LARRY ARTHUR LAKER

Condolences & Memories (46 entries)

• LARRY, I JUST HEARD OF YOUR PASSING----I'M SO SADDENED.....YOU WERE TOO YOUNG.....REMEMBER MY BROTHER TONY(CHMURZYNSKI), WHO WAS YOUR LEAD GUITARIST/BACKING SINGER IN THUNDERBOLT ---HE PASSED @ ONLY 58 YEARS......BOTH OF YOU--- WAY TOO EARLY, LEAVING EVERYONE WAITING FOR YOUR NEXT BIG MOVE IN THE MUSIC WORLD!!!......THE LAST I TALKED WITH YOU WAS @ LONG & McQUADE ON STAFFORD/CORYDON, AFTER TONY HAD PASSED ON OCT.23/ 2006.....YOU HELPED ME WITH MY OWN EQUIPMENT PURCHASES + TOLD ME MAYBE WE COULD GET TOGETHER TO WORK ON THE NEW SONGS I HAD JUST FINISHED.......+ THEN YOU SHOWED ME A 6 X 8 GLOSSY OF THUNDERBOLT WITH, OF COURSE, YOU + TONY IN IT.......I REMEMBER JUST GETTING SO CHOKED-UP, I HAD TO LEAVE THEN + THERE.........WHO KNOWS?....WE MIGHT HAVE BOTH CAPITALIZED ON SONGS I STILL HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING WITH!!!........LARRY, EVERYONE HAS SAID THE SAME THAT I EXPERIENCED ABOUT YOU: SO WARM + CHARMING + FUNNY----A GENUINELY NICE GUY !!!......LIKE THE SONG SAID,"IF THERE'S A ROCK'N'ROLL HEAVEN", YOU + TONY WOULD BE HEADLINING IN IT!!!......TELL TONY TO CALL ME WHEN HE'S NOT BUSY JAMMING WITH YOU + JIMI + KURT + LENNON + HARRISON + ALL THE MUSICIANS THAT HAVE LEFT US WAY TOO EARLY........ - Posted by: ian paul matheson chmurzynski (BROTHER OF TONY CHMURZYNSKI--LEAD GUITARIST/ SINGER FOR THUNDERBOLT) on: Aug 20, 2017

• I just found out today about Larry's passing from one his former co-workers at Long & McQuade. I purchased most of my equipment from Larry and he was great to deal with! I will miss him. - Posted by: Mike Moroz (Long & McQuade) on: May 07, 2017

• Larry and I go way back to his Garnet Amp days, when I was 18 and just a beginner at playing drums. He invited me to try out for the band and we went on to play together for some time. I'll always remember Larry for his terrific sense of humour and his passion for music. I have lived in VANCOUVER for a couple of decades and did not hear of his passing for some time and I was deeply saddened to hear he left us at such a young age. My sincerest condolences to Connie and the family. - Posted by: Gord Metcalfe (Friend, band mate) on: Feb 15, 2017

• I just found out about Larry's passing May 8. I know you're singing with the angels Larry! Even in the 60's you were extremely quick witted, very talented in music with exceptional taste! I remember you were very good in electronics back then when Garnet was really cooking in the amp industry! I know Gar himself always admired your skills. You were warm, thoughtful and not arrogant at all despite your talents! Time leads people in different directions as you pursued A professional career in music and music related occupations! I went on to study architecture. I'll always remember you Larry as a quality free thinking individual, genuinely warm and attentive. A loving spirit and adventurous! I know God has a special place for you in heaven. God bless Larry! Kindest memories Doug (Smitty) - Posted by: Doug Graham Smith (Smitty) (a friend and coworker in the 60 s) on: Jun 09, 2015

• Larry was the singer in my bands(Glyder and Clockwork)in the early 70's. A happy and fun guy with a good sense of humor. The best singer in town. I was just trying to look him up again and found this. Condolences Connie. - Posted by: Jim Largent (Bandmate) on: Jun 06, 2015

• What a loss!! My condolences to the Laker family. I can remember seeing Larry on stage with Thunder Bolt and solo doing "Standing In The Rain" and " Must Be Love" by The James Gang. He nailed it !!!! - Posted by: Herb Mowat (Fan ) on: Jun 05, 2015

• Thanks Larry for being such a great friend for so long. I miss you. - Posted by: Lanny Laycock (friend and band mate) on: Jun 04, 2015

• I was in L & M today when I heard of Larry's passing. My condolences to his family. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Larry and I, along with his brother Ken, were in a band called the Grubbs. Our first gig was opening up for Burton Cummings and the Deverons at the Twilight Zone on St. Mary's. The late great Kurt Winter was our mentor and coach, and was there to help us get over our stage fright. Those were the days, and in the beginning there was Larry, and in the end I will always have those memories. Rest In Peace my friend. - Posted by: Daniel McGillis (Musical friend) on: May 21, 2015

• I've always known Larry as very friendly....helpful.....caring.... God Bless the family at this time - Posted by: Sheralee Boux (known him since Long and McQuade on corydon) on: May 15, 2015

