September 20, 1949 – August 15, 2021
It is with heavy hearts that the Family of Larry Forbes announces his passing at the age of 71.
Larry was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Daphna Forbes. Left to mourn him are his wife of 38 years Elaine; son Jason (Tracy); and grandchildren Luke, Shea, and Rhett. Larry is also survived by his sisters Cherlynn and Cindy; his brother Alex; numerous nieces, nephews, and brother and sisters-in-law across Canada. Larry is also remembered by his ex-wife Donna Forbes who remains a close family friend.
Larry was a man who loved his family with all his heart. He loved his country and he loved life itself. He was a proud member of the RCMP for 37 years and spent most of it with his boots on the ground making the most of opportunities to work all over the world. In retirement, Larry was a full-time proud husband, father, and grandfather who lived at hockey rinks, gyms and ball diamonds. He lived life to the fullest, with a fire in his belly, passion in his heart, and a twinkle in his eye. For him, life truly was a series of adventures, and although he was only 71 years old, he left completely satisfied and with few regrets. Words that best describe him and the man he was are; kind, courageous, humble, tenacious, storyteller, compassionate, honourable, respectful, and proud.
Although Larry was fortunate in that he did not suffer or spend large amounts of time in hospital leading up to his passing, we would be remiss if we did not thank the many frontline health care workers who helped him along the way. Please know that he respected you all so much for your selflessness and commitment to helping others. A special thank you to the Doctors and Nurses in the MICU at HSC who cared for Larry at the end and allowed him to pass with dignity.
To all Larry’s close friends and neighbours, thank you so much for your ongoing support, he was so very lucky to have you all in his life.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 1, at 11:00 am, in the chapel of Voyage Funeral Home, 472 Kirkfield Street at McBey Ave in Winnipeg Mb. A recording of the service will be available on Friday, September 3 on the Voyage Funeral Home website.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the RCMP Slain Peace Officers fund or a meaningful charity of the donor’s choice.
16 thoughts on “Larry Forbes”
On behalf of Uncle Albert and family, we express our deepest condolences for the loss of Larry.
Heartache for those left behind and a very sweet reunion for those who have gone before.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Albert Walton and Family
As a colleague to Larry, I always admired his pride and dedication to Canada and his career in protecting it. A good man, he was a better husband and father, and a friend to those that needed a friend the most. He will be missed but his legacy will live on.
I was truly saddened to hear of Larry’s untimely passing. Always enjoyed conversing with Larry regarding a wide range of topics including trying to see if there was a family connection. He was a true gentleman who dedicated his life to his family and those he served with and for as a well respected member of the RCMP.
My association with Larry extended back to the time when were were younger members attending various In-Service Training Courses in Winnipeg. He was an intelligent and capable member who’s enthusiasm and tenacity rubbed off on everyone around him. He was always a team player, and although serious about the job, his sense of humor was always front and center. His contribution could only be described as extremely large. He will be missed. My condolences to Elaine, family and friends.
A story told to me years ago by Larry – back in the 70’s he did an undercover buy of Customs and Excise contraband from the owner of a small store in the Whiteshell. Once the deal was done, Larry and his target were standing next to a selection of souvenir postcards. Larry said “Before I go, I’ve got good news and bad news. Good news is I’ve enjoyed meeting you”. He then plucked a postcard off the rack showing a red-coated Mountie on a black horse, and said “Bad news is….that’s me on that horse”.
As will be the case for everyone privileged to have known him, Larry will be missed but always remembered. To his family whom he cherished, my wife Ginny and I send our thoughts and prayers. When I hear the phrases like “salt of the earth” or “larger than life” it’s guys like Larry I think of.
Dear Elaine and Family, My day grew a little darker when I first hear that Larry had passed but as the day went by and I reminisced about working with Larry my heart was filled with nothing but good thoughts. I was always happy whenever I saw him, sometimes bringing good news or bad no matter which as I knew his strength of character would always win the day. He was a true “Mountie” professional and thank you to all the Family for sharing him with us for 37 years. Canada was indeed well served by Larry. I know that words can never relieve the pain you are going through but take solace in knowing that so many others care. My wish for you is that you find inner peace in the difficult days to follow.
Paul Thorne Supt. (Rtd.)
Bayfield ON
Dearest Elaine and family,
Shane and I wish to express our sincere condolences on the passing of such a great man. We recall his wonderful sense of humour and ability to bring a smile to everyone around him. His love for family was always front and centre, and we can’t imagine the void and sadness you are experiencing at this time. His spirit will live on with the memories we all shared in the presence of Larry. Please know that we are all mourning with you during these difficult days. May the support of your family and many friends be a source of comfort in the days ahead.
Dennis and I were deeply saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. He will be very missed by all whose lives he touched.
