Obituary of Richard 'Larry' Whitney

December 14, 1940 - Calgary, Alberta
October 6, 2022 - Tsuut'ina Nation, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our legend Richard “Larry” Lawrence Whitney I, on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the age of 81 years.

Larry was born on December 14, 1940 at Tsuut’ina Nation, AB to Lawrence and May Whitney, where he spent his childhood and life making his home and raising his children. He met and fell in love with his wife Flora in 1972, this year they celebrated 50 years together, they raised a family that included adoptive children from both Tsuut’ina and Siksika Nations. He was a proud father and grandfather which meant his family always came first. 

As a young man Larry began his first job working as a farm hand in and around the Priddis area, he was a heavy equipment operator with his own business he ran with his brothers Loyal, Benny and Gordon. They built roads in both Tsuut’ina and Siksika Nations. Larry was a proud member of Tsuut’ina Minor Chiefs for approximately 10 years. He then went on to work with the Tsuut’ina Roads department of which he would retire.

Larry became a father at the age of 24 with late Pat and together had five children. He would later add four children with Flora, he always worked hard and supported his family, in 1979 he became a grandfather, then a great-grandfather in 2000.

He enjoyed working on vehicles so you could always find him in the garage working on something or playing a tune on his guitar with pepper by his side. He loved to travel with his wife, and they visited many places throughout the United States and Canada including, Hawaii, Graceland, and Okanogan Falls. Larry also covered many kilometers on the highways riding his Harley Davidson. 

Larry was known for always living life to the fullest, being grateful for what we have and always taking care of each other. His love for everyone was unconditional. 

Larry is survived by his loving wife Flora, children, Charlene, Randy (Shelly), Lisa (Peter), Paul (Jolene), Ronnie, Girlie (Royce), and Kelly (Steph); sisters-in-law, Bev, Cindy and Mary; daughter-in-law, Sharron, twenty-six grandkids, thirty-three great-grandkids, his closest cousins/siblings, Joan, Xakiji Roy, and Michelle; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins from both Tsuut’ina and Siksika Nations. Larry is also survived by his Princess (Reni), Kristi, Shinowa, and Jayden who he helped raise, and his fur baby of 16 years, Pepper.

Larry was predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Mae; in-laws, Jack and Mary; siblings, Lynne (Peter), Lee, Loyal (Susan), and Gordon; his sons Rick and Rich; his grandchildren, Reanne, Michael, Jacob and Elijah; and close friends Cheapie and Dickie. 

The family would like to send a special thanks to Carlene, Victoria, Mila, Angela and all the staff of Focus in Care, The Tsuut’ina Health Centre, Tsuut’ina Chief and Minor Chiefs. An extra special thanks to nurse and daughter-in-law Jolene and son Paul for taking such good care of Pops.

Wake Services to be held at the residence of Larry and Flora (110 Onespot Road, Tsuut’ina Nation, AB) on Monday, October 10, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass to be held at Holy Spirt Catholic Church (10827 - 24 Street SW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, October 11 at 1:00 p.m. Graveside services to follow at Tsuut’ina Cemetery. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Richard Whitney, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
 

Click Here to View Richard Whitney's Memorial Card