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Larry George Black


Larry passed away peacefully on December 1st, 2014 in Kelowna General Hospital at the age of 66. He is survived by Gay, his loving wife of 48 years; two daughters, Lonnie (Rob) Revell and Lorrie (Graham) Kowalski; one son, Kevin (Kelly), all of Vernon; five grandchildren: Liam, Logan, Livia, Kaden, and Kael; his mother, Marcelle Black of Vernon; two sisters, Charlene (Norm) DeGirolamo of Richmond, and Lorraine (Barry) James of Vernon; his Auntie Grace (Gordon) Morris of Kelowna; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his father, Irwin, in 1985.


Larry’s passion in life was hockey, he lived and dreamt it. From his early years playing minor hockey to playing for the Trail Jr. Smokeaters and the Revelstoke Selkirks. He then went on to coaching minor hockey in Revelstoke winning several Provincial Championships. After the Minor Hockey years he went on to coach the Revelstoke Merchants Sr. Men’s Hockey Team to a Coy Cup Championship in 1990-91. He was the GM of the Revelstoke Grizzlies for 7 years, winning the League Championship in 1997-98. Larry was then hired by the Vernon Vipers as a Scout, eventually becoming the Head Scout. He helped the Vipers achieve 2 National Championships, narrowly missing out on a third Championship. He loved the team and all the players that came and went, creating many lasting friendships. After 11 years with the Vipers, he moved on to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks as Assistant GM and Head Scout to again work with his good friend Troy Mick. The highlight of his hockey days was coaching the Midget Tier 2 Vipers last year. He truly cared for each and every player on this team including his 2 grandsons who were on the team. His son and son-in-law helped coach the team, creating a very special year of hockey memories. Larry’s grandchildren were the highlight of his life, watching them play hockey, lacrosse and soccer brought him great pride and joy.


Larry lived life large and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kidsport, c/o Recreation Service, 3310 37th Avenue, Vernon, BC, V1T 2Y5.


The Celebration of Life Service for Larry will be held in the chapel of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 10th, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.


Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, Phone: 250-542-4333. Condolences may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com