Empey
Lawrence Harvey Empey (Larry) was born at home in Swalwell, Alta. to John and Mae Empey on July 28, 1942 and passed away on March 25, 2021 at the Three Hills Health Centre after a full and interesting life.
With his inquisitive mind, he invented many fascinating things and was interested in all things mechanical. He was also an artist at heart creating beautiful works of stained glass.
Larry attended school in Swalwell and Acme followed by SAIT where he began his career as a heavy-duty mechanic.
He then went to work with Finning on the west coast followed by years in the high arctic.
Many of us were fortunate to hear his fascinating stories from this time.
He then returned to the Swalwell area to farm while also working at Agri Centre.
A handsome red-headed bachelor, Larry didn’t stay a bachelor for long marrying Myrna Gore Price and becoming a beloved part of her family.
He had a natural ability with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sitting on his knee listening to his booming voice was always a safe place to be for the little ones.
Larry was a prankster who loved a good practical joke and many of us were the recipients of his fun.
His Christmas light display delighted friends in the winter as did campfires in the perfectly manicured yard during summer.
Larry and Myrna enjoyed attending curling championships in various places, but a highlight trip was a riverboat cruise they took on the MacKenzie river to Inuvik, seeing many places he had been years before.
Larry leaves behind his three stepsons, Kevin (Linda) Price, Mitch (Beth) Price, Scott Price (Shay MacNeil), eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
He also leaves behind sisters Lorraine Chapman and Shelley Wilkinson, brother Ralph (Jean) Empey, brothers-in-law Larry Pondick and Blaine (Sharon) Gore as well as a large extended family.
He was predeceased by his wife Myrna, parents John and Mae Empey, parents-in-law Wes and Marjorie Gore, sister Marjorie Pondick and brothers-in-law Charles Chapman, Larry Wilkinson and Ronald Gore.
Larry will be sorely missed by us all.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Larry’s name to The Salvation Army online at www.salvationarmy.ca or by mail to The Salvation Army, Territorial Headquarters, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4H 1P4.
Condolences may also be sent at www.sunsetltd.ca.
