Larry Benedict Gogal

            Larry was the first-born child of Monica Gogal (nee Glisinski) and Ben Gogal, born in Dryden, ON.  He then moved to Elphinstone, Decker and then to Birnie, MB.  Larry grew up on a mixed family farm helping his dad with all that was required.  When Larry was only 16 he decided to move up to Thompson, MB to work at a car dealership in and later on began working at the mine for many years.  His life began to change as he began to take his pilot’s license in his spare time. As we all know Larry, this was his life journey that continues to live on.

            Larry married Sandra Scott, from Glenella, MB, on June 26, 1971.  Shortly after they started a family of their own with their first-born son, Mark and second-born son, Brad.

            In 1975, Larry, Sandra, and the boys moved to Snow Lake, MB.  Larry worked in the mines there and also bought a lodge business with a couple of partners.  He eventually bought the entire business, and with the help of his family made that very small tent camp enterprise into what it is today, Burntwood Lake Lodge & Outposts.  Larry also started an air charter service, Gogal Air Services Ltd., obtained his helicopter license and spent countless hours flying for the exploration industry, fire program and his own tourism lodge.

            Larry and Sandra enjoyed many holidays together in the warmer climates.  They ventured to their favourite place, Lake Havasu City, Arizona, for the past 13 years.

            On December 15, 2019, Larry took ill in Arizona with a dissection in his aorta artery.  He was air ambulanced from Las Vegas to Winnipeg on December 21, 2019 to the Asper Clinical Research Institute (St. Boniface Hospital).  He fought a tough battle but unfortunately, he could not win this one.  Larry passed away peacefully on January 11, 2020.

            Larry was predeceased by his father Ben in 1987, his son Mark in 2012 and his mother Monica in 2018.

            Larry is survived by his loving wife Sandra; his son Brad (Jackie) and his grandchildren Jamie, Joan, Sarah and Ethan.  Also surviving is his brother Maurice Gogal (Susan) and sisters Marilyn Wilson (Doug) and Joan-Ann Gogal, as well as many nieces and nephews.

            Larry will be loved and remembered, and sadly missed by his family and friends, former co-workers, lodge guests and clients.  He was a wonderful man who loved his family and loved enjoying his life.

            Funeral services will be held in Snow Lake, MB during the summer.  Details will be provided at a later date.

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