June 1, 1935 – February 27, 2017
Larry Vern Jontz of Falkland, B.C. went to be with his Lord peacefully, surrounded by family, in Vernon Jubilee Hospital on February 27, 2017.
Larry was born on June 1st 1935 in Tulameen, B.C., the sixth child to Jacob and Katherine Jontz. He spent his early childhood years as a country boy working on his family’s farm and as a ranch hand at Douglas Lake Ranch where his mother was a camp cook. Larry was a faithful servant to the Lord from a young age and remained joyous and humble in his proclamation of the Good News. He met his wife of over 60 years, Florence Joyce Hale, when he was 16. They were married in June of 1956, the same year that Larry started his first company, Larry Jontz Construction. They made their home in Kamloops, B.C. where they were actively involved in Christian Ministry at Calvary Temple; there they taught Sunday school, sponsored youth events, and sang hymns on Calvary Temple Fireside Hour radio program. While in Kamloops three sons, Vern, Mark, and Stephen, were born before they moved their family to Nelson to work on the Duncan Dam. Shortly after Lita’s birth, they moved to Kelowna where Larry started his second construction company, Flair Construction. Larry actively contributed to community services as a member of the KLO Secondary School parent counsel, the Social Credit party, and the Kelowna Land and Development Association. God came first in every aspect of Larry’s life. Not a day went by where he wasn’t mentoring young apprentice carpenters, sharing the Gospel, or helping others in practical ways. After raising their children and serving in the construction industry in the Thompson Okanagan, Larry and Florence made their final home in Falkland, B.C. in 2002. Though semi-retired, Larry worked on a scaffolding crew in the Construction Maintenance Allied Union until he was 75 which made him the oldest active carpenter in that union! He continued to work in construction through his final company, Great North Homes, and served as a pastor of the Falkland Valley Gospel Hour until he was 81 years old. Everywhere Larry went he made friends. He loved to impart stories from his vast array of experiences, and was often sought after for his expert advice. His inquisitive nature and zeal for life sparked a life time of learning. He left a legacy of knowledge to those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Larry Jontz is lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Florence Joyce; their four children: Vern (Genevieve) Jontz, Mark (Judy) Jontz, Stephen (Yolanda) Jontz, and Lita (Darryl) Ericson; their 15 grandchildren: Christine (Tim), Luke, Tyrel (Kayli), Nathan (Marie), Stevie (Shane), Jared (Atisha), Austin, Caleb, Emily, Rachel, Calise, Jonathan, Brianna, Jacob, Levi, and their seven great grandchildren: Alexander, Ryan, Nicodemus, Everly, Adina, Maxim, and Gabriel, as well as by many extended family, and countless brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Larry, a country boy at heart, fulfilled his life long dreams passionately living out his faith and dedicating himself to his wife and children. Larry unconditionally loved those around him and he will be deeply missed.
A celebration of life honouring Larry’s life will be held April 8th at 2:00 pm in the Falkland Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Falkland Community Church Society or to the Falkland Community Association (Raising the Roof Project).
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.myalternatives.ca. Arrangements entrusted to ALTERNATIVES FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES®
Vernon 250-558-0866 & Armstrong 250-546-7237