Obituaries

BALABERDA, Larry A

April 3, 1952 – October 16, 2021

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Larry Balaberda on October 16, 2021, at the age of 69 in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Larry leaves to mourn his death and celebrate his life, his partner Lynn Morelli, his children Jill Baker (Steve), Jeff Balaberda, and Sara Balaberda; and his grandchildren Alexis and Jaxon Baker. Larry is also survived by his 12 siblings, Florence, Doreen, Marlene (Bert), Eddie “Shack” (Cathy), Adeline (Don), Ruth (John), Don “Doc” (Jo-anne), his twin brother Barry “Cuda”(Bernadette), Brian “Chico” (Marlene), Sharon, Lorraine (Dean), Daryl (Carmen); along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Larry was predeceased by his son Michael; his parents Jenny and Claude Balaberda; and two sisters Gladys and Joyce.

Larry was born in Melville, Saskatchewan to hardworking and kind parents that raised 15 children. Larry and his twin Barry were dubbed the “double trouble” by the sisters that looked after them (Adeline and Gladys) and it’s reported that they were “so cute and always on the go”, they kept the whole family on their toes. Larry moved from Saskatchewan to Thompson, MB to work in the nickel mines and then headed to Alberta in 1974. This is where he put down roots and opened his first business, ‘Sherwood Park Upholstery’, in 1978. Over the years, Larry worked with various people and companies doing what he knew and loved best. In 2016, he moved to Kelowna, BC to join his longtime sweetie Lynn.

Larry was creative and had a passion for upholstery and designing beautiful furniture and spaces. He loved the classics - Elvis and Marilyn, old movies and cars, and you could usually find him looking spiffy, dressed in black and white looking for his next hustle!

When the kids were young, Larry loved taking them camping, shopping, and putting them to work in the upholstery shop. In more recent years, Larry and Jeff went on memorable fishing trips, and he always looked forward to visits from Jill, the grandkids, or his youngest daughter Sara.

Special thanks to the Morelli family, Sandy & Brandilynn, as well as Larry’s friend Dan, and the staff at the upholstery shop in Kelowna. A Heartfelt thanks also to the compassionate medical team at Kelowna General Hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.