With profound sadness, the family of Larry Gummeson announce his unexpected passing on Dec. 28, 2020 at age 80 at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital with family by his side.
He grew up in Kenora but as soon as school was out, Larry was at Gummeson's Camp, a fishing and hunting tourist resort in Ignace, Ontario established by his grandfather.
In 1962, Larry met his wife Mariko Togawa and it was love at first sight and they had two amazing sons, Gary and Guy. The boys, like their father, spent all their summers at Camp. The most important aspect of his life was his family and he enjoyed taking them fishing on Hook Lake, swimming, boating or just “hanging out” on Mameigwess Lake- this was paradise to Larry.
During the winter months in Thunder Bay, he was a proud father watching all the hockey games of Gary and Guy throughout their youth. Also, he enjoyed his game shows, sports and nature programs. He was knowledgeable on various subjects and relished when the contestants didn't know the answer to the final Jeopardy question but he did! He also enjoyed his visits to the local casino.
Larry was also a proud grandfather who loved spending time with his grandchildren Greg and Kate and never missed any of their sporting activities. The grandkids will always remember their quad rides at Camp with their “Papa” and their quality time they spent with him.
Larry and Mariko spent 54 memorable years together at Camp as well as travelling to Vegas, Hawaii, Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska but his favourite place was always Gummeson's Camp. Larry, recognizable as “the man in green”, looked forward to seeing all his repeat customers who became his extended family over the many years. He was a soft-spoken, gentle person who liked feeding his pet ducks and talking with people at the point/fish-house. He was glad that his son Guy has carried on the tradition of operating the family resort.
Lovingly remembered as a great husband to Mariko, proud father to sons Gary (Janis) and Guy and a wonderful “Papa” to Greg and Kate. Also surviving are sisters Sandy and Sharon (Dave) and brother Glen (Sue) and many other relatives. Larry was predeceased by his parents Harry and Edith and sister Marg and her husband Herb Lentz.
As per Larry's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. A celebration of life will occur later for family and friends at Gummeson's Camp.
An account has been established to honor Larry with a memorial bench at his favorite spot on the point. Those wishing to make a donation may send a cheque made payable to: Mariko Gummeson, c/o Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T4.
On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
