Obituary of James Lawrence Ness "Larry"

Born December 6, 1950 passed away after a short illness on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 72 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Suzan Kathleen Ness (nee Learning), his son Joshua Alexander Ness (Carolyn Ness) and their children, Noah White, Grace Ness and James Ness, his son Shayne Lyon Ness (Mirangely Ness) and their daughter Lyndsay Ness. Larry is also survived by his sisters Christine Lang (Peter Lang) and Karen Ness, his brother Brett Ness (Marlene Ness), his niece Bobbi Bebchuk (Trevor Bebchuk), his grand nephew Isaac Bebchuk and grand niece Tessa Bebchuk, his nephews Ron Lang and Alex Ness, his aunt June Ness and many cousins.
Larry was predeceased by his father James Ness May (2005), his mother Florence (Betty) Ness (1995) and his uncles William, Alexander, Andrew, Robert and Jack.

Larry was born and raised in Niagara Falls. He graduated from Westlane Secondary High School and worked one year at Cyanamid, he then joined The Canadian Armed Forces where he was educated in Electrical, Mechanical and Weapons trades, he was very successful in his military career and traveled worldwide single on active tours of duty and with his family. He married Suzan in 1975 soon followed by the births of their boys.

Larry retired with many coloured medals on his breast, he was proud to have served 30 years. Larry was retired for a couple of days when a company named Pennant Canada Ltd a company which procured government contracts hired him to become a consultant and contractor covering the many Departments of Defense contracts for Army and Navy and he enjoyed his 25 years operating his own company as an integrated systems contractor. He retired a very short time before he passed.

Larry was an avid golfer he played with friends, coworkers and strangers wherever he traveled to, in retirement he was able to work off site for many years, he took his work computer with him wherever we traveled and finally we settled on permanent 6 month reprieve from cold north in a beautiful gulf coast area of Florida. His golfing group expanded over the years there and many friendships formed. Every Wednesday was bocce with couples from golf and our beach friends. Locals enjoyed watching us play and always asked why are you playing on this chewed up baseball diamond? He would laugh and tell them, "for lunch together and beer at Cody’s".
Larry always wanted to return to Niagara as a final retirement destination with his wife, as empty nesters to be close to family in the area. They moved for the 27th time. The area that gave Larry a taste of civilian life was golfing with his uncles at Rolling Meadows, making new friends, and he enjoyed walking the course. Larry got his first of three holes in one at the tenth hole on Rolling Meadows. Larry began to work at the golf course after a few years volunteering as a Marshall, and joined the Men’s league. Larry achieved the other two holes at Meadowlands Golf Course in Florida.
As an avid sports fan and father of two sons, training and coaching was inevitable. Hockey was everyone’s favorite and he refereed for many years. When they were older and refereeing themselves the three together were a treat for any teams on the ice. In Ottawa Larry refereed Mens league, Women’s University league and local minor hockey leagues. He was a great fan of the Boston Bruins, our boys were true Toronto Maple Leaf fans. You can imagine the fun in the household during playoffs! Larry also played baseball (Mr. Magic) and broomball on different teams while in the military wherever posted. In Europe, curling became a favorite Friday night couple’s event. During weekends in Germany he participated in Volksmarches 10k and 20K runs. There weren’t many challenges he wasn’t up for. Larry became Referee in Chief while the family lived in Creemore and again when he transferred to Barrie. He made friends wherever he and family were transferred. He found a watering hole. He was comfortable and amiable around people. Who could ask for a more well rounded life? Larry will be missed and well remembered. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Essentials Cremation and Burial Services (905-354-2133) A celebration of Larry's life will be held at Branch 479 Royal Canadian Legion on Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 1:00 p.m until 4:00 p.m. If desired, donations to The Walker Family Cancer Centre in Larry's memory would be appreciated by his family.