LARRY JOCELYN

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LARRY JOCELYN May 20, 1931 - June 27, 2012 It is with deep sense of loss that we, the family of Larry Jocelyn, announce his peaceful passing on June 27, 2012, at home. Loving husband of 57 years to Margaret, father to Leslie (Rob Guy), Larry (Jan), Scott (Kathy), Craig (Jo-Ann) and Papa to Madison, Brett, Lexi, Seren, Deklan, and Eric, and master to his loyal Samoyed companion, Meko. Also surviving to cherish his memory are his sisters Edythe (Tom) Butterworth, Joyce (Lorne) Dryer, brother-in-law Tom Paterson and sister- in-law Pat Paterson. Larry began his life in the hospitality industry as a bus boy at age 16 at the restaurant of the Hudson's Bay Store in Winnipeg. In 1955, he became the manager of the Bay's seven restaurants including orchestrating the opening of the Paddle Wheel Restaurant. He later accepted a position as the General Manger of Child's Restaurant. In 1958, Larry and Margaret moved to Montreal, where he became the General Manager for Canadian Food Products and Honey Dew Restaurants for Quebec and Ottawa. He returned to Winnipeg in 1961, to be the Food Supervisor for Gordon Hotels and eventually became the General Manager of their 26 hotels. He eventually purchased five of the hotels and changed the name of his company to Gordon Hotels and Motor Inns Ltd. Larry held a number of prominent positions in the hospitality industry. He was President of The Manitoba Branch of the Canadian Restaurant Association, President of the Hotel Association of Canada, Canadian Director of the Executive Board of the American Hotel and Motel Association, Director of the Hotel Association of Western Canada, Member of the Manitoba Hotel Association, in which he was a Director on the Executive Committee for 41 years, Life member of the Hotel Association of Canada and Life member of the Manitoba Hotel Association and the longest serving member of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, of the Winnipeg Convention Centre. Our family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and home care workers who cared for our Dad especially Drs. Jaeger and Czarnecki and home care attendant Erin. Our Dad and Papa loved many things. Most of all he loved Margee and often said the day he married her was the best day of his life. Together they built a life full of family and dogs. Time at the lake, the rink, and always at 414 Bower were filled with the sounds of happy children and later grandchildren. Our Dad loved people and during his many years in business he met and enjoyed working with people from all walks of life. In Dad's mind nothing was impossible, and no problem unsolvable. Although Dad's physical health was recently poor he never complained and he remained optimistic and future orientated. His life was based on a strong work ethic, fairness and generosity to his business associates family and friends. In this he led by example for his children and others to follow. He was a hockey player, coach and always a fan. When the Jets left Winnipeg he adopted the Pittsburgh Penguins and had split loyalties when the Jets returned last year. Many hours of enjoyment were spent watching his favourite sport. He loved to hear of his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments. He spent many hours watching and conducting the postgame analysis of each of their sporting events. Our Dad and Papa was a big force in our lives and his passing has left a huge hole that will be impossible to fill. He will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Larry's life will be held on Wednesday, July 4, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn, 4000 Portage Ave. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715
Publish Date: Jun 30, 2012

LARRY JOCELYN Peacefully on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 Larry passed away at home at the age of 81 years. Service will be held on Wednesday July 4, at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Longer obituary to follow. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715
Publish Date: Jun 29, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 30, 2012