“Larry” Lawrence Shortreed of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Irene, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre, after a lengthy illness, on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the ripe old age of 89 years.  

Larry was born at home, in Vancouver, B. C., on April 9, 1934.  After finishing high school there, he worked with his brother at his father’s construction company.  He started his working life as a concrete finisher, but over time he became a construction superintendent on projects in Fort McMurray, the Dixon Dam and the Calgary area.  While living in Alberta, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a farmer, first in Vegreville and then in Rocky Mountain House.  He could never have accomplished this without the tireless, hardworking love of his life, Irene.  Neighbouring farmers initially watched with some amusement as these intrepid two built barns, plowed fields, fixed broken equipment, and raised upwards of 300 sheep, along with assorted ducks, chickens, turkeys, horses, dogs, cats and one feisty goat.  The farm life was both challenging and rewarding but after 10 years opportunity knocked.  Larry and Irene packed up and moved  to  Salmon Arm, British Columbia, where he worked on different construction jobs for a number of years,  before finally returning to Alberta, to retire in Claresholm.  Larry enjoyed woodworking in his spare time and amassed a garage full of tools to support his creative endeavours.  He turned his hand at making benches, various types of tables, adirondack chairs, planters and many other small projects.  He followed different woodworking designs and was especially proud of the tongue and groove method used in several projects.  After 22 years in Claresholm, Larry and Irene moved to Lethbridge for greater family support in the face of Larry’s growing health problems. 

Larry is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Caroline, and his brother, Bill.  He is survived by his wife, Irene, his daughter, Carolyn McConnel, his stepson, Owen Simpson, and his stepdaughters, Shan Simpson and Shelley Townsend.  He is also survived by four grandchildren, Casper Shortreed, Erika (Richard) Borthwick, Trista Townsend, and Aaron (Sara) Townsend, and two great grandchildren, Murphy Borthwick, and Olivia Borthwick.

The family would like to thank the kindness and support of the second floor dementia team at St. Michael’s Health Centre.  In lieu of flowers, for those that wish,  please make donations to the Lethbridge Alzheimer Society. 

A Celebration of Larry’s Life will be held at 11:00 am, on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at FIRST BAPTIST UNITED CHURCH, 1614, 5 AVENUE SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Mark Archibald, officiating.