LAWRENCE (LARRY) ROBERT HODKINSON Obituary (1942 - 2023)

Born Aug 15, 1942, LAWRENCE (LARRY) ROBERT HODKINSON was faculty at Sisler High School in Winnipeg, MB. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Lawrence (larry) Robert Hodkinson.

School Role	Faculty
Date of Birth	Aug 15, 1942
Date of Passing	Nov 18, 2023
About	LAWRENCE (LARRY) ROBERT HODKINSON August 15, 1942 - November 18, 2023 Born in Calgary, Alberta Larry passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Larry was a beloved husband, father, grandpa and friend whose memory will forever be etched in our hearts. Larry is survived by his loving wife Janice (nee Starosilec); daughter Kristin (Ryan); son Craig (Jen); grandchildren, Halle, Hugh, Rommel and Rakari. Larry grew up in Winnipeg and went to Churchill High School where he became a provincial champion sprinter. He also played volleyball, basketball and soccer. After high school graduation, Larry attended Teacher’s College. His first year of teaching was in Boissevain followed by two years at Sisler. Larry then attended University of Manitoba’s physical education three year degree program where he played on the Bison Football team. After 28 years at Vincent Massey Collegiate, Larry retired in 1998. He was pleased to get the best parking spot (by the doors) after being there so long. Over his career at VMC he coached soccer, freshman volleyball, wrestling, cross country running and skiing but his passions were basketball and track and field. During his coaching career, Larry coached over 100 teams at the school and community levels. "Light the Fire!!" was heard in gymnasiums/rinks/fields throughout the province. Larry was an avid sports fan. He was a 25 year season ticket holder for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and always looked forward to going to the home games with Craig and Ryan. Larry was so looking forward to watching the Bombers in the 2023 Grey Cup game. He also attended and followed Jets games faithfully. Larry was a kind, patient, non-judgmental and optimistic coach who was proud of all his student’s accomplishments both small and large. He loved Hellebuyck’s recent news interview saying it was amazing what you can accomplish if you, “work hard, work smart and believe in yourself”. After retiring, Larry found some free time, so he learned to play “bridge” at the Charleswood Senior Center and every week with his great friends, Frank, Rudy, Warren and Brian. He also enjoyed monthly lunches with the ‘Massey retirees’. They had lots of stories to tell. All four of his grandchildren brought him great joy. He got to spend lots of time with them at the family cottage. He was interested and pleased to watch them in their own sports journeys. He travelled with his wife of 53 years, Janice, on several interesting European bus and cruise trips. He was loved and will be missed! As requested by Larry, no formal service will be held. Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715 Tribute Link: www.chapellawn.ca As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 25, 2023, Nov 25, 2023

Classmate Memories

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Greg Hubka '66 said:

My condolences to family and friends. I have fond memories of Larry coaching our track team at Sisler: driving to a track meet in Saskatoon ( receiving a speeding ticket), the weekend stay at a cottage in the dead of winter and running from Lockport to Sisler High. Thank you for the memories and your dedication to track.

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