It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Leonard Larabie, on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023 at the age of 78 years old. He passed peacefully at Maison McCulloch Hospice surrounded by family.
This wonderful man was born on September 24th, 1945, to Dieu-Donnée and Adeline Larabie (Poulin), (both predeceased). He shared many stories of his childhood and his life in Markstay. He adored helping his parents and he had to quit school in 3rd grade to help them on the farm.
Beloved husband of Aline Larabie (predeceased) whom he cherished and missed dearly. Married on June 25th, 1965. He was a devoted husband and admired his wife with all his heart. They were both very religious and enjoyed praying together.
He loved his parents-in-law Edmond Gaudette and Églantine Gaudette (Jeanveau), (both predeceased). He spoke highly about them with great respect.
Loving father of Louise Larabie Gaudreau (Scott), Adrien Larabie (Nicole) and Angele Sutherland (Robert). He was a devoted and nurturing father and he worked hard to provide for his family. He taught his kids well on the basics of life.
Amazing grandfather to Sylvie (Mark), Melissa (Xander), France (Tim), Murielle, Clint (Carolyn), Samantha (Mike), Éric, Vincent, Patrick (Amber) and Step Grandfather to Corey (predeceased), Rebecca (Timo), Steven, Justin (Angélique) and Keandra (Massimo). He adored his grandkids, as youngsters he played on the floor with them giving them ponyback rides to one day giving them real horseback rides. He incorporated work with fun by giving them tractor rides whether on the big tractor or the riding lawn mower which they so enjoyed. They sure learned a lot on the farm with all the knowledge that Grandpa had. He also enjoyed singing songs to them and teaching them songs that he learned during his childhood.
Delighted Great Grandfather to Mateo, Nyla, Bradley, Tyson, Sophia, Nicholas, Noah, Liam, Grayson, Daisy and Step Grandfather to Alexis, Olivia, Melody, Mylo, Carley, Caydan, Aiden, and Akasha. He was smiling ear to ear when he met most of them in 2023.
He was a kind and loving man with an awesome sense of humour, and he always loved to sneak up behind us and scare us. Thus, in return, he scared very easily, which was extremely funny for many.
He served 29 years at Fisher Wavy as a loader operator and he excelled at what he did. A hard day’s work did not end there, with the many chores that come with farming and the acreage of land, there was always work to do. He built his home, his garage, and his barn with the help of his talented wife and often help from wonderful friends and family. He took great care in maintaining his home and his farm, he was awake at dawn and settled at dusk. The many nephews (Kenny & Jimmy) who helped soon realized what dawn & dusk was. He had great pride in taking care of his cattle, from feeding and watering them to maintaining the barn and the machinery to then making hay bales and the list goes on. Cutting wood in the summer to heat the house in the winter. Upkeeping the vehicles and the farming equipment. From mowing the grass to snow blowing the snow and often helped the neighbours (family) with snow removal. Despite all the work to be done, he always took time out to help his wife with her lengthy projects, to gather and watch movies with his family and to play with his grandchildren. He adored teaching his kids and grandkids about the farm and about nature.
During his retirement, he managed to live it up a bit and much enjoyed camping, going four wheeling and fishing. He loved sitting at the fire and enjoying a few beers. Coffee at the mall with his friends was one of his hobbies.
In his final days, he did mention how he lived a wonderful life with his wife and family at his side. As unwell as he felt, he made the best of his last months while living in the care of his daughter Angele & his son-in-law Robert, where he still enjoyed visits from his immediate family. After several years of suffering from some health issues, God has gained another beautiful Angel and he may now rest in peace. There are no goodbyes, as his Spirit continues to live in and around us until we meet again. He will be sadly missed by his surviving friends and family. The family would like to thank the team at CCAC/Bayshore and at the Hospice. Special thanks to Dextra and to Christina.
Burial services will be held in the spring, at which this time a Celebration of life will be held.
Donations can be made directly to Maison McCulloch Hospice and to the Liver and Lung society.