I like to think that Larry is up in heaven recounting his entertaining stories to an enthralled group of listeners, D.J. sitting on one side of him and a group of the many “Earls” that he fed over the years on the other!
The world has lost a beautiful soul.
Heartfelt sympathy to our friend Elaine and all the family.
Margaret and Dennis Russell
Our deepest sympathies to Elaine Jason Earle and family.
Our memories of Larry are shared memories as we grew up miles from each other!!! His stories of his gang he belonged to. Authors in the area speak to actual incidents in several novels.
He had taught Red Green the uses of duck tape.
His silent manner with a good glass of scotch. Enjoying many hobbies especially flying. It was great to teach him the old way of flight calculations while he taught me the new devices available. What was most admirable was he fulfilled a dream of his pilot’s license.
His imagination was unbelievable. His songs would make the audience laugh… “ going to the doggy park” to name a favorite.
He definitely set the bar for his fellow RCMP brothers.
Larry will be feeding Earle in a better place.
Dear Elaine and Family
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Larry. He will indeed be missed. Larry lived life to the fullest and was so proud of his family. Rest In Peace Larry
Ron & Maria Obodzinski
I was deeply saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. He was such a great guy. His presence always put a smile on my face, especially his stories about Earl.
I cherish the times I spent with Elaine and her “Bunky”. They were such a fun couple. His family was such an important part of his life, in particular his pride in his son Jason. I’m sure he made an incredible grampa and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Elaine, I am so sorry for your loss. Larry was the real deal Policeman, dedicated to serving the citizens and his country. He had a strong sense of what was right and strived to insure truth and justice prevailed. I had the honour of working with Larry on many occasions. He would be right there to volunteer to help our GIS Section on serious crimes, quite willing to put his C&E work on hold. Later in our service we worked on VIP/EDU in which Larry was a master in the explosive disposal duties. He was so proud of his son Jason following in his footpath becoming a Winnipeg Police Officer. Larry loved family and we would often trade family stories, He was so excited to talk about grand children and their activities. He always showed interest in his friends family activities. Larry probably could have been a successful author as he had a great deal of stories and I always enjoyed his latest tails, especially about his little buddy “Earl”. The world could use more like Larry and all of us that had the privilege of knowing him will miss him dearly. God Bless Elaine, Jason and family and give them your pease during this most difficult time.
Dear Elaine:
Great photo of Larry!! We are SO saddened for you on the untimely passing of your beloved Larry. He was a dedicated RCMP officer – often referred to as a “member’s member”. You two were such a delightful couple & Larry’s wicked sense of humour will always be remembered. May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you.
Best regards, Gary & Lil …
Elaine, you have lost your best friend and husband. My condolences to you and extended family members. I met Larry a good many years ago while on course in Montreal. We gelled at that time and worked together in our individual roles. I have much respect for his work ethic along with his humorous antics. The years have passed since we have connected basically due to our geography. Having said that I’m quite sure if time had permitted we could certainly continue from where we left off in years gone by as if it was yesteryear. Larry will always be in my wheel house and I have a deep respect and gratitude to have had him as a colleague and confidant. R.I.P. my friend.
Larry left us way too soon. I, Elliot Barton, had the great fortune of meeting and knowing Larry, only because of the unique situation, his Sister Cherlynn, had with my belated Father from so many years ago. Larry and I hit it off instantly when we first met. His Sister, Cher, brought a great gift to me and my family. I always will cherish the great stories Larry told me of his career with the RCMP, and that he and Elaine lived it together as a “real life” couple, however, as a covert couple too because of the daunting tasks they undertook to protect our citizens of Canada and the welfare of others around the globe. I still can’t thank Larry and Elaine enough for taking me into their home in Winnipeg every time I had a biz trip at my Head Office in nearby Warroad, Minnesota. We had some fun nights despite the Winnipeg cold weather and the only time of the year that my company does meetings; January-March, the building industry is slow at that time and meetings are apropos. I will never forget Larry. I have a huge respect for all of his accomplishments; most, I will never match. Elaine, stay tough, and the rest of Larry’s family too. Great guys like this will never be forgotten; they always raised the bar and made you wish you might accomplish half of what people like Larry did. Larry will always be an inspiration and a legacy to me.
Elaine and Family.
Karen and I would like to express our sincere condolences on the passing of Larry. His time on earth was way too short. He had a wonderful sense of humour and always brought smiles to everyone around him. He enjoyed working on SSS/VIP/EDU Unit and was never caught without having a story to tell. He was an expert at explosive disposal and carried out this function proficiently and with ease. There were however, times that I would wonder what story would come out in the end. May you find solace in your memories of all the good times.
Karen and Norv Lipsett