John ‘Larry’ Volk, aka “Miracle Man”, of Red Deer, AB passed away on September 2, 2018 at the age of 77 years at the Red Deer Regional Hospital after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. Larry was born to John and Magdalena Volk in Unity, Saskatchewan on April 27, 1941 where he remained for his school age years. He graduated from Unity High School in 1960 and went on to become a journeyman carpenter and master builder. Larry married Sharon Roth in 1964 and they moved to Northern Alberta where they both taught. Larry took a job as the Alberta Housing Inspector and in 1972 relocated to Red Deer, AB where he and Sharon set down their permanent roots. Larry impacted many lives quite profoundly with his incredible qualities:
● Husband Larry – As Sharon will tell you, “his whole life revolved around me and the kids.” Her happiness was his highest priority.
● Dad Larry – Dad to Corine Sim (Al), Jason Volk (Rhonda) and Shea Volk (Kristi). He advised his children wisely based on experience, a generous heart and a good brain. He was always supportive, helping his children build amazing careers and giving them the tools to raise wonderful children. His life was spent making his children’s lives better.
● Grandpa Larry – another favorite. A major player in the raising and instillation of all things good into his grandkids; love, faith, work ethic, and family to name a few. Grandpa Larry always made time and his nine grandchildren were the light of his life. Brady Sim (Tosha), Lane Sim, Aaron Volk, Jordan Volk, Paige Sim, Morgan Volk, Rhyan Volk, Nixon Volk and Easton Volk.
● Brother Larry – Larry was the youngest of five children. He was predeceased by his brother, Eddie Volk (Marie), and sisters, Sabina Grove (Charles), Irene Carscadden (Garth) and is survived by Genevieve Wangler (Fred) of Wilkie SK.
● Builder Larry – Larry was a master builder and could literally build or fix anything. He built, basically, all of our stuff. Hair salons, donut concessions, vet clinics, RV’s, houses, garages, skating rinks, the family pool, the family farm, and a resort style home in Phoenix, to name the larger items. He has built or fixed numerous other peoples stuff like 100’s of houses, many businesses and countless other life changing things.
● Farmer Larry –provided all of our families with organic eggs, beef, chicken, and veggies. We’ve all witnessed the sweat and tears, the challenges overcome, and the rewards reaped from Larry and Sharon’s amazing farm.
● Generous Larry – too numerous to mention examples, they accumulated daily.
● Tennis Larry – Larry loved tennis and cherished his time at the Red Deer Tennis Club where he made many friends. We always bragged how Larry could still play tennis multiple times per week while battling many health issues. He was a competitor with fun at the forefront. He loved to watch the pros on TV with his buddy, Brian Kelly, aka “BK”.
● Friend Larry – He had so many friends and continued to make new ones even as he lived his last days befriending the nursing crew on Unit 32 at RDRH.
● Other Larry’s – include: brother-in-law Larry, Godfather Larry, uncle Larry, does-the-dishes Larry, cooks-a-heck-of-a-turkey-dinner Larry, drives-a-minivan Larry, dog-sitter Larry, boss-of-Kelly Larry, gives-out-100 dollar-bills Larry, delivers-the-farm-food Larry, wears-a-lot-of-orange Larry, lights-up-a-room-with-his-smile Larry and the list goes on and on and on…. Now, he is our Angel Larry!
A Public Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 6 McMillan Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Following the Funeral Mass a Celebration of Larry's Life will be held at the Harvest Centre, 'Marquis Room', Westerner Park, 4847A - 19 Street, Red Deer, Alberta on Tuesday, September 11, 2018. Doors open at 4:00 p.m., program starts at 4:30 p.m. Meal and refreshments will be served. If desired, Memorial Donations in Larry's honor may be made directly to the Red Deer Food Bank at www.reddeerfoodbank.com. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.