Apr 10, 1942 - Nov 16, 2017
It is with great sadness that we announce that Larry Walthers' journey to the other side was hastened by recent issues with his heart. His arrival in Heaven will be enjoyed by his ancestors and friends who are over there already as he was such an enjoyable and loveable human being. Generous, kind, funny and likeable are just a few words that describe this great man, a man who will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives he touched during his busy life.
Larry was born in Vancouver, but raised in Hedley, BC until his family moved to Hope, BC around age 15. From there he moved around BC as he pursued a career as an automobile dealer. Larry was involved in many organizations over the years including president of Kelowna Lions Club, City of Vernon Economic Development Committee, Rotary Club in Vernon, Board of Directors of New Car Dealers of British Columbia, president of Vernon Motor Dealers Association, Board of Directors of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association and more.
Larry was a man who loved cars from a young age and that passion led him to pursue a career in the automobile business. His career took him to numerous locations around British Columbia during his 20's. He then spent several years in Kelowna, BC working with Ron Jacobsen at his Pontiac Buick GMC Dealership.
Larry fulfilled his dream by becoming a General Motors Dealer himself when he purchased the Pontiac Buick GMC Dealership in Vernon, BC in the fall of 1982 and named it Parkside Pontiac Buick GMC. By the late 1980's he and his team were selling over 1,000 vehicles a year out of the small dealership building in the small town of Vernon. Larry was one of the most awarded GM Dealers in Canada, having won General Motors highest "Triple Crown" Dealer award 3 times over the years .
He took great pride when in 1995 he built a new dealership facility and renamed his company Walthers Pontiac Buick GMC, which he and family operated until retirement in 2010. His success in the car business allowed him to live life to the fullest by travelling the world, and enjoying his pursuits of golf, boating and skiing.
During the past 10 years Larry enjoyed spending the winters amongst family and friends in beautiful Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
He was predeceased by his parents Kay & Chuck Walthers, uncle Bud Reid, brother Garry Walthers, daughter Edelle Hendsbee-Walthers, grandson Chad Jacobsen.
He is survived by and will be sadly missed by his wife, Audrey Walthers and children; David Walthers (Judy), Bonnie Walthers-Jacobsen, Bruce Walthers (Nancy), Gary Walthers and his grandchildren Brandon, Alyssa, Gabby, Shalynn, Chase, Morgan and Odelle as well as his brother John Walthers (Lila) and sister in-law Sandra Walthers.
It was an honour and a privilege to have him in our lives. The family anticipates holding a spring 2018 celebration of life gathering in his home town of Vernon, BC and ensuing spreading of his ashes.