Lawrence “Larry” Francis Ozog
On Sunday, January 5th, 2025, Lawrence Francis Ozog – Larry to those who knew and loved him, and of course Dad to us – passed away peacefully after a brief illness. In the days before his passing, he had support and visits from friends and family, and he left this life with both of his hands held in a room full of loved ones. Larry was 72 years old. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary Ozog in 2017 and Cecil Ozog in 2022. Larry will be missed dearly by his daughters, Amy (Patrick) and Cassie (Eric); granddaughter, Penelope; as well as countless friends.
Larry was born in Moose Jaw, SK, the eldest of seven children. He attended St. Margaret’s elementary school and graduated from Vanier Collegiate. His love of sports started early as he played both baseball and hockey with his brother Ron and was coached by his dad. He had fond memories of time with extended family members, in particular his aunt Joan who took him regularly to the movies; this inspired a love of film that he passed on to us. In high school, Larry was a member of several clubs and sports teams, most notably basketball and football. He treasured his experiences with his teammates and the camaraderie they built together, telling us stories often about their games and adventures. He remained lifelong friends with many of his teammates, staying connected to them right up until his passing.
Larry was married in 1974 and raised his family in Moose Jaw, working hard to support his daughters in every activity and adventure, whether he was a fan or not. He did not miss a game, concert, or performance. Our family went on many vacations throughout Canada and the US, but some of our best adventures were had right here at home. We have many fond memories of driving around the city and country listening to golden oldies, watching movies, and going for ice cream or Tim Horton’s after any school event. He had the ability to make even the simplest of moments a memory worth keeping.
Larry did attend the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon but returned home to Moose Jaw to work as the manager of Pascoe’s Machine Works, where he stayed for the next 52 years. He was probably known by most in this role (and we do mean known – going anywhere in Moose Jaw for a quick trip was nearly impossible as we would be delayed several times by people wanting to say hello and visit). A family business, Pascoe’s was owned by his father, Cec, and rounded out by his brother, Ron, until it closed in 2018. Larry made a point of remembering people, their stories, their jokes, and their troubles. He found a way to connect with almost everyone. There are many stories about Pascoe’s, some good, some that were not told to younger family members until they were a bit older, but it was rare for anyone to leave there in a bad mood. And regardless of the day or circumstance, Larry always looked forward to a phone call or visit from customers and friends.
Our dad was a true extrovert and loved spending time with family and friends. Retirement didn’t slow him down; instead, he went for more visits, meals out, coffees, and trips to sporting events with friends. He could be counted on regularly for phone calls and, on a new venture with technology later in life, texts. He loved video chatting with his beloved granddaughter, Penny, the newest member of his family, to whom he has left a legacy of laughter, and very big shoes to fill when it comes to a love of the game. He had no trouble making her smile whenever she came to visit him. She now wears one of his hundreds of baseball hats regularly and knows Grandpa Ozog loves her dearly. If she ever takes up baseball, we imagine she may have some extra help on the big swings.
After his family, baseball was Larry’s truest love. He followed almost every sport, but nothing ever beat baseball in his heart. Many tried to stump him with obscure baseball trivia they had to scour the internet to find, but he never missed. He forgot more about the sport than most people ever learn, and likely loved the true spirit of the game more than anyone may ever know.
Larry lived with a chronic illness that affected his mobility greatly, something that was devastating after being so active in his youth. But he found a new lease on life when he moved into Providence Place and received care, support, and encouragement to embrace life and the tools to help him do so. He was a regular in the hallways, visiting with everyone who came by, and frequently went to ball and hockey games, out for supper, to the mall, or just out for a cruise around the city. He made the best of a tough situation over the last 12 years even as more physical challenges arose. For those who loved him, we take some comfort in knowing he is no longer bound to a body that could not do what he wanted it to do, and we hope it’s a little easier now to keep up with all of those he cared about. We are grateful to the staff and care team at Providence Place who took good care of our dad and grieve alongside us.
For now, we will listen to the music he introduced us to, rewatch the movies we watched together a 100 times before, slow down when we see big machinery, try to name every truck we pass on the highway, listen to the songs the trains make at night, call our family and friends a little more often, and of course, check the scores and cheer for the Jays (unless you’re Cassie, and then it’s the Yankees). The next time you make it to a baseball game, take an extra moment to breathe in the smells, hear the crack of the bat, and join the cheers from the crowd. Go get that second hot dog during the 7th inning stretch, for Larry. He will be happy you did.
