Larry Paul Mannix

After a life well lived, Larry Paul Mannix passed away peacefully with his family at his side on June 26, 2017, at Nanaimo Hospital, Palliative Care. Born in Edam, Saskatchewan, February 20 1939, he was a son of the late Allan and Annie (Regnier) Mannix.

Larry was employed in the forest industry in BC. He started logging at Sarita River in 1954. He then worked for Dalmage Towing of Vancouver, towing log booms and oil barges from Vancouver Island to Vancouver.

From 1957 to 1960, he worked at Sarita River again. For the next four years he worked for Stone Bros Tug & Barge.

For next 37 years, until retirement, he worked with the International Longshoremen & Warehouse Union (ILWU). During his summer holidays in the early 70s, Larry owned and operated a 30-foot fishing troller.

Larry held executive board positions in the ILWU, as vice president and president. From 1999 to 2004, he was appointed as provincial government representative to the Port Alberni Port Authority.

Larry had a keen interest in human rights, current events, politics and the environment. In 1981, he was part of the first delegation of B.C. -based church, union and community representatives to visit Nicaragua.

Larry was Metis and proud of his heritage. He enjoyed being with family foremost and was so proud of his children and granddaughters.

An avid gardener, he enjoyed every aspect of nature. He also enjoyed music, dancing, reading, cooking, swimming, camping and kayaking. He had a passion for travelling; in 2004, Larry backpacked around the world with the love of his life, Heather. They also travelled to India, Thailand, Turkey, China, Switzerland, Spain, Malaysia and Costa Rica. Over the past 20 plus years, Larry and Heather spent many winters in Mexico. They also ventured out to the world of cruising to China, the Caribbean and Hawaii.

Larry was the loving partner of Heather MacKellar; the cherished father of Camille McKinlay (Brent) of Duncan and Greg (Melanie Croteau) of Port Alberni; the loving brother of Eileen Devereaux of Parksville; and the dear grandfather of Ashley McKinlay of Vancouver and Alyssa McKinlay of Victoria. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Larry was a true and loyal friend to many people.

Larry was predeceased by his brothers Arthur (1991), Henry (2011) and Clarence (2015); his brother- in-law Gordie Devereaux (2013); and his nephew Brian Devereaux (2015).

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 21, at 1:00 p.m. at the Italian Centre at 4065-6th Avenue in Port Alberni.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry's name may be made to Ty Watson House, Bread of Life or Port Alberni Shelter or to your charity of choice.