• Larry was a wonderful,kind person,always helpful and willing to spend that extra time at L&M. He will be sadly missed. Our deepest sympathy to his family. - Posted by: Larry Hackie & family (customer and musician friend) on: May 12, 2015

• Larry was a kind, gentle soul. He had a good heart and a sweet disposition. I will miss him a lot. - Posted by: Paul Richl (Friend) on: May 10, 2015

• Larry was a kind,gentle soul. he had a good heart and a sweet disposition. i will miss him a lot - Posted by: Paul Richl (Friend) on: May 10, 2015

• I will miss Larry's warm and welcoming smile from behind the counter at L & M. A super nice guy. - Posted by: Dennis (Customer) on: May 08, 2015

• I briefly worked with Larry in the Cahoots band. I loved hearing his Bruce Springsteen covers - and how he worked so hard to get the best sound out of his guitars. I also knew him as a family man. I would also get to see him once in a while at Long & McQuade - very proud to show me a few pics of kids and grandkids. Just a lovely man with a lot of talent. My sincere condolences to Connie and family and close friends and fans. - Posted by: Rae Anne Paxton (musician friend from long ago) on: May 07, 2015

• What a special and always giving guy That Larry, Larry donated time freely when it came to music. He gave time to students at Bernie Wolfe Community School for the better part of a school year, helping the development of young teens as live performers. It was a lot of fun, Thanks Larry. - Posted by: Doug Decarle (frend) on: May 07, 2015

• I have known Larry for approx. 50 years. Had the pleaaure to perform on stage with him on many an occasion and in United Soul Appeal. Great performer and fantastic human being. Bob Finnbogason - Posted by: Bob Finnbogason (Bandmate with United Soul Appeal) on: May 07, 2015

• I met Larry back in the 80's when he was doing a solo lounge act up in The Pas, Manitoba. We have been friends ever since, jammed with him at his house a few times, bought all my instruments through Larry at Long and McQuade, he was a great human being and I am absolutely shocked by this news. I had no idea he was sick, I hadn't seen him for a while and feel bad for losing contact, my deepest condolences and sympathies to his family and friends for this tremendous loss to the entire music clan in Winnipeg. There is one hell of a band in heaven, and Larry will fit right in...Peace my Brother....See you on the other side... - Posted by: Stephen West (Friend) on: May 06, 2015

• What a funny guy. Smart as a whip too. I didn't know Larry well but it was easy to see he was a talented guy. - Posted by: Geoff Ericksom (Customer) on: May 05, 2015

• Larry my friend, you were an inspiration both on and off stage. You were so pleasant and always had a smile. Your knowledge and grace we immeasurable! Prayers to Connie and family at this time. R.I.P my friend! - Posted by: Josh Gray (Former band mate and co-worker) on: May 05, 2015

• Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Tim and Cindy Kelly () on: May 05, 2015

• I worked with Larry at Major and Minor about 25 years ago and he had been my "go-to" guy for all things musical ever since. Loved chatting with him at L & M. What a fine gent. Sincere condolences to his family and to his many friends. - Posted by: Trent Simpson (friend) on: May 05, 2015

• I didn't know him well but he made a strong impression... a dignified and generous person. My deepest condolences to his family and to our music community. - Posted by: Greg MacPherson () on: May 05, 2015

• Our deepest sympathy to all of the family. Larry was a great guy. I will always remember the good old days when Larry, Connie, Betty Ann and myself would spend evenings together listening to music and also going to his gigs in, if memory serves me, his purple Valiant. A neat car just like he was a neat person. Very cool guy with a unique personality. I will never forget his kindness and generosity. Rest in peace brother. Tish I remember Larry attending band practices in our basement. He was such a neat, dedicated musician, who never put on airs. Good times, good memories, good guy. Will be missed. - Del. - Posted by: Tish and Del Menard (Friends) on: May 04, 2015

• I worked with Larry at Major and Minor way back in the 90s. I loved his sarcastic sense of humor! He was one of my first mentors in the music "biz". He taught me a lot! I'm really going to miss him. He was one of the good ones. - Posted by: Darren Johnston (Friend ) on: May 04, 2015

• I will miss Larry's wonderful smile as he greeted anyone who walked into L & M. He always had time to chat about the band he was playing in as well as ask you about the musical endeavors you were in. He was a beautiful soul who advised countless people in their pursuit of learning and playing guitar and music. Thank you Larry for sharing your knowledge and talent. - Posted by: Chris Eccles (Friend) on: May 04, 2015

• A sweet and generous man, rest easy old friend. Xo - Posted by: Scott Nolan (friend) on: May 04, 2015

• Anne and I send our deepest condolences to you Debbie and the rest of your family on the loss of your brother Larry. - Posted by: Armand Cote (Debbie Cote's father in law) on: May 04, 2015

• Connie and family, Dave and I are both so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. We will keep you and your family in our pray's - Posted by: Cathy and Dave Doyle (friends of family) on: May 04, 2015

