Larry Edward Stefanyk
Larry Stefanyk Obituary
Larry Edward Stefanyk
February 19, 1949 - June 3, 2023
With love, sorrow, and deep reverence we announce the passing of our beloved father, husband, grandfather, and friend, Larry “Lars” Edward Stefanyk on June 3, 2023, in Qualicum Beach, BC.
He is survived by his wife Cindy, daughter Anne and husband Aaron, daughter Jill and partner Kyle, stepson Ryan and wife Kari-Anne, and stepdaughter Courtney. He is also survived by his grandchildren Teryn, Tavia, Weston and Ayla, step grandchildren, Lynkon, Rylan and Aspen. And great granddaughter Scarlette. Larry is predeceased by his eldest daughter, Sally.
Larry was a jack-of-all-trades and wore many hats throughout his professional life including: shipper at McGavin’s, drilling rig operator, front end brakeman for CNN railway, display artist for the Provincial Museum of Alberta, graphic designer for Alberta telephone, landscaper, bar boy, bartender, bar manager, pet supply salesman, boarding kennel manager, and Seagrams sales representative. But of all the professional hats he wore, he’ll probably be best remembered as the founding publisher of The Island Fisherman Magazine, which he ran for 18 years, and as the author of 4 books on fishing in the Pacific Northwest.
Larry was an avid fisherman and shared his love for fishing with others through his work as a volunteer for the Pacific Salmon Foundation. For over twenty five years, he donated his time and organised numerous dinners and charitable events. He also dedicated time to go into schools and teach children about Salmon conservation.
However, all of the aforementioned things are simply things that Larry did. To know who Larry was means to know and understand that he was a gifted artist. His passion for art became apparent when he was just a child and he received a degree of Fine Arts from the Alberta College of Art in Calgary, in 1974. Throughout his life, Larry incorporated his love of art into everything he did. His expansive catalogue of art includes: christmas cards, illustrating books, custom etchings, sculpture, drawing, fly tying, painting, and even gardening.
Larry was a loving family man. He was a patient and gentle father and grandfather, a caring and sensitive husband, and a loyal and giving friend. He had a larger than life personality that imbued joyous energy into any situation. For Larry, a stranger truly was just someone he hadn’t befriended yet.
Larry saw the world through a different lens and his art was his way of trying to share the beauty he experienced with the rest of us. His paintings are but a reflection of a beautiful moment in time, a moment that he preserved so that we might experience its beauty too. His art is a silent reminder to each of us that there are beautiful moments to be had if we just remember to stop and smell the flowers…
We love you Lars. Rest peacefully.
Larry’s family would like to thank the physicians and staff for the excellent care they provided over the last 18 months, as he battled cancer. His health care team often commented on what a great and positive attitude he had.
A Living Celebration of Life was held on May 28, 2023 and was enjoyed by all who attended. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pacific Salmon Foundation, in memory of Larry.
