Obituary of Lawrence "Larry" Chambers

CHAMBERS: It is with profound sadness that we announce that Lawrence "Larry" Joseph Chambers passed away in Brandon, Manitoba on Wednesday, February 26th, 2020 at the age of 78 years. Larry was born January 14th, 1942 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and spent the first 7 years of his life with Mom and Dad farming in the Pine Creek/Austin, Manitoba area before settling in Austin, Manitoba in 1949. It was in Austin where Larry went to both Elementary and High School except for one year that the family spent in Southern Ontario. Larry would work that year in the Tobacco fields and in a Bowling Alley and the trip to Ontario would come to define his work ethic for the remainder of his days. He would talk often about how hard the work was. While in Austin, Larry would also work for Wanderers Paradise, as well as for the Thresherman's Reunion. Larry, of course, wasn't always about work during these years. He had other interests including playing baseball/softball during the summers and curling during the winters. Curling was a favourite sport of his and he would play as time and life permitted. In later years, both he and Carol would watch curling throughout the winter. It was something they both enjoyed and always looked forward to it every year. In 1963, Larry met the love of his life, Carol McDougall, and they were married on November 9th of that year in Carol's hometown of MacGregor, Manitoba. First residing in Winnipeg, working initially as a carpenter before moving to Carter Motors, Atkinson Motors in Neepawa, and then to Brandon where he would take on a role with Canadian Motors. He would spend the majority of his career with Canadian Motors, first as a Client Service Rep for the Parts Department, then as a Parts Salesman and then finishing his career as the Manager of the Parts Department. He knew the parts catalog inside out and could recite part numbers from memory. He had an excellent way with details and a habit of always checking things twice that would come to serve him well throughout his life. In 1971, the family moved to Alexander, Manitoba where Larry, along with Carol, made a home for their family for the next 25 years. Many Christmases were hosted in Alexander with friends, family and extended family, becoming fond memories that were recalled for years to come. Larry always enjoyed Christmas and loved loading up the tree for the kids just to watch the wonderment on Christmas morning. He carried this tradition on for his grandkids in later years. He always seemed to relive his youth at Christmas and relished it. Larry very much enjoyed his life in Alexander, spending summers in the backyard with friends and family, playing cards around the kitchen table or having fires until the early morning. It was during the summer in Alexander that Larry never felt fenced in and could relax under the starry skies above with a fire in front of him. Watching the Northern Lights or looking for shooting stars were often a favourite past time. Barbeques were also an essential part of the summer in Alexander and there were summers where the bbq was used around the clock. It was always Larry's job to take care of the bbq and he delighted in planning and preparing for it. The lawn was always another favourite hobby of Larry's and he was always very proud of it, enjoyed taking care of it, and was always grooming it so it was well manicured. In 1997, after the kids had finished school and moved on to build their own lives, Larry and Carol made the move to Brandon, where they would reside for their retirement. It was in Brandon where the grandkids grew up with Larry. He enjoyed being Grandpa and was always stocked up with gummie drops and chocolate bars. The grandkids were his friends and he was theirs. Campouts with Grandpa were a common occurrence and the kids always enjoyed getting blankets out, pillows ready, and treats gathered to camp out on the living room floor to watch movies until everyone was fast asleep. Grandpa always seemed to be first. He was always known for his head locks that he swore no one could get out of (but always did), his attempts at speaking Chinese, and let's not forget about his miniature slot machine that all of the grandkids wanted to have a go at. Larry had the opportunity to travel throughout his life and enjoyed taking trips to Las Vegas, South Dakota, Ottawa, New York, England, and various other states and cities throughout the US and Canada. Larry is predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Rosnah, and his brother Ronald (Marlene). He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Carol, two sons Larry and Shawn (Cecille), his brothers David (Donna), Alec (Susan), his grandchildren Courtney, Dylan, Brendan, and Karlyn, brother-in-law Ian McDougall (Edna), and sister-in-law Joyce McDougall-Coutts (Jim) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Donations in memory of Larry may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1379 Kenaston Blvd, Winnipeg, MB, R3P 2T5, or the charity of your choice.