Passed away unexpectedly at Bluewater Health just days away from his 87th birthday on Sunday, October 9 while holding Jeanne’s hand firmly and waiting to move to St. Joseph’s Hospice. Larry will be remembered for his love of family, a great sense of humour, his service to the City of Sarnia as a firefighter for 35 years and for his large circle of friends and family that he enjoyed making memories with.
He is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Gladys, his seven brothers and sisters Margaret, Alice, Florence (Flip), Marion, Mitzi, Jimmy and Billy and his wife Dolores.
Larry is survived by his devoted and caring wife Jeanne (McEachern), his son Greg (Leslie) and daughter Julie (Rob Soule). He will be missed by his grandchildren Eric, Lindsay, Ellen, Jake and Ryan. He is also survived by Jeanne’s children Bill McNair (Diane) and Cathy (Randy Mercer) and her grandchildren.
Larry never forgot the love of his life, his wife Dolores, who died unexpectedly in 1996 after 36 years of marriage. That loss was devastating to him but he found a new soulmate when he married our life long family friend Jeanne.
Larry was the favourite “Unc” of his many nieces and nephews and always had something funny to say when in their company. He was a highly respected member of the Sarnia Fire Department and rose up to the rank of Acting Platoon Chief before retiring. Prior to his fire career he served for five years on the Royal Canadian Navy’s aircraft carrier.
Dad and his friends built the family cottage on Lake Huron where many memories were made with annual parties and get togethers. Cottage life was made even more special living beside his niece Mamie and her husband Jack Page and their daughter Elizabeth who thought of Uncle Larry as her second father. The cottage was home to the annual beef roasts and parade, beach days, bonfires, shuffleboard and just relaxing. The cottage was our home away from home every summer.
Larry was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions and when they were playing you would find him glued to the TV hoping for a win.
Dad enjoyed many family vacations to Florida where they made more great friends. Golf was a big part of their summer fun while the winter months were busy with bowling.
Larry’s family are eternally grateful to the dedicated, compassionate and caring staff at Twin Lakes Terrace and Bluewater Health for the care and advice they provided. The support of the Alzheimer’s Society during his dementia journey was sincerely appreciated and the family ask that donations in Larry’s honour be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or St. Joseph’s Hospice.
The family will welcome friends and family on Sunday, October 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, October 17 at 11:30 am followed by lunch at the Smith Family Centre. Cremation has taken place. A private internment at Lakeview Cemetery will be conducted at a later date.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Larry Grimes October 20th 1935 October 9th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sarnia, Province: Ontario