Aug. 26, 1924 - Dec. 25, 2014
The Bakken family mourns the passing of our husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Larry Bakken on December 25, 2014.
Larry was born on Aug. 26, 1924 in Lintlaw, Saskatchewan and recently celebrated his 90th birthday with his family.
Larry had great pleasure in telling his friends that he went to 14 schools in three Provinces in 12 years. His last three years were spent attending King Edward High School in Vancouver.
Upon graduation Larry joined the Canadian Army and served in the Royal Canadian Regiment. He was shipped Overseas and soon saw action in Italy where he was wounded crossing the Naviglio River. As soon as Larry recovered he was shipped to Holland where his Regiment helped liberate the city of Apeldoorn. Larry proudly travelled back to Apeldoorn to celebrate the 40th, 45th & 50th anniversaries of the Liberation of Holland. Larry was an avid military collector throughout his years and a member of the Military Collector’s Club of Canada.
Upon his return from Overseas, he went to Chase to spend time with his mother, Thelma Quinton. The town of Chase put on a dance for the returning Veterans and it was there that Larry met Jenny Larson, with whom he was to spend the next 66 years.
Larry and Jenny moved to Forest Grove where they lived for 49 years and were in the Sawmill and Logging business. It was there that their three children, Dennis, Vicki and Lori were born. Larry was very involved with the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 261 and was a proud Charter and Life Member. Larry was heavily involved in working and volunteering to help make his community a better place for others.
In 1990 Larry and Jenny moved to Kamloops where they enjoyed their years and made many friends. During their retirement, they spent 25 years in the sun in Arizona and Mexico and made many trips overseas. Larry was also a life member of the Kamloops Old Time Fiddlers.
Larry was predeceased by his daughter Vicki and son-in-law, Andy and his brother Vince.
Larry is survived by his son Dennis (Tegwyn), daughter Lori (Ole), grandchildren, Jennifer, Kelly, Matthew, Curtis, Jacey, Mitchell and Megan and great-grandchildren Talia, Ashton, Elliot and Isla.
Our family would like to extend our thanks to Dr. Bruce Newmarch. As well as to the caregivers of Ridgeview Lodge (Orchard) for their compassionate care they gave to Larry. A special thank you to Marianne, Danielle, Anneli and Jennica of the Home First program- what would we have done without you?
In memory of Larry, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC, 405-235 1st Ave, Kamloops, V2C 3J4.
** With hope that there may someday be a cure **
Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
The years may wipe out many things,
But this they’ll wipe out never
The memory of the bygone days
When we were both together.
(Anonymous)