Larry Koshney passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at the age of 86 years old. His lifelong love, Mary, was at his side, as they were their entire 59 years of marriage.
Larry will live on in the hearts of his wife Mary; and his three children, Abby (Anna), Shane (Vanessa) and Tara (Lance) Petersen. Grandpa Larry will also be remembered by his grandchildren, who were everything to him: Desiree, Deven (Katie), Dustin (Brianna), Kyle, Ryan, Mitch, Dan, Shea, Joelle, Quinn and Hayden. Larry was blessed to have three great grandchildren, with another on the way. Leaving before Larry was his daughter Kerry and her precious daughter Ketsy.
Larry was born and raised in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan with his six siblings. After high school Larry joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, and proudly served as an Airman stationed with the UN. Following his service, Larry obtained a degree in Education at the University of Lethbridge and there, he met the love of his life, Mary. Shortly after marriage in 1964, Larry and Mary moved to Stavely, where Larry began his teaching career. In 1968 Larry, newly a coach, led the girls high school basketball team to win a provincial championship. Larry proudly spent 29 years teaching in Stavely, and was principal for the majority of those, retiring in 1993. Larry believed in all of his students and strived to foster both creativity and critical thinking. His math tests often contained brain teasers to his delight and often to the horror of his students. To honour Larry and his contributions, the Town of Stavely designated a street to hereafter be named “Koshney Way”.
Larry had many passions in life. After retirement, he loved to build and in particular he loved woodworking, including crafting intricate wood toys. His days were often spent building things for his grandchildren, or simply playing with them. Water fights (grandpa vs all grandkids), playing basketball, badminton, campfires and movie nights in the bunk room he built just for them. Larry also loved to fish (St. Mary’s was forever in his heart), and to play cards. Time spent at the Golden Age Centre in Stavely and weekly bridge tournaments were high on his list. Taking care of his yard and feeding the birds to his last days.
The family thanks all and asks in lieu of flowers that donations be considered to the Stavely Golden Age Centre, Box 249, Stavely, AB, T0L 1Z0 or the Claresholm & District Health Foundation – Palliative Care, Box 2638, Claresholm, AB, T0L 0T0.
Larry touched many lives, but just as many touched his.
Messages of condolence for the family can be emailed to condolences@prairierosecfs.ca