It is with great sadness we announce the passing of George Donald “Don” Larson. Beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, and friend.
Don was born February 11, 1936 and although he travelled and lived many places throughout his life, Winnipeg was where he called home.
He will be forever loved and missed by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ann; daughters Charlotte (Brian) and Jackie (Nick); grandchildren Donny (Kayla) and Jessica (Chris); great grandson Simon; fur grandchildren Charlee, Dakota, and Louie; numerous siblings, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Don and Mary Ann danced through their twenties together, literally, and spent the next two decades raising their two daughters. They were a family who spent a lot of time travelling for work, and living in various cities. Don and Mary Ann enjoyed many winters away in Vegas and in Florida.
Don began working in the carnival industry when he was just 14 years old, but it was not until later that his career really took off with Conklin Shows where he created, owned and operated several games. Don wore many hats and worked many jobs, but the majority of his working career was spent with the carnival. There, he was introduced to many people from all walks of life, and he welcomed and accepted them all the same – which is what made him such a humble, compassionate individual. When it was time for Don to retire, he never retired from the carnival lifestyle. In his later years, he worked alongside his daughter Jackie and son in law Nick continuing to do what he loved. This was Don’s life’s work, and his pride and joy.
Speaking of pride and joy, two of the greatest gifts Don was given in his life were his grandchildren. He could always be counted on for a hilarious practical joke, hidden Christmas presents, back to school shoe shopping, sleepovers with lots of treats, and a good game of backgammon where he would “accidentally” flip the board over whenever he was losing. Grandpa always gave 100% to all he did with his grandkids, all their lives.
Anybody who knew Don knows that he was never absent when it came to needing advice or a helping hand. This resulted in him being a very well-respected man, a father figure to some, and a lifelong friend to many. No matter what battle Don faced in his life, he never went down without a fight, and that remained true until even the last moments of his life.
Cremation has taken place, and no formal service will be held.
We are grateful that you are peacefully resting and we know that this is not goodbye but, rather, “see you down the road”.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of George
Donald
Larson 1936 2022..
Death notice for the town of: East St. Paul, Province: Manitoba