Larry Shellian

Larry Shellian, lifelong resident of Canmore, passed away peacefully at the Canmore Hospital on February 21, 2025 after a private battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his parents, Ludwig and Sophie Shellian (Sweet), and his brother Gerry Shellian. He is survived by his brothers Richie (Barb) Shellian, Ronnie (Denise) Shellian and sisters Betty Kirby and Shirley Matheson as well as by his son Robert Shellian, and daughter Lindsay (Paul) Gammon. He is also survived by his grandchildren Emerson Shellian, Adaira Shellian, Abigail Gammon, Austin Gammon, Payton Gammon, Kyle Gammon, Kaytlynn (Chris) Gammon, great granddaughter Olivia McIntyre and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Larry was born and raised in Canmore where he grew up playing sports such as soccer, rugby and track. but was known best for playing lots of hard hitting hockey and living as a rink rat, along with his siblings, helping his father make ice and care for the original Canmore Arena. After high school he worked in the Canmore mines and then went to Calgary and worked for Sears to be close to his high school sweetheart Betty Latvala whom he eventually married and they had Lindsay and Robert. He returned to Canmore and spent most of his career working for the Town of Canmore in numerous departments. He was honored as one of the ‘Faces of Canmore’ and was very proud of that.

Larry played for the Canmore Flyers and was a great hockey player. He also managed and played with the Canmore Speed Queens slo-pitch team, coached minor hockey and helped coach with the Canmore Eagles when they were first established in town. He was ‘Santa Claus’ for many Canmore events as well as for families who requested him throughout the years and fit the role perfectly. He loved his Harley motorbikes and also fit that role perfectly with his biker look.

He continued to work around town and contribute to the community in other capacities right up until this past November. You could find him working security in the local bars landing at Cornerstone Theatre for the last few years in that role. He looked tough but all that really knew him knew he was a big teddy bear. He drove buses for a few areas including with the local schools and eventually working with the Life Enrichment team at Origin Spring Creek where he got to share his town and the Bow Valley with the seniors’ giving tours and rides. He always said that this was the most fulfilling job he had, being able to make a difference in the lives of these seniors.

Larry’s smile, humor and kindness throughout his life is what is remembered most. He treated everyone the same, family, friends, acquaintances and strangers. Always with kindness and a twinkle in that eye. He thrived on being around others and making others laugh and he was so good at it.

The family would like to thank Dr. Brandon Hone, all the staff at Origin Spring Creek, Canmore Home Care, and the Canmore Hospital for their care, compassion and support. In lieu of flowers those wishing to remember Larry are encouraged to make a donation, in his memory, to either the Alberta Cancer Foundation (118780477RR0001), 710 Sun Life Plaza 10123-99 Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada or to the Canmore and Area Health Care Foundation, 1100 Hospital Place, Canmore AB, T1W 1N2 (www.canmorehealthfoundation.com)

Larry has requested a party in his honor and more information will follow regarding the celebration once details are finalized.

In memory of Larry Shellian, please consider making a donation to one of the following charities: 

https://albertacancer.ca/donate/ 

https://www.canmorehospitalfoundation.com/donate