OZOG
On Sunday, January 5th, 2025, Lawrence Francis Ozog – Larry to those who knew and loved him, and of course Dad to us – passed away peacefully after a brief illness. In the days before his passing, he had support and visits from friends and family, and he left this life with both of his hands held in a room full of loved ones. Larry was 72 years old. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary Ozog in 2017 and Cecil Ozog in 2022. Larry will be missed dearly by his daughters, Amy (Patrick) and Cassie (Eric); granddaughter, Penelope; as well as countless friends.
Larry was born in Moose Jaw, SK, the eldest of seven children. He attended St. Margaret’s elementary school and graduated from Vanier Collegiate. His love of sports started early as he played both baseball and hockey with his brother Ron and was coached by his dad. He had fond memories of time with extended family members, in particular his aunt Joan who took him regularly to the movies; this inspired a love of film that he passed on to us. In high school, Larry was a member of several clubs and sports teams, most notably basketball and football. He treasured his experiences with his teammates and the camaraderie they built together, telling us stories often about their games and adventures. He remained lifelong friends with many of his teammates, staying connected to them right up until his passing.
Larry was married in 1974 and raised his family in Moose Jaw, working hard to support his daughters in every activity and adventure, whether he was a fan or not. He did not miss a game, concert, or performance. Our family went on many vacations throughout Canada and the US, but some of our best adventures were had right here at home. We have many fond memories of driving around the city and country listening to golden oldies, watching movies, and going for ice cream or Tim Horton’s after any school event. He had the ability to make even the simplest of moments a memory worth keeping.
Larry did attend the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon but returned home to Moose Jaw to work as the manager of Pascoe’s Machine Works, where he stayed for the next 52 years. He was probably known by most in this role (and we do mean known – going anywhere in Moose Jaw for a quick trip was nearly impossible as we would be delayed several times by people wanting to say hello and visit). A family business, Pascoe’s was owned by his father, Cec, and rounded out by his brother, Ron, until it closed in 2018. Larry made a point of remembering people, their stories, their jokes, and their troubles. He found a way to connect with almost everyone. There are many stories about Pascoe’s, some good, some that were not told to younger family members until they were a bit older, but it was rare for anyone to leave there in a bad mood. And regardless of the day or circumstance, Larry always looked forward to a phone call or visit from customers and friends.
Our dad was a true extrovert and loved spending time with family and friends. Retirement didn’t slow him down; instead, he went for more visits, meals out, coffees, and trips to sporting events with friends. He could be counted on regularly for phone calls and, on a new venture with technology later in life, texts. He loved video chatting with his beloved granddaughter, Penny, the newest member of his family, to whom he has left a legacy of laughter, and very big shoes to fill when it comes to a love of the game. He had no trouble making her smile whenever she came to visit him. She now wears one of his hundreds of baseball hats regularly and knows Grandpa Ozog loves her dearly. If she ever takes up baseball, we imagine she may have some extra help on the big swings.
After his family, baseball was Larry’s truest love. He followed almost every sport, but nothing ever beat baseball in his heart. Many tried to stump him with obscure baseball trivia they had to scour the internet to find, but he never missed. He forgot more about the sport than most people ever learn, and likely loved the true spirit of the game more than anyone may ever know.
Larry lived with a chronic illness that affected his mobility greatly, something that was devastating after being so active in his youth. But he found a new lease on life when he moved into Providence Place and received care, support, and encouragement to embrace life and the tools to help him do so. He was a regular in the hallways, visiting with everyone who came by, and frequently went to ball and hockey games, out for supper, to the mall, or just out for a cruise around the city. He made the best of a tough situation over the last 12 years even as more physical challenges arose. For those who loved him, we take some comfort in knowing he is no longer bound to a body that could not do what he wanted it to do, and we hope it’s a little easier now to keep up with all of those he cared about. We are grateful to the staff and care team at Providence Place who took good care of our dad and grieve alongside us.
For now, we will listen to the music he introduced us to, rewatch the movies we watched together a 100 times before, slow down when we see big machinery, try to name every truck we pass on the highway, listen to the songs the trains make at night, call our family and friends a little more often, and of course, check the scores and cheer for the Jays (unless you’re Cassie, and then it’s the Yankees). The next time you make it to a baseball game, take an extra moment to breathe in the smells, hear the crack of the bat, and join the cheers from the crowd. Go get that second hot dog during the 7th inning stretch, for Larry. He will be happy you did.
Dad did not want a traditional funeral, but instead what he enjoyed the most: a good visit over a cup of coffee. To honour Larry, there will be a Come-and-Go Celebration of his Life in the Healing Garden on the north side of Providence Place (weather permitting, otherwise the celebration will be indoors at Providence Place in the Rose Room) from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 7th, 2025. Coffee and treats will be served, and laughter, baseball talk, and joy among friends and family would be greatly appreciated. Flowers are gratefully declined. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the MS Society, the SK Sport Legacy Fund, or any other organization you feel would benefit from his spirit may be made in Larry’s name. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Shirese Noble Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com