It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Larry Makelki on November 14, 2025. 

Larry was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan on October 19, 1946, to Mark and Ruth Makelki and was raised in Goodwater, Saskatchewan with his five siblings. Throughout his 79 years, Larry always proved himself to be a kind and steady presence.

As a young man, Larry was a hard worker and enjoyed sports. He played hockey and baseball and was a force on both the rink and baseball diamond. When his sister Irene was born a girl, he was upset-after three boys in a row, the family had been on track for a built-in baseball team.

He took his strong work ethic into the world where he worked various jobs on farms, in construction and in heavy machinery. Eventually he began working in the oilfield and it wasn’t long before that he began work for Cardwell Supply in Weyburn.

In October 1969, he married Helen McAlpine. They moved to Swift Current and then to Edmonton once Larry began working for Axelson Canada. Before long they moved again, this time to Lloydminster where Larry and Ron Christie started BMW PC Pump and BMW Monarch. These were just a few of the many business ventures Larry was involved in during his life. BMW quickly grew its reputation as the best and largest supply store chain in the country. 

Larry and Helen raised three children, Carrie, Shana and Ryan. In October of 1981, they bought a small acreage outside Lloydminster. Larry has always loved his horses, including team roping, sleigh rides and of course, The Lea Park Rodeo. He was always willing to lend a hand to neighbors, especially during branding season. The family spent summers at their cabin at Loon Lake where they enjoyed boating, fishing, riding Sea-Doo's and relaxing at the beach. 

In 1998, Larry sold the companies to Weatherford and found something new to occupy him, the Edmonton Oilers. The hockey team was on the brink of being sold and moved to a new market, but Larry and a group of investors intervened to keep the team in the city. Not just an investor but a fan, Larry enjoyed many games from the Skybox in Rexall Place and had a whole room devoted to Oilers memorabilia that included a favorite framed Gretzky jersey.

In December 2008, Larry married Katie Clarke in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This is also where they spent many winters soaking in the warm weather, watching whales, fishing, golfing and enjoying the company of many visiting friends and family members. In that same year they built a new cabin at Loon Lake and started the build on their house south of Blackfoot. 

Larry is survived by: his partner, Katie; daughters, Trinity Dorsey (Troy), Carrie and Shana; son, Ryan; grandchildren, Kayla (Matt), Dayle, Allix, Ryker, Dylan and Devin; great-grandchildren, Rayna and Jackson; Katie’s children and grandchildren; brother, Lee Makelki (Pam); sisters, Jeanette Boyce, Irene Von Sprecken (Gary) and Sherry Brucks; sister-in-law, Terri Makelki; Janet Benson, who has worked on the ranch for 25 years; his sidekick, Snickers; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless wonderful friends.

Larry was predeceased by: his parents, Mark and Ruth Makelki; brother, Keith Makelki (May 2021); brother-in-law, Neal Boyce (March 2021); and many cousins and friends. 

Larry is remembered for making others feel seen, valued and welcomed. He had a quiet strength, gentle heart and a big laugh. His memory stays with us forever. Especially in a drink raised to friends and family, a great goal or home run or with reins in hand and boots in stirrups. We are grateful for every moment and know his kind heart lives on in the countless lives he touched. 

A Celebration of Life will be conducted from Alberta Building , Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM.

If you are unable to attend in person, you may view the Livestreaming of the service posted on McCaw Funeral Service website under Larry's obituary.