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Shockingly, Wednesday, November 6, 2024, after a brief illness, Lukas and I had to say goodbye to Dad/Larry. He was the love of my life. I am so blessed to have been able to share 40 years of marriage with him. He will be enormously missed by family, church family, friends, colleagues, students and everybody he met.
Our loss is Heaven's gain. Love you lots. Till we meet again. ❤️

Larry was born and raised on a Dairy Farm, Ochre River, Manitoba. He attended Roxton School for Grade 1-3, Ochre River School Grade 4-8, then on to Dauphin for Grade 9-12. He obtained his Certificate in Adult Education as well as his Diploma in Vocational Industrial Teacher Education. Larry also held the Inter-provincial Journeyman's Status Professional Cooking.

"In 1974, I began my journey in this wonderful career as a Culinary Arts student in Dauphin, Manitoba. After High School I worked at a couple of hotels, a bakeshop and ran my own restaurant for five years. I much admired my mentor Chef George Pongoski and desired to teach cooking. That opportunity came in 1983 as I became a Culinary Arts Instructor in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. In 1986 I moved to Brandon to teach at Crocus Plains High School. I am so proud and gratified in the accomplishments of so many of my students over the years as many have excelled in the Culinary Arts. I have enjoyed writing for several publications and meeting so many fine chefs over the years."

Larry was an active member at First Baptist Church, Brandon. He was a Lifetime Member of the Canadian Federation of Chefs de Cuisine. Over the years, he belonged to the German Society, was a Board Member for Assiniboine Community College Foundation, Canadian Chef Educators' Association, Brandon and District Chefs and Cooks Association, Vocational Industrial Association and the Child and Family Services Board.

In October of 2002, Larry was a Member of the Kitchen Brigade for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's VIP Dinner at the Manitoba Legislature. Four times Larry travelled to Germany for the Culinary Olympics. In 2008, he competed and received a Silver Medal. In 2012, 2016 and 2020, Larry was Team Manager and the Teams placed in the Medals.

Larry retired in 2013. He enjoyed being a Landscape Laborer, Elections Manitoba Facilitator for Workshops in Schools and Substitute Teacher. In 2018 he really retired to enjoy cooking, eating, reading, taking the dog to the dog park, history and travelling. He also had a membership at the YMCA where he enjoyed visiting with friends there. I cannot say with certainty how many swimming laps he actually did.

Larry is survived by his loving wife Virginia and their son Lukas and his girlfriend Kora.
Brother Keith & Donna, their children Brad (Linnea, their children Emrie, Eloise, Luna) Bobbie (Dean, their children Levi, Jude, Aubree, Emma). Sister Carolyn & Rejean Picard, their children Patricia (Stefan, their children Jade, Sutton, Haynes), Erik (Rachel, their children Gwen, Leon), Patrick (Jana), Dominic (Melissa).
Sister Judy & Keith Campbell, their children Kristine (Steven, their children Noah, Fraser), Jamie (Tyler)
As well as Uncles and Aunts.Brothers-in-law: Dave Lewycky & family, Orest (Delores) Lewycky & family, and Aaron Lewycky.Sisters-in-law: Bernice (Barry) Boyechko, and Lois Lewycky.

Larry was predeceased by his parents Leonard and Erma DeVries, Uncles, Aunts, nephew Daniel Picard as well as his parents-in-law Michael and Tillie Lewycky and brother-in-law Laverne Lewycky.

A private family Graveside Committal will be held prior to the service.
Pallbearers: Brad DeVries, Erik Picard, Patrick Picard, Dominic Picard, Joshua Cantlon, Patrick Hudson.
Please consider yourself an Honorary Pallbearer.

A time of visitation will take place at First Baptist Church, 3881 Park Ave, Brandon, MB on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Funeral Service will take place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, 205 20th Street, Brandon, MB on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow.

Thank you to the Brandon Hospital Emergency Staff and Intensive Care Unit Team for their care of Larry.
Lukas and I really appreciate the many texts and messages of people praying and thinking of us as well as the many Facebook posts and tributes of Larry aka Mr. D.

Donations in memory of Larry may be made to a charity of choice.