October 4, 1956 – March 5, 2025 

Larry passed away on March 5, with his first-born daughter by his side as he crossed the threshold. A truly beautiful expression of honouring that which gives us life. 

Larry is predeceased by his parents, Jack and Vida, brother David and sister-in-law Marilyn. He is survived by his wife Barb, daughters Kelsea (Trevor), Justene (Brendan) and son Kael (Leah),and his two young grandsons, Leeland and Casson. 

Although separated, Larry and Barb remained close, spending holidays and family times together. 

He leaves behind sisters Cathy, Noreen (Bruce) and longtime family friend Liz. He also leaves behind nieces Elisha (Charlie), Carmen (Jordan), Charm (George), and their families. Brother-in-law Doug (Darlene), sister-in-law Kim (Chris). 

Larry was born and raised a Kamloops boy. He and his siblings had an idyllic childhood full of adventures in the sagebrush hills above their West Columbia Street home. Their house was directly below where the CFJC radio station still sits. At that time, they had the run of Sahali, which incidentally Larry’s mom, Vida, actually named. Her father, David Power, is also the name behind Powers Addition. Larry was very proud of his family connection to Kamloops past. There were always plenty of family outings around the area, giving him an appreciation for nature and the history of the region. 

Larry’s love of motorcycles started in his teens when he got his first bike and quickly became an enthusiastic member of the Kamloops riding community. He went on to take a small engines mechanics course at Cariboo College and then into a long and dedicated career at many of the motorsports shops in Kamloops, spending most of his 40-year career at RTR Performance (Ross & Terry’s Equipment) as a parts man. Larry spent his younger years organizing and partaking in bike races and group rides all over B.C. He rode in cross-country and trials competitions well into his 40’s. 

Larry’s appreciation for rural life and the outdoors were passed onto the next generation when he and Barb built the family home at Pinantan Lake in 1984, a place they were very happy and content to raise their children. Weekends were spent riding dirt bikes in the hills around Pinantan and having snowmobile adventures in the winter. Camping trips all around Southern B.C. are some of the most treasured family memories, as Larry loved exploring his home province and sharing that with his kids. 

Larry only got to be “Grampa” for a few years, but in that time, he proved to be such a fun loving and playful grandparent to his grandboys, Leeland Arthur and Casson Lawrence. They will miss him dearly. 

Always up for an adventure, Larry knew just about every trail and dirt road in the Kamloops area. Whether he was riding one of his motorcycles or enjoying a mountain lake, his connection to the land was present. A history buff at heart, he loved learning about the past of the places he explored. Those who knew Larry will remember his talent for storytelling. He always had an interesting or amusing anecdote about people and places. 

Larry loved his family, motorcycles, springtime and back roads. He liked good pizza, even better steak, Dad jokes, a cold beer, good smoke, and was always down for a friendly yet heated political ‘discussion.’ His sense of humor was enormous, Larry loved to laugh. 

He leaves behind so many friends and neighbours in both Pinantan and Chase. His home in Chase was a special place. Longtime Kamloops friends, fellow workmates and RTR customers will all miss him dearly. Words from Derek Bannister summed up Larry’s racing days and years of customer service…”The power sports world lost a true champion for the sport.” We thank him for those words. 

Larry was tough and he fought hard. His most recent wish was to ‘make it’ to Spring and get one last ride in. Sadly, his battle ended too soon. We ask of his riding friends that you think of Larry while out on your Spring rides and remember the good times hitting all those trails and back roads. Get some warm sun on your faces, come home muddy as hell and then tip a few to an old friend. You were all such a big part of Larry’s life. 

In his last weeks, Larry lovingly referred to his children as his “flock” as well as recognized that the time would come when he would “fly away.” And so it is our deepest prayer that our dear Dad will fly free now. We love you so much Dad, we’ll see you on the Other Side. 

~ 

I still might run in silence 

tears of joy might stain my face 

And the summer sun might burn me ’til 

I’m blind 

But not to where I cannot see you walkin’ 

on the back roads 

By the rivers flowing gentle on my mind 

~ 

The family would like to thank Dr. Tsuchiya and Dr. Stefanyk for their kindness and compassion in caring for Larry. 

If you wish, please consider a donation to Marjorie Willoughby Hospice in Larry’s name. 

Please join us for Larry’s Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Chase Memorial Park at 1:00 p.m. 

You may offer a message of condolence at Schoening Funeral Service for the Sweet family.   

• Date : 2025-03-05
• Location : Chase