September 22, 1956 – January 30, 2021
It is with fond memories and heavy hearts, that we announce the passing of Larry Dwayne Guenter at the age of 64.
Larry was a much loved son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. His optimistic spirit will be carried on by those who were nearest to him: spouse Connie Guenter, children Kelsey (Mitchell) Fehr and Cole (Jillian) Guenter, grandchildren Anders Fehr and Gracelyn and Ava Guenter.
He will also be dearly missed by his mother Elizabeth Guenter and sisters Sharlene Raffard, Joanne (Rodney) Sawatzky and Bonnie Guenter (Denis Joyal), along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
As a child, Larry gained a reputation for his large appetite and gourmet school lunches packed by his mother. He was accordingly nicknamed ‘Lunchbucket’. Through his teen years Larry became a gifted athlete, playing every available school and community sport. He especially enjoyed the competitive nature and team camaraderie that accompanied his hometown Hague senior men’s hockey and fastball teams. His desire to defeat rival towns and build meaningful locker room relationships continued long past his playing days, as he volunteered his time and skills as a hockey and fastball coach as well as a community leader in the area of sports and recreation.
One memorable sports moment came during the lead-up to the 1988 Olympic Games in Calgary, AB, when Larry proudly carried the Olympic torch for a one-kilometre stretch en route to the famous flame’s final destination in Calgary’s McMahon Stadium.
Larry married Connie (Unruh) Guenter on July 10, 1987. Given Larry’s passion for sports, it is no surprise that Larry and Connie met while curling in the Hague arena. In 1991, Larry and Connie were blessed with twins – Kelsey and Cole.
Larry only ever had one occupation: farming. As the oldest child in his family, he eagerly helped on the farm from a young age and was actively involved in more than 50 harvest seasons. In fact, when asked about his work he often referred to farming as more of a joy than a job.
In the summer of 2020, Larry was diagnosed with cancer. Due to Larry’s strong determination and God’s design, he persevered through his final crop year and was able to say goodbye to friends and family the way he wanted to.
On January 30, 2021, Larry peacefully left this world to be with God. He passed away in the only location that ever felt like a true resting place for Larry, his family farm, surrounded by his wife and children.
Larry’s celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those who have reached out in support since Larry’s passing. A special thanks is also extended to Pastor Richard Engel for his spiritual guidance and prayer, as well as the physicians at Rosthern Clinic, the home care nurse, the doctors and staff of the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, and the RUH Oncology unit, where Larry became affectionately known as ‘Larry the Legend’.
The Legend lives on in our hearts.
Arrangements entrusted to Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK
Very beautiful tribute to Larry. We are thinking of you Connie and family. So sorry for your loss.
What a wonderful tribute in this memorial, Connie. I am fondly remembering fun times with Larry at social gatherings of Rosthern Medical Clinic and feel very out of the loop in retirement as I was unaware of his illness before I saw the obituary in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix.
Dear Connie, Cole, Kelsey, mother Elizabeth and sister’s we are praying for you. We are so sorry for your loss. With love Terry and Darla Thiessen.
My condolences to you Connie and family. Larry will be missed but trust you will find comfort in the many memories you shared. May God be your strength at all times.
To Connie and family,
We are so very saddened by Larry’s passing. Larry was such a great guy with a spontaneous laugh. He left this world far too soon.. His powerful strength through it all and his Hope and Faith never ceased.
I had a couple of great telephone conversations with Larry. He was always so very up beat and so positive. When at the end of the line, I silently ached for him.
Connie and family, God’s Grace is surrounding you all during this time. Let it be a comfort to you as you grieve your loss.
God Bless you all.
Janice and John Wiebe
Our deepest sympathy to you Connie and all the family. Larry always wore a smile and was always friendly to everyone he met. Our hearts go out to you.
Connie, to you and your family I extend my heartfelt sympathies. It is very hard to lose someone so young with so much potential yet to be….My thoughts are with you.
Gerarda Kaye Doane
Our deepest condolences to uncle Larry’s family. As his Godchild, I have amazing memories of my Godfather. Mostly at Christmas at the Hague Lutheran Church. I am forever grateful that he was able to meet my daughter, and to celebrate with us at our wedding. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him.
My deepest sympathy to you, Connie, and to Kelsey and Mitchel, Cole and Jillian and the extended family. Larry is a special man who will long remain in my memory! May you find peace and strength at this time of unspeakable sorrow!
Our condolences Connie, Cole, Kelsey and families, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Connie, Laura and I were honoured when you and Larry asked us to be God parents to Cole, it allowed our families to spend so many special times together.
There are 2 things that immediately came to mind when I thought of Larry. First his love of chocolate, especially the Costco chocolate chips and how he watched the beginning of so many movies, but could stay awake to see the end.
He was a great friend and human being, I think Larry the Legend sums him up the best.
Doug & Laura
My condolences Connie and to all of the family near and far. In time I am sure you will be comforted by many fond and loving memories. I had not seen Larry in a long time but now thoughts flow back to times spent on the farm when we were children. I was a city kid from Saskatoon. A summer visit with cousins at the farm near Hague was a wonderful thing. I am sad at the news of Larry’s passing but so happy to have these memories.
Our deepest sympathies to Connie and her family. We had the pleasure of spending time with Larry at many events. He was a kind humble man. Loved by all.
It hurts my heart to see what Larry ,like so many other cancer patients, had to go through, to finally gain peace.
May God give all of you as family, the strength to persevere through this sad time.
Having known Larry, my guess is that he’d want you to live as he did, enjoying every minute God gave him.
Blessings to you.
Our condolences to you Connie, and to your family.
Greg and Ramona Kerber
My condolences to Connie and her family on the passing of Larry. He was such
a nice man .I was involved in income tax preparation for the family and the Farm. He was so easy to work with and always had the records in great shape.
He will be surely missed.
.
Connie and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief and transition. Larry was a wonderful man, his easy going manner and gentle personality will missed by all who knew him. Take care.
Trinity Lutheran Church Rosthern will always remember the wise encouraging words shared by Larry at its AGM – a great man, firm in his faith
Our condolences to Connie and family.
Larry was a highly respected, compassionate, fair and forward thinking gentleman. Loved on earth and now an eternal guest in Heaven.
Our condolences Connie and family.
Larry the Legend will never be forgotten in the hearts of all his nurses on 6100 Oncology. Until we meet again. My condolences to your family left behind
My deepest sympathy Connie and family! May God be with you all at this very difficult time! My thoughts are with you . May the precious memories help you get through this sad time!
Our condolences go out to Connie and family
To Connie Guenter family:
Our thoughts are with you. May you somehow get comforted during this quiet time.
Larry gave me some great memories:
From getting to know him by delivering fuel to the JEL Farms, to playing hockey against and with Larry.
One instance: As I drove the bus back from Beatty after a provincial hockey game, I can hear Larry’s sincere laughter coming from the back of the bus. Friends laughing together!
Larry always had a genuine smile and took the time to talk.
I considered Larry a good friend.
May you find comfort in the tough days ahead
Wish there were better times so we could participate and celebrate Larry’s life.
Eldrid Phyllis Roth
My condolences Connie and family on Larry’s passing. Treasure your memories. Sincerely, Diane Fehr