Larry Le Cheminant

Larry was born May 15th 1929 to John Farr and Mary Ellen Le Cheminant in Chester, Idaho.  

He was the 6th child of 7.  He is pre-deceased by his Parents, three brothers – Walter, Jack and Gene, two sisters – Dorothy Klein, and Grayce Greenhalgh and 2 great grandchildren Bentley Davidsen and Olivia Le Cheminant. He is survived by his wife Colleen of 66 years, his sister Deon Huntsman, his 7 children, 25 grandchildren and 30 plus great grandchildren.

Larry attended classes in Chester Idaho until the eighth grade when he went to work for his Uncle Floyd Hathaway in construction.  He was drafted into the army and served from 1951-1953 stationed mostly in Germany and then in the Army Reserves until 1956.  He received his GED diploma while in the Army.

Larry met Colleen Frandsen on a blind date on December 24th 1953 in St. Anthony Idaho, and  they married in the Idaho Falls Temple  on May 28, 1954. Larry and Colleen had seven children – Laurel Dea (Harry) Hrebien, Rae Lynne (Tom) Barnes, Brian Farr (Frawnda), Ellen Marie,  Suzan Kae (Paul) Sunderland,  Victor Allen (Jutta) Hopkins-LeCheminant, and Peter John (Karla).

Larry was a carpenter by trade and loved to build all sorts of things. Some of these included houses, turtle foot stools, cradles, book cases, cupboards, potato boxes and the list goes on. Whenever Colleen needed something for the house he would build it for her.  

He moved with his family where there was work.  This included Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Montana. In 1972 he moved his family to Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. The plan was to stay for a year and then return to Idaho.  The plan changed and he retired from there.  

Larry was called as the Branch President of the Whitehorse Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He served in this calling for a number of years. It was very normal after church on Sunday to not only have family but any people traveling through, that had attended church, over for a meal. Some Sundays there could be 40 people. Larry and Colleen often opened their home to people traveling through that needed assistance.

He eventually retired from NorthwesTel.  After retirement he moved with Colleen to Creston, BC. in 1995 where they lived on an acreage. Larry and Colleen could enjoy gardening and the wildlife that would visit their yard.  

Larry shared his love of woodworking by making items for family and friends.  Many people have beautiful cradles for their babies that dad gifted to them.  As he grew older and it became harder and harder to work in his shop he would buy items from dollar stores, etc. And create items to give away such as Moms Moods, and decorate small boxes.  He had to be busy. He loved to give and he would take these items and give them to everyone he met whether he knew them or not. There are many people in Creston that received one of these items.  When he would go to visit family he always had a bag of goodies to give to his kids and grandkids. He also loved to read.  One of his favorite authors was Louis L’amore. He loved to watch old westerns with John Wayne among others.

Larry loved his family. He loved the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He was a good example of listening to that still small voice.  He taught by example.  Dad had an unconditional love for people. He accepted you for who you were and where you were in life. It was often said that he would give the shirt off his back to those in need and was known to actually do it.

 He made routine things like going to the dump special occasions complete with song. His grandkids now have song and memory to accompany mundane tasks that will be passed down for generations. His warm hugs made you feel like you were his favourite person and the most special person on earth. He liked hugs even from strangers. His advice was quiet and wise and never overbearing. His sense of humour while a little impish was shared with one and all. If he called you friend you were truly blessed and you would be a friend for life. His love language was giving and sharing what he had. That is really the only language he knew. Giving his coat to a stranger who had none, giving a home to the homeless, giving food to the hungry, giving and sharing his testimony of the Lord whom he loved. His most valuable possessions were his family and his love for the Lord. He was one of the richest men on earth and will be in Eternity.

I will miss my Fathers hands.

Hands that corrected me when I was wrong.

Guided me when I wandered.

Comforted me when I was in despair.

Instructed me when I questioned.

Loved me unconditionally.

Showed me how to pray.

Showed me how to do hard things.

Taught me the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Hands that I know will embrace me again.

Love you Dad.

Larry will be buried next to his brothers in Wilford Idaho at a later date.

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