In Loving Memory
Robert Larson
Nov 17, 1954 – January 25, 2026
Robert was born in Mannville on November 17, 1954, to Red and Ruby Larson. Rob would carry on his dad’s nickname of Red. He would be raised on the family farm 15 miles north of Irma along with his older brother Greg and younger sister Debbie.
He would start his education at Albert School and play baseball for the Albert Little Royals. He would make friends with three boys that would last a lifetime.
From Albert School Robert would be bused to Irma School. He would quit in Grade 11 and go to work.
Robert’s work ethic started at a young age; he would babysit for neighbouring families, at 13 would be hired to clear brush by hand along roads and intersections. He worked running a CAT cleaning corrals making $2.50 per hour and thought he was making good money. He would work for different farmers and eventually work in the oil field, insulating.
In 1978 he would attend Lakeland College in Vermilion and start apprenticing as a welder. It was also around this time he would meet Hazel Meakins and her young daughter Stacy. 1979 would see him become a ticketed B-pressure Welder, he would start his company Red’s Welding (named after his father) and begin his career as an oilfield pipeline welder.
In April of 1981 Robert and Hazel would marry and add to their family with three sons, Timothy, Travis, and Thomas. He was beyond proud of his four children and very protective of them.
Hazel would pass away in 2000; Rob would never truly move on from her death.
Robert’s welding career would last for 40 years, 12 of which he spent at the Battery north of Irma. His work
took him across Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and to the corners of Manitoba; he would weld hundreds of miles of pipe during his career.
He was known for his strong work ethic and unwavering dedication to his trade. Robert took great pride in being the lead, out-welding everyone with no repairs and having the nicest truck (he built himself) on the job site.
We would always know when dad was home when his stack pipes rumbled up the back alley.
Robert provided employment to his five nephews, his three sons, and many friends over the years. He would retire from his career in 2019, life coming full circle with his final job working for his son, Tim.
As dedicated as he was to his welding career, he didn’t limit himself to it. During downturns in the oilfield, he started a steam truck business he later sold, rigged up Vac trucks, and hauled gravel.
In 1989 he bought the family farm back. Farming alongside his family became one of his greatest sources of pride and joy. Rob had many hobbies; he loved camping, fishing, hunting, tinkering on vehicles and holidays in B.C. His greatest hobby or passion was his toys (and he had many). He especially loved his Harleys, muscle cars and Corvettes.
In his retirement his dream was to open a consignment lot specializing in antique vehicles and muscle cars.
Rob was also community minded; he would join the Irma Kinsmen and donate his welding services to help create the park along Highway 14, weld backstops at the ballpark in town and the railing around the deck at the Irma golf clubhouse, all of which still exist today. He was also a big supporter of the Terry Fox run for years, sponsoring children and providing the pop after the kids finished the run. During the 80’s slow-pitch and rec hockey were a big thing. Rob would start a slow-pitch team called Red’s playing short stop/second base and a rec hockey team called Redito’s, playing goalie. He would buy the uniforms for both teams. Many memories were made with many people during this time.
As the years went on and grandchildren and great grandchildren were born, he may not have been the traditional grandpa, but he loved them dearly. Always good for chocolate bars, cookies, and ice cream treats. The best gifts came from Grandpa Rob.
Robert would pass away in the Wainwright Hospital on January 25, 2026, from a short battle with cancer. As true to his personality he fought to the end and lived longer than expected. If stubbornness was a cure for cancer he would have beat it.
Robert was many things in his life; he was a person who never did anything half measure. He loved hard, held a grudge hard, worked hard, and played hard. He was a man who lived his life on his own terms, his escapades were legendary. He left a lot of people with memories of him; good, bad or otherwise.
Ultimately in the end what matters most is we loved him and he loved us.
Forever riding free, with the wind upon his face, and the sun on his back. It was time to head out.
Robert is survived by his brother Greg Larson, sister Debbie (Lucky) Hinton; daughter Stacy (Laure) Brissard; sons: Tim (Shantell) Larson, Travis Larson, Tom Larson; granddaughters: Autumn (Jessie) Rundle, Aubri Glover, Gabrielle Larson, Rayne Larson; grandson Jaxon Larson; great-granddaughters: Zyra, Blake, Luna and Bryer Rundle.
Robert also shared a special bond with his five nephews: Dallas, Dustin, Todd, Shawn, Scott Hinton, and their families.
Robert was predeceased by his brother Leonard, his parents Red and Ruby Larson, and his beloved wife Hazel.
As per Rob’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held at Albert Community Hall on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
In lieu of flowers the family asks you to donate to STARS air ambulance or to the Terry Fox Foundation. He was an avid supporter of both.
