He has been a wonderful father in law to our son and is missed by us all.
Karim & Lorraine Alexan
Dear Mike, Tina, Darien and the Klein Family:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. In time, may the memories of a wonderful man bring you comfort and smiles. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lorraine and Karim Alexan
Barb and Roland Andersson
Our sincerest sympathy on the loss of Larry. It was always a pleasure to have Larry, Lynda and family as neighbours. May you hold his memory close and remember the good times.
David & Joanne Roberts
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult period of mourning. We are sorry for your loss and wish to express my heartfelt condolences.
Yvonne Morkos
Tami, Jackie, my sincere condolences to you, your siblings, your mom and your loved ones. May you find courage and resilience in this period of mourning.
Sue and Mac Johnston
Lynda and Family please accept our condolences on the passing of Larry. You will always have those memories of him in your heart.
Mac and Sue Johnston
Pierre and Linda Pelletier
Sending our deepest sympathies, Lynda and family. We couldn't have had better next door neighbours for 28 years than you two. What with Covid and our own move a year after your move, we had to be content with keeping up on FaceBook and I always enjoyed Larry's posts. His sense of humour on those posts was very apparent. We've thought of you two often and will see you on Dec. 1.
Gerald
My deepest sympathies to Lynda and families.
As I sit here tonight, I can only think of our long friendship.
The Klein farm was the next farm and Larry and Denny were friends
from before I even knew the word friendship. Larry was a few months
younger.
We travel to our one room schoolhouse on bicycles in the summer and
in the winter we had the luxury of the caboose(horse type) operated
by Bob.
After high school we parted directions as he when into the air force,
but always keep in touch when our paths crossed.
I remember a visit to Rivers were he talks about meeting a teacher.
A while later I got the wedding invitation. 50 years later I was able
to attend their 50th.
For the past few year E-mail has been the method, but planned another
trip east. When something like this happen it makes one think of their
priorities and stop thinking I can do it next year.
Gerald
What a rich career and life Larry had. He was a real family man. Heartfelt condolence to all.