Obituary of Larry Arnold Ferster

Larry Arnold Ferster

May 20, 1949 – July 28, 2024

Larry was born to Arnold and Edith Ferster on May 20, 1949, in Prince Albert, SK, and was raised on the farm south of Shellbrook in the Brightholme district until he was 9. He attended school at Mount Teviot until Grade 4 when they moved nine miles north of Shellbrook to the farm, where his son, Drew, currently resides.

Larry attended Rayside School until Grade 9 and then started attending school in Shellbrook. He met his future wife, Debra (Debbie) at dances that were held by their church. They were married in 1972 and began their family when Drew was born in 1977. The following year their family was complete when Deanna was born in 1978.

Larry took over the family farm and he and Debbie raised their two children on the farm where he grew up. Over the next 30 years, Larry worked with his family to grow their mixed farming operation that included grain, cattle, and chickens. In 2002, Larry and Debbie built their house and moved into Shellbrook.

Larry was a very social person and enjoyed making conversation with anyone he met. He loved sports and enjoyed golf and curling into his senior years. He also loved following his grandchildren and watching them compete in their sports. Larry was always very committed to the community and was a long-standing member of the Elks Club, held a term on the Rural Municipality of Shellbrook, and was a member of St. John’s Church Council since he was 18 until the day he passed. Larry was always willing to step in and volunteer and could be seen working the canteen at the Parkside Derby or at the admission booth at the Shellbrook annual sports days.

Because of Larry’s deep love for community, the family is asking that any donations in his memory be sent to either the Shellbrook Senior Curling Club or to the Shellbrook Senior Elks Hockey Club.

Larry lost the battle to an aggressive cancer on July 28, 2024. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Debra, and his children and grandchildren: Drew (Tanya), Ashton, Kassie and Kallie; Deanna Ledding (Jeff), Ava and Emmy. Larry will also be lovingly remembered by his siblings: Ron (Bev) Ferster and Brenda (Ted) Ledding; and his in-laws: Ron (Inez) Helm, Verne (Joanne) Helm, and David (Lorinda) Helm and numerous nieces and nephews.

Larry was pre-deceased by his parents Arnold and Edith Ferster as well as his mother-in-law Dorothy Matzner, his step-father-in-law Joe Matzner, and his father-in-law Ervin Helm.

There will be a Funeral Service held for Larry at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024, from the Shellbrook Community Hall with Rev. Emmanuel Aristide officiating. Larry will be laid to rest in the Shellbrook Cemetery. Family and friends wishing to share online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home & Crematorium, Tammy Smart, Funeral Director, Shellbrook, SK 306-747-2828.