• Larry was an awesome guy. He was there when I started playing professionally in 1986 and made sure I was looked after my entire musical career. He was a vibrant and friendly soul and he'll be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family and to all that knew him. - Posted by: Glen Davies (Friend ) on: May 04, 2015

• So sorry to hear of Larry's passing. I briefly worked with him at Long & McQuade, and he was always helpful, a super nice guy, and a great musician. He will be missed. - Posted by: Colin Farquhar (Former co-worker) on: May 03, 2015

• An amazing performer and an even more amazing person. My sincerest sympathies to his family. "Hello...we are called, Thunderbolt, Thunderbolt, thunderbolt ..... - Posted by: Ron (Friend) on: May 03, 2015

• My sincere condolences Connie and family. Larry was a kind, warm and extremely funny human being whom I had the privilege of performing with for a few short years. His talents on vocals, guitar and guitar-synth always amazed me and I will treasure the live tapes I have of him rocking out and tearing up the many great tunes he performed. L&M is definitely not the same without him as I looked forward to our semi-regular Saturday afternoon chats as he tuned me into the latest greatest stuff. However those music gear conversations were always short-lived as Larry much preferred sharing stories of what his grandkids and children were up to. How he beamed with pride when letting me know of their latest milestones. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. - Posted by: Vaughn Smith (Friend) on: May 03, 2015

• My sincere condolences to Larry's family and friends. I met Larry back in the mid-1970's and have been a fan of his, and a friend, ever since. It is a sad time for the music scene in Winnipeg, and I will deeply miss sitting around chatting about everything music with my friend. Rest in peace Larry. - Posted by: Dave Hill (Friend) on: May 03, 2015

• R I P Larry - you always made the trip to L & M worthwhile. See you on the other side. xo Lucestriss - Posted by: Luce (Friend ) on: May 03, 2015

• Connie and family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Larry has left a great legacy for the Winnipeg music community. He was always there for us...be it musical support or moral support. I will miss his stories and his infectious laugh. - Posted by: Cheryl Laycock (Friend) on: May 02, 2015

• I'm so sorry to hear this. He was an inspiration to me and I always thought he was one of the best singers around. I will miss you Larry! - Posted by: Stan Bedernjak (friend) on: May 02, 2015

• Larry's smile will continue to always greet every customer at LnM and we will forever keep his memory there like an unending sustained note on his favorite guitar. We are all better people and musicians for knowing him. - Posted by: Gary P (Customer) on: May 02, 2015

• Connie, Betty Ann and families, I'm so sorry to read about Larry's passing. I have such good memories of his music and his love of family. Thinking about all of you. - Posted by: Gail (Hamilton) Colomy (friend of Betty Ann) on: May 02, 2015

• So very sorry about the loss of Larry he was so kind to our family. He will be missed greatly - Posted by: Pat Koethler (Step sister) on: May 02, 2015

• Dear Connie and family. So sorry to hear of your loss. You were always to kind and efficient when you worked at the credit union and we just wanted to send our condolences we are so sorry for you and your family. Thinking of you. Ray and Janis Giesbrecht - Posted by: Ray and Janis giesbrecht (Friend) on: May 02, 2015

• I love you and I will miss you a lot I am comforted in knowing you're in good company with my Dad and Grandmere. Rest in paradise - Posted by: Sara Corley (Laker) (Neice (Randy Lakers daughter)) on: May 02, 2015

• It's been a tough, but great run. This gentleman made it pleasure for so many, thank You Larry, see ya on the other side man....... - Posted by: Paul Loreque (Musician friend from long ago, and far awy) on: May 02, 2015

• It's not same walking into L&M anymore and it never will be. It would take to long for me to type out all of your attributes Larry. You were an amazing, kind, and courteous individual held in high regard by all in local Music Industry and beyond. You will be missed in a big way. - Posted by: Jeff McIntosh (Business friend) on: May 02, 2015

• One of the nicest, caring, and interesting people I have ever had the honour of knowing. Rock on my friend. - Posted by: Terry Garraway (Friend) on: May 02, 2015

• Larry was a great inspiration to Christy and myself,both as a talented Singer/performer and friend. Anytime Larry would mix our Band we could always count on his smiling face and genuine excitement throughout the evening.Larry would often bring extra sound equipment (i.e.Mics, preamps, compressors,etc...)so we could sound as good as possible. We would love having Larry join us on stage to sing great renditions of songs. One song in particular was his heartfelt spot on version of A Foot In Cold Waters Make me do anything you want. WOW!! Larry we miss you. All the tremendous help and expertise you shared with so many over the years will be forever remembered.Our thoughts and prayers go to Connie and family.God Bless. Rest in peace Larry. All our Love, Christy Neveu, Alec Friesen - Posted by: Christy Neveu/Alec Friesen (Friends) on: May 02, 2015

• Connie and family so sorry to hear about Larry. I have so many fond memories of Larry and I on stage, especially with Riff. I have a live recording he prepared for me last year of Riff in 1975 at Georgies and am so thankfull, especially his version of "make me do anything you want" - Posted by: Fred Miller (Friend) on: May 02, 2015