Photo courtesy of MacAlpine Funeral Home, Inc. - Mac Chapel - Bad Axe
Bad Axe, Michigan
Jul 22, 1961 – Dec 10, 2021 (Age 60)
Valarian David “L J” Kanaby of Port Austin passed away on Friday December 10, 2021 at the age of 60, after a long battle with cancer.
Larry was born on July 22, 1961 to Valarian and Frances Kanaby. On June 27, 2021, he married Tricia Kauffman, in a beautiful, eventful outdoor wedding at Pt. Aux Barques.
Larry was well known for his carpentry and building skills and talents, working alongside his Dad for 48 years as Kanaby Builders. L J was an avid runner; running in many marathons, including Detroit, and Boston. He participated in many triathlons, dri-athlons, cross country skiing, avid cyclist, kayaker, avid outdoorsman, he enjoying hunting; and a friend to everyone that met him. L J was very active in the Bad Axe and Port Austin Lions Clubs.
L.J. is survived his heroine wife, Tricia Kanaby; his loving parents: Larry and Fran Kanaby, his loving daughters: Kristi (Daniel) Newberry, Tawny (Aaron) Osantoski and Toria Kanaby; his amazing sons: Dominic Rosenthal, Colton Rosenthal (special friend, Kelsey Voss), and Camryn Fritz (special friend Megan Maurer). Along with his family, he is survived by: Tom (Karen) Kosal, Tom (Karen) Kosal, Wallace (Shirley) Kanaby, Delphine Turnbull Kanaby, Marie (LaVern) Sommers, Matthew (Genie) Kanaby, Jill Kanaby, Jason Somers, Amy Somers and Renee (Steve) Babcock; and his grandchildren: Brycen Fuqua, Scarlett Newberry and Dominic Roberts.
L.J. was preceded in death by his grandparents David and Mildred Kanaby, and his in-laws Clayton and Maxine Kauffman.
A special thanks to this wonderful nurse, Lynn for tolerating his antics.
Visitation for L J will be held on Thursday December 16, 2021, from 2-8 PM, at the MacAlpine Funeral home in Bad Axe, and on Friday, December 17th from 11-3 PM, with a service at 3 PM, with Rev. Tom Manney officiating.
Masks will be mandatory at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family would like to present all donations to the Bad Axe and Port Austin Lions club, or to the family’s discretionary fund.
Condolences can be shared at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com
Read MoreVery sad to hear this. Larry blew by me in a 5k in Bay Port in 2014...we had a good rivalry for a couple of years.
Tim Brown
July 07, 2022 | Friend
Heartfelt sympathy to the Kanaby family, so sorry to hear of your loss. It has been a while since our paths met, but Larry was always kind, encouraging and ready with his great smile. Fond memories of times on the ski trails and Rushford’s Rhodes race will remain in our hearts.
Dave and Amy (Rushford) Williams
December 19, 2021 | Traverse City, MI
This man always had a smile to share, or a friendly hello, my sympathies to the family.
Jean Cottick
December 19, 2021 | Other
Sending my deepest Condolences. Lifting up the Kanaby family in thoughts and prayers.
Many Blessings,
David
David Sohn
December 17, 2021 | Saginaw, MI | Acquaintance
Sending our condolences hugs and prayers to you and your family.
Denise Maurer
December 17, 2021 | BAD AXE, MI | Friend
We always enjoyed seeing Larry at ski races over the years. Our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.
John & Tracy Goble
December 16, 2021 | Marquette, MI
I am so sorry to the entire Kanaby clan at the loss of such a fine man. LJ was a fine craftsman and although my house is full of Kanaby Builders' exceptional work, I valued Larry's friendship and kindness even more! I loved when he was at the race!! All would hear words of encouragement and see a smile as he took off to the front!! He continued to be a strong warrior as he fought this horrible cancer... He IS in heaven probably running fast 1500s and racing Trev and Mark.... or maybe...
Lisa McManaman
December 15, 2021 | Bad Axe, MI | Friend
Group of 10 Trees
Crawford and Ann Kennedy
December 15, 2021
I always enjoyed seeing Larry at XC skiing events. His smile and genuine hello made it personal to me. He was always courteous on the ski trail, I’ll miss his positive attitude.
Tom Sutter
December 14, 2021 | Cedar, MI | Friend