Obituary of Dexter Russell LARRABEE

December 16, 1919 – October 22, 2010 Do not grieve for me – cherish the memories and remember me as I was. We are sad to announce the passing of our dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, Dexter Russell Larrabee on October 22 at the age of 90 years. Born and raised in Calgary he knew this city like the back of his hand and often regaled us with stories and anecdotes of growing up here. From an early age he always had a job – delivering groceries, selling magazines and working as a telegraph boy which was how he began his lifelong career with Canadian Pacific Railway where he worked in Fabrications and Telecommunications retiring in 1982. When WWII broke out he enlisted with the Air Force and upon receiving his wings was posted overseas where he served as an air bomber in the RCAF. He flew over 30 missions and came home safely at the end of the war. His wartime service was truly a highlight in his life and just recently he was invited to share his story with thememoryproject.com. Russ will be missed and lovingly remembered by his daughter Marlene Humphrys (Paul), granddaughters Amanda Iwanow (Rod), Lisa Sellars (Perry) and Tanya Molcan (Chris) and eight great-granddaughters Arden and Emily Iwanow, Erin, Alyssa, Tara and Robyn Sellars, Riley and Parker Molcan. In recent years his ability to get around decreased and out of necessity the Colonel Belcher Care Centre became his home. Here he was known as Dexter and with the help and respect of all staff members he was able to maintain his dignity and pride and until the last few weeks could be seen traveling the halls on his mobility scooter, greeting all those he met. Our family will be forever grateful to the entire Colonel Belcher staff for their care and concern during the past three years and most recently for their compassion and tenderness in helping our family through Dexter’s final days. Russ will be cremated and his ashes placed in Queen’s Park Cemetery along with those of his wife of sixty-three years, Barbara, his beloved “Tweety” who predeceased him in 2005. He missed her dearly and now they are together again. Friends of Russ’ are invited to join his family as we honor him at the group memorial service to be held at the Colonel Belcher, 1939 Veteran’s Way NW on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 2:30 PM. If desired, donations may be made to Calgary Health Trust, Vets’ Angels Program, C/O Ewan Cameron, #145 – 251 Midpark Blvd. S.E., Calgary AB T2X 1S3. In living memory of Russ and Barbara Larrabee, trees will be planted at Big Hill Springs, Cochrane by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW. Telephone (403) 241 – 0044.