Obituary of Msgr. Larrabee

Reverend Monsignor Roy J.H. Larrabee, P.A. Reverend Monsignor Roy J. H. Larrabee, P.A. passed away peacefully at his residence in Surrey, B.C. on November 20, 2009. Monsignor Larrabee was born on January 15, 1920 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan and was a priest of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg for over 60 years. Monsignor Larrabee was the son of the late Homer and Marie (Roy) Larrabee. He is survived by his sister Margaret Houghton, of Surrey, BC, nephews Bill Driscoll(wife Lida) of Mission, BC, Larry Driscoll of Delta, BC, Tony Houghton(wife Kim) of Surrey, BC, nieces Barbara Potkins (husband John) of Vancouver Island, BC, Fay Pereira (husband Joe) of Surrey, BC, great-nephew San Potkins of Edmonton, great-nieces Meghan Potkins of Edmonton, AB and Sarah Houghton of Surrey, BC and many relatives and friends. After attending High School and College at College Mathieu in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, Monsignor Larrabee began his studies for the priesthood at St Joseph's Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta. He left his studies to serve overseas during World War II. After the war he resumed his studies and was ordained to the Priesthood on June 11, 1949. Monsignor Larrabee served in a number of parishes in the Archdiocese of Winnipeg, including: Assistant at St. Mary's Cathedral, Winnipeg (1949-1955), Pastor of St. Joseph's Parish in Russell (where he was instrumental in the building of a new parish church), (1955-1964), St. John's Parish in Portage-la-Prairie (1964-1968) and Rector of St. Mary's Cathedral from 1968 until his retirement in 1997. Monsignor Larrabee served on a number of diocesan councils and boards in the Archdiocese of Winnipeg. In 1969 Monsignor Larrabee was made a Chaplain to his Holiness and given the title of Monsignor. Later in 1979 he was created a Prelate of Honour and in 1993 a Protonotary Apostolic. He was also honoured by the province of Manitoba by being inducted into the Order of the Buffalo Hunt. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 27, 2009 at St. Mary's Cathedral, Winnipeg beginning at 10:00 a.m. Most Reverend V. James Weisgerber, Archbishop of Winnipeg, will preside. Viewing will take place in the Cathedral entrance from 9:00 a.m. A reception will follow the liturgy in the Cathedral Hall with interment at Assumption Cemetery