Obituary of Lawrence John Marquardson

Larry Marquardson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, teacher, and friend, passed away on January 5, 2025 at the age of 77, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born in Winnipeg, Larry was the epitome of selflessness, generosity, and love, dedicating his life to his family, students, and community.

Larry was a devoted husband to Brenda, his partner in life for over five decades, and a proud father to Carly (Mark) and Kirsten (Aaron). He cherished his grandchildren, Asher and Olivia, whose smiles always lit up his world.

A celebrated educator and coach, Larry spent over 30 years at Sargent Park School, where he and Colin Mark built championship-winning basketball and volleyball programs. However, his greatest victories were off the court. Larry believed in creating opportunities for every child and developed a groundbreaking developmental league to ensure no student was left out. He personally removed barriers by covering costs, creating a canteen, and organizing fundraising initiatives so that every child had the chance to succeed, whether on the court, in the classroom, or beyond. Whether it was school supplies or sports uniforms, Larry made it his mission to provide for every student. His efforts extended far beyond the classroom and court, ensuring transportation, equipment, and opportunities were never obstacles for any child. In recognition of his profound impact, Larry was honored with numerous accolades, including three Manitoba Coach of the Year awards (1983-84, 1998-99, and 2009-10) and the prestigious Mike Spack Award. He was inducted into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame as a builder and the Manitoba Football Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach, cementing his legacy as a leader in sport and education.

At home, Larry was a loving and attentive father and grandfather. He never missed a school event, sports game, or recital, always showing up with unwavering support. Each day began with him making breakfast for his girls, a simple yet heartfelt gesture of love. His humor and warmth made every moment with him unforgettable. Larry’s love for Brenda was unshakable, evident in the countless hours he spent sitting in a lawn chair in the parking lot with the dog outside stores in Arizona while she shopped. Ever the bargain enthusiast, Larry loved a good deal and took genuine pride in celebrating Brenda’s shopping successes.

During summer weekends, Larry could often be found with a beer in hand, gathered around the bonfire with his close friends Larry and Marianne, sharing wisdom, laughter, and plenty of jokes. When it came to family, nothing made him happier than our time together at the lake, creating memories we will cherish forever.

The family would like to thank the staff at Extendicare Kildonan Personal Care Home for their exceptional care during Larry’s final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Larry Marquardson Memorial Basketball Award Fund, which reflects Larry’s lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for all. Special thanks to Adam from Basketball Manitoba and Stacy from the Winnipeg Foundation for their incredible support in establishing this fund so quickly. Donations can be made online at: Larry Marquardson Memorial Basketball Award Fund. Please find the link by clicking the "Donations" tab in the drop down menu (mobile) / sidebar (desktop) of this tribute page. True to Larry’s humble nature, the family will host a small celebration of his life this summer.