Dad did not want a traditional funeral, but instead what he enjoyed the most: a good visit over a cup of coffee. To honour Larry, there will be a Come-and-Go Celebration of his Life in the Healing Garden on the north side of Providence Place (weather permitting, otherwise the celebration will be indoors at Providence Place in the Rose Room) from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 7th, 2025. Coffee and treats will be served, and laughter, baseball talk, and joy among friends and family would be greatly appreciated. Flowers are gratefully declined. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the MS Society, the SK Sport Legacy Fund, or any other organization you feel would benefit from his spirit may be made in Larry’s name. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Shirese Noble Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Aw this is sad. Larry suffered for years.
Rest in peace Larry.
Rest easy Larry. Your pleasant cheerful nature and endless stories and humour will be missed.
I feel blessed to have made your acquaintance Larry. You’ve made it to home base with a lot of class.
Sincere condolences to your daughter and loved ones.
Larry I will miss your smile and sense of humor, work will not be the same with you not here, rest in peace.
Knew Larry for a long time.
All I can say is Condolences to the Ozog family and others that
became friends and others that knew with Larry.
My condolences to the entire Ozog family. Wishing you peace and comfort for all the days ahead.
Larry will continue telling stories with many. That was what was so great about him, his stories, smiles and laughter.
Hugs and love
Cassie, so sorry to hear about your dad. He was so proud of you and his new grand baby. I would stop and chat on my way through at Providence Place and he would tell me how you’re doing and show me some photos. I will sure miss seeing him.
My heart goes out to the Ozog family, during this difficult time. May your memories comfort you. Words fail to express my deep sorrow for your loss
We are so sorry for your loss.
I had the honour and privilege of getting to know Larry when I started working at Providence Place. Larry had a heart of gold. He always had a way of making one feel special. We would have the most interesting discussions and had a unique talent for making one stop and think. CFL and NFL discussions were invigorating. He was so proud of his family and their accomplishments.
May the many memories made with your dad provide peace and comfort. He was a great gentleman.
Most sincere condolences to all Larry’s family. RIP. Woody & Vern Lynds (Lynds Brothers formally of Dunkirk Sask)
I send my sincere condolences during this time of sorrow. The Bible promises that your loved one will come to life again on a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more in John 5:28, 29.
Our deepest condolences to Larry’s family. We both enjoyed talking to Larry. He always took time for a chat. Pascoe’s is another business that Clayton has missed when they closed. They ran an excellent business with superb customer service for all those years! Rest in peace, Larry!
Condolences to the whole family at this sad time . Larry was great guy and he was an avid sports fan .
rest in peace big O my good friend
I came to know Larry as a business contact, but he taught me a great deal, almost from day one. I’ll miss hearing from him.
Our sincere condolences to Ron, Cassie and all the Ozog family. Enjoyed visiting with Larry at Pascoes. He was a very nice man.
My condolences to all of Larry’s family. I will always remember Larry’s smile and good words.
Sending our condolence to the entire Ozog Family. Thinking of you Cal & Melanie Anderson
He was a great friend . He would always stop to chat whenever I was in Providence place and show me the latest pictures of you , Amy and of course.. his beautiful grandaughter. Watch over us from above Larry.
Our condolences to all of the Ozog Families, Larry’s two daughters and his six siblings. We knew Larry, Ron, Janice and Darlene the best, growing up in Moose Jaw on the east side of town. They lived in the pink corner house on 4th Ave and Stadacona St, and we lived on 4th Ave North East, just north of the tracks. I’m Ron’s age and a classmate of his. We also knew Larry’s Mom and Dad, his aunt Joan, and Joan and Cec’s parents, a great Polish family, they lent a helping hand to many families in the Polish community.
Larry like his dad Cec, loved to talk, loved to smile, loved to make others laugh. It’s sad his illness slowed him down a little bit, but he just kept on going. And Larry had a great memory. I came to his Mom’s Mary’s funeral in 2017. I remember standing in the foyer at the back of St Joe’s, Larry came in and with his back turned to me said I recognize that voice, that’s Garry Oledzki. And I thought Wow, what a great memory, twenty or so years later. Larry, Ron and I reconnected, visiting about the old Vanier days and Reunions.
Three Remembrances. Be happy, laugh a little, smile. Lend a helping hand, help others. And call our family and friends a little more often. I call these “Life Lessons”, they’re simple but true.
Take care. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Garry, Ted and Teresa Oledzki, and families.