PGA of Ontario Class “A” Life Professional, Mr. Larry Armatage (1941-2023) passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday April 12, 2023, at the age of 82.
Beloved husband of Isabel (nee Petford), proud father of Andrea Lynn and Christopher Stephen Armatage, dear brother of Elizabeth Kay Armatage, and Carol Armatage (deceased).
Larry was born in Lanigan Saskatchewan, was a graduate of Queen’s University, and received an MBA from Western University. Larry and Isabel lived in Renfrew for 12 years, where he served as President of the Renfrew Golf Club and was instrumental in expanding the course from 9 to 18 holes.
He moved to Burlington in 1977 where he opened an International Harvester Truck dealership, followed by opening the first PGA Golf Centre in Canada (Family Golf Centre), which he ran for 30 years. Larry was a PGA professional who loved to teach. He taught young and old, and started many programs for physically challenged and blind students.
Larry was a member of Rattlesnake Golf Club, and he never lost his love for teaching people the joys of golf. He was also an avid student of the game and you would often see Larry working on new ideas on the putting green, and helping all who would ask.
In the winter months you would find Larry at the curling rink at Burlington Golf and Country Club, where he never lost his passion for learning all he could about this great game. In 2002 Larry was the captain of a 22 man Rotary Canada to Scotland Tour team. He was always an avid promoter and supporter of this great event, and it was his enthusiasm that brought many people to this game and to this tour.
Larry was a proud Rotarian for 50 years, and he was the epitome of their motto of “Service above Self”. He often said that he met some of the best people of his life in Rotary, and all Rotarians who knew him would say the same about him. Larry and Isabel were tireless volunteers in their community, and they touched many people.
Larry also loved to play music and to sing. He was well known for volunteering his musical talents on the keyboard at many events in our community. Larry was an enthusiastic member of the Canadian Orpheus Men’s Choir, and then moved to Harbourtown Sound, an A cappella group, where he was able to compete in several international competitions.
A life very well lived!
