Larry James BLAYLOCK
Oct.14, 1941 - Oct. 11, 2024
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Larry James Blaylock announce his passing just shy of his 83rd birthday. After suffering from a very bad fall on October 7th, Larry was admitted to the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg where he passed away peacefully four days later with his family by his side.
Larry was born to Gladys and Harry Blaylock on October 14, 1941 in Swan River, MB. He left the farm at the age of 16 to work for the Department of Highways, working in The Pas, Flin Flon, and Thompson. After a few years, he returned home to the Lavender District near Bowsman to try his hand at farming, then returned to the Highways Department in Arborg.
In January of 1964, Larry and his good friends went on a road trip to Winnipeg and it was on this trip that he met his soulmate, Audrey Carson. They were married on June 12, 1965 in Langruth, MB and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this coming summer.
For what was to be a brief period, Larry was transferred with the Highways Department to Portage la Prairie, which ultimately turned into 36 years. He worked diligently for the Province for a total of 42 years, also working periodically in Glenella, Plumas, Jackhead, Brandon and Springstein.
Larry was a “Jack of all trades” and a master of many. He could fix anything and was known by all as a helpful handyman. He loved sports. He played broomball and curled from a young age. One year he made it out of Zones in Swan River to compete in the Manitoba curling playdowns in Winnipeg. He played baseball in Manitoba, Texas and Arizona during his retirement. He also enjoyed playing cards, gardening, and loved watching his Toronto Blue Jays, hockey, and curling on T.V. There was a time when he never missed a Portage Terriers game and he served on their Executive.
Larry was a quiet, gentle, kind, calm, helpful and humorous person. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke it was with a down-home kind of wisdom. He had a sense of humour right up until the end, cracking the odd joke or teasing the nurses.
Left to mourn his passing are his dedicated and loving wife, Audrey, and his two daughters, Sheri Blaylock of Portage and Lori Blaylock of Cochrane, AB, with grandson Aidan Wilson (Lily Keays) of Edmonton, AB. Larry also leaves behind his eldest brother, Lorne Blaylock (Patricia) of Swan River, his youngest “bro,” Calvin Blaylock of Stony Plain, AB, sister-in-law, Esther Blaylock of Vernon, BC, cousins, and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind numerous teammates, friends and his faithful canine companion, Buddy, is also missing him dearly.
Larry was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Gladys, brother Robert, and his in-laws, William and Leona Carson.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s la Prairie Anglican Church, led by Rev. John Dolloff, located at 36 – 2nd Street S.W. Portage la Prairie.
You’ve made it to home plate; you will be sorely missed. Rest easy.
The family is gratefully declining flowers but if so desired, donations can be made St. Mary’s la Prairie Anglican Church, 36 – 2nd St. SW, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 2A1, Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8 or the Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 - 5th St. SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3A8.
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.