On Thursday March 17th 2022, Lawrence Rae Macklem, born in 1952 in Fort Frances Ontario to Marjorie and Milford Rae, died peacefully at his home on Blue Lake. His last day was a good one, he puttered about the house and the yard working on projects… digging a hole in the ice for fishing with his grandson, snowshoeing and making chili. Pleased with his work, Larry enjoyed supper with his wife Nancy (Dzeoba) and then he fell asleep downstairs in his chair. He never woke up.
It’s a bit hard to believe. I think we all just figured he would always be there.
Larry was indefatigably positive. He was a dynamo, a leprechaun, a unicorn… A complex thinker who challenged and engaged everyone around him in his warm and unpretentious way. Always thinking of others Larry could be counted on to make sure that his family and friends got what they needed. notably he often wasn’t shy about telling us what he thought we needed. Sometimes it was hard to get a word in edgewise.
An incredibly smart man, he was a computer pioneer. Graduating from the University of Manitoba in 1974 he worked at customs and excise in Ottawa and then with potash in Saskatchewan before moving to Winnipeg to work with the MB government in various departments as a computer systems analyst. His was a mind that could think around a problem and build solutions. He was proud of his accomplishments in work.
Outgoing, energetic, curious, friendly, resourceful, helpful, charitable. Larry lived life to the fullest. He made friends wherever he went, loved to travel and see the world. He had a lifelong fascination with flying. Larry was happiest being outdoors and especially being on the lake with a fishing rod in hand. He felt he won the lottery of life, retiring in northwestern Ontario and mucking around with all of his projects.
Larry loved a good political argument and engaged with anyone who was willing. He worried about the world and tenaciously talked about it. Larry never looked away.
We can remember Larry swimming in the sunset or sitting serenely in his boat or mischievously giggling across the table or walking purposefully towards some project he was working on.
We mourn for our Larry. He was a devoted husband, a supportive father, doting grandfather and loving son. He was a big part of our lives. He did such a good job at providing for the people he cared for. He will be missed.
Larry joined the Masonic lodge and was passionate about carrying on the tradition of the order. From boy scout leader in Saskatoon to his time working with the Lions in Vermillion Bay he always stayed active and got involved in his community.
We have heard from many of his friends and relations this week and we’ve laughed and cried and really enjoyed their kind words and memories. We are grateful that he had such good friends.
Larry is survived by Nancy, his wife of 48 years, daughter Kari and son Patrick, grandson Keith, mother Marjorie, sister Marilyn, sister in law Julie, cousin Scott and nephew Matthew and others who were in his heart.
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Ruth Tupper says
March 23, 2022 at 3:28 pmI am very sad to hear about Larry. We grew up in Fort Frances and spent great teenage years with our group of friends.
Sincere condolences to his family.
Marjorie and Marilyn, I am thinking about you.
Ruth (Andrusco) Tupper St. Catharines, On
Danna and Hugh Ferry says
March 23, 2022 at 3:53 pmThis really was unexpected and conversations with Larry will be missed because he was thoughtful, kind and generous from his unique point of view. We send our condolences to all his family and friends and we will miss him too!
George Storm says
March 24, 2022 at 10:35 pmMy sincere condolences to his family and Masonic brethren .
Fred Van Aertselaer says
March 26, 2022 at 6:57 pmI was very saddened to learn of Larry’s passing. I worked with Larry in the MB Government (Computer Services – Family Services). Larry was very knowledgeable and always had a positive attitude. In a sometimes-stressful environment, Larry always made things more enjoyable with his interesting stories. He often talked about the lake. My condolences to his family.
Fred Van Aertselaer
Colin & Leesa says
March 27, 2022 at 6:22 pmFrom the first time he pulled his boat up on our beach to help a new cottage owner struggling with setting up his water system, Larry was always there for us. From helpful suggestions based on his experience and knowledge to pitching right in and getting his hands dirty, Larry for us was the best of Blue Lake. Always with an opinion and a twinkle in his eye when he knew the reaction it would bring, he was not just a fount of knowledge, but genuinely a lot of fun. His Happy Hour invites for the end of a day, invitations to join he and his fellow Masons, Lions, other friends or just he and Nancy, were always something to look forward to. We miss you buddy. Blue Lake will never be the same…
Glen Archer says
March 31, 2022 at 10:32 pmLarry was a valued friend and colleague in the Kenora-Rainy River New Democratic Party. His political insight and his vast knowledge will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.
Donations may be made to the Lions Club Vermilion Bay or Canadian Cancer Research Alliance through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3