It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Larry Thomas Thorburn on Monday, August 31 in Kimberley, BC.

Larry was born in Regina in 1955 and spent his childhood between Regina and Saskatoon. After moving to Calgary to attend SAIT, he built a life there, raising his children and joining the Calgary Fire Department in 1982. In 1994, he met Ellen on a blind date arranged by a fellow firefighter. Larry proudly served with the department for 31 years, retiring as Captain in 2013 and leaving with lifelong friendships.

Following their retirements, Larry and Ellen moved full-time to their favourite mountain town, Kimberley, BC. There, they have been surrounded by an incredible community of friends and family, with their favourite outdoor activities at their doorstep.

Larry had a great sense of humour and was quick to plan a prank or laugh at one of his own dad jokes. He was happiest when surrounded by friends and family, doing the things he loved. Whether skiing, hiking, biking, traveling, walking someone’s dog, picking berries, going for a paddle, sharing a great meal, playing with his grandsons, settling into a game of crib, or listening to live music, Larry preferred to enjoy it all with his favourite people by his side.

Larry had a gift for making people feel special and cared for; he was generous with his time and his smile. He was often found helping as a snow angel, cheering on the Dynamiters and the future hockey stars; his great-nephews. He was always volunteering at community events and ski races, baking treats to share, and lending a hand as the class parent or coach when the kids were young. That same warmth extended to the many strangers he would strike up genuine conversations with.

Larry was a proud son, brother, dad, husband, uncle, friend, and most recently grandpa. He is survived by his best friend and wife, Ellen Owens, his son, Tyler; his daughters, Krista McLeod (Ethan) and Jenn Hunter (Eric Lariviere); his grandsons, Hunter, and Owen; his stepsister, Joan Matthews, his brothers-in-law, Don Semenchuk and Ron Owens (Leta); his outlaws, Gerry and Di Semenchuk, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Larry was predeceased by his sisters, Lynne Semenchuk and Pam van Vugt; niece Jessica, nephew Lee, his mother, Ruth; and his father, Augustus.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please consider a donation in Larry’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society.

A celebration honouring Larry’s well-lived life will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Triwood Community Association – 2244 Chicoutimi Dr NW, Calgary. Casual attire is welcome.

We hope to offer a livestream and recording of Larry’s service for friends and family who are unable to attend in person. Please click the following link to view youtube.com/live/8goppifnJe4?feature=share

An Open House Afternoon Tea in celebration of Larry’s well-lived life will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 1-4 PM, at the Kimberley Nordic Club – 840 N Star Drive Kimberley, BC.

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