Larry Andrew Kjearsgaard

(May 30, 1949 – March 31, 2023)

It is with profound sadness that the family of Larry Andrew Kjearsgaard announce his sudden passing on Friday, March 31, 2023 at the age of 73.

A beloved husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, colleague, and friend; Larry’s zest for life was expressed in the form of numerous musical performances, extensive community involvement, officiating many levels of volleyball, playing old-timers hockey, travelling, exploring his Danish heritage, watching his beloved Edmonton Oilers, and of course revelling in every family activity and milestone. His positive outlook and engaging personality will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved Larry.

Larry was predeceased by his father Anders Kjearsgaard, mother Betty Kjearsgaard, brother-in-law Bill Kure, as well as several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins on both the Kjearsgaard and Nielsen sides of the family. The memory of Larry will be cherished by his wife and life-long partner Faye; sons Ian, and Joel (Rachel); daughter Dana (Andrew); grandchildren Zachary (Miranda), Maeghan, Carson, Lydia, Remy, Sage and Anders; sisters Linda (Larry), Sonja, and Sharon (Perry); nieces Deanna (Jarett), and Karina (David), nephews Jess (Christiane), Landon, and Mitchell (Amber); great nieces and nephews; many cousins, relatives, and an immeasurable number of friends and colleagues.

Larry was the first of four children born in Edmonton to Andy and Betty Kjearsgaard. He was raised and attended all levels of his schooling in Edmonton, culminating in his graduation from the University of Alberta with his Bachelor of Education and teaching certificate. The first stretch of his professional career began at Consort School in Consort, Alberta where he eventually rose to position of school principal before moving in 1997 to assume the principalship of Spruce View School in Spruce View, Alberta, where he remained until his retirement in 2004. Education was more than a career to Larry; it was a passion that stayed with him long after his full-time career ended, prompting him to remain a ready and eager substitute up until the time of his passing.

However, it was in amidst the backdrop of the turbulence and societal changes of the late 1960’s that Larry found the two greatest loves of his life – music and his life-long partner Faye Anne Taylor. The varied sounds and impassioned messages of the ‘60’s music inspired Larry to join five close friends in forming the Edmonton-based band St. James Infirmary, contributing to a thriving local music scene, and cementing a life-long relationship with music and performing. Concurrent with his growing passion for music was the growing relationship with Faye that would result in the greatest accomplishments of Larry’s life, his marriage and his children.

It was during their time in Consort that Larry and Faye welcomed their three children: Ian, Dana, and Joel. It was also during this time that many of the other interests that came to define Larry took root. He undertook the role of coaching the Consort Stingers senior girls volleyball team, starting a relationship with the sport as a coach and official that stayed with Larry for life. He also took to community service, joining the local Kinsmen and volunteering with many projects and community events. Larry also started playing golf, and eventually men’s recreational hockey by working on his skating and quickly realizing that his key to ice time was honing his goalkeeping skills.

A few years following the graduation of Larry and Faye’s two oldest children, the opportunity to work in Spruce View near the site of the Kjearsgaard family homestead in the Dickson area, prompted the family to move and settle in the rural community of Markerville. It was here that Larry and Faye began the earnest journey of exploring the family’s Danish heritage and the impact of Scandinavian culture on the region to which they moved. It was in Markerville that Larry made some of the closest friendships that would endure for the remainder of his life.

Following his retirement, Larry embraced many community activities and committees, volunteering and serving with organizations including the Danish Canadian Museum, Red Deer Danish Canadian Club, Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society, and many more. It was also post retirement in 2007 that Larry and Faye immersed themselves at the Kalø Højskole near Rønde, Denmark. This time exploring his ancestral homeland resonated deeply with Larry who incorporated many Danish customs and traditions into his life and rejuvenated his connection with his family tree. It also provided several meaningful friendships from around the world for Larry and Faye that they continued to foster to this day.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held later this spring followed by the placement of his ashes at the Tindastoll Cemetery near the community of Markerville. An announcement to the community will be forthcoming when the final details are arranged.

The family is grateful to the many first responders that attended and provided compassionate care and support. Thank you also to the Red Deer Funeral Home for their guidance during this difficult time.

Memorial donations may be made in Larry’s name to the Danish Canadian Museum or the Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society.

• Date : 2023-03-31
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home