Larry A. Ewashen passed away peacefully with family at his side at Creston Valley Hospital on June 18, 2025, at the age of 85.
Larry’s early years were spent on a farm near Lundbreck, southwest Alberta, but it was music and theatre that captured his heart. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta before moving to Toronto, where he became part of the city’s vibrant folk music scene, performing in coffee houses and listening pubs. During that time, he also composed music for several films and one of his songs was later recorded by the legendary Stompin’ Tom Connors, with whom he toured.
In 1963 while a graduate student in Toronto, Larry met Pete Seeger,* who 'played traditional folk guitar [fingerstyle] but really wanted to learn flat picking. I was glad to show him some runs as that was my forte and some of them showed up in recordings.' (Larry's Facebook)
* In 1962 Pete Seeger wrote a song about Sons of Freedom.
We do not know if Seeger knew Larry was Doukhobor.
He helped found theatre programs at Ryerson University in Toronto and Canadore College in North Bay, Ont. While directing Harold Pinter's The Homecoming in 1965, Larry struck up a correspondence with the Nobel Prize-winning playwright and recently donated the letters to the U. of Alberta drama department. Larry served as president of the Guild of Canadian Folk Artists ... (Text from Larry's Facebook photo)
Larry pursued his theatre studies at the Banff Centre. At Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio (where he received a Master of Arts), and in England. Larry went on to become the Artistic Director of the theatre program at Canadore College in North Bay, Ontario, and also taught at Ryerson University in Toronto. As both actor and director, he worked in major theatres across Canada and in England.
Film experience included research assignments in Russia, writing assignments in New York and contract work with the Canadian Museum of Civilization. (Larry's Desk) He produced and directed two documentaries: The Last Hurrah – A Man and His Music and In Search of Utopia – The Doukhobors, reflecting his deep commitment to preserving and sharing Doukhobor history.
While married to Dr. Galina Alekseeva, a researcher at Yasnaya Polyana, the State Museum of Leo Tolstoy in Russia, they both wrote and gave presentations on Tolstoy’s connection to and admiration for the Doukhobor people.
For 18 years, Larry served as the curator of the Doukhobor Discovery Centre in Castlegar. During his tenure, he was instrumental in having
- Peter V. 'Lordly' Verigin recognized as a Person of National Historic Significance [more on Larry's Desk]
- 'Migration of Doukhobors British Columbia' designated as a National Historic Event [more on Larry's Desk].
- Doukhobor Suspension Bridge declared a Canadian Historic Monument [more on Larry's Desk].
In 2005 the Mayor of Castlegar honored Larry with an award for his 'outstanding Commitment and Service to the Doukhobor Village Museum'.
In retirement, Larry settled in Creston, where he continued to enjoy weekly singing sessions with his brothers, local performances, and visits with family. In 2019, he co-edited a translation of the book Chronicles of the Spirit Wrestlers’ Migration to Canada: God Is Not in Might but in Truth, originally written in 1935 by Grigorii Vasil’evich Verigin, brother of Doukhobor leader Peter Verigin.
Upon retirement, he continues as performer, music teacher, and presenting special seminars on the Doukhobors and Lev Tolstoy at universities. He is also active as a volunteer in many community groups such as The Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors (TAPS), New Life Furniture & Recycling which sponsors a women’s shelter and street kids program and The Creston and District Museum. (Curriculum-Vitae, Larry's Desk)
To learn more about Larry’s life, passions, and his work on Doukhobor history, visit his website at LarrysDesk.com and Larry Ewashen, Facebook.
Larry was predeceased by his parents, Alex and Mary Ewashen, his sister Abbe, and brother Alex. He will be deeply missed by his brother Bob, sisters-in-law Enid and Julie, and his nieces and nephew.
At his request, a private family gathering will be held. Donations in his memory can be made to Iskra at info@iskra.com, or by calling 250-442-8252.
Original Obituary
- Larry A. Ewashen, Creston Valley Advance, June 18, 2025.
- Larry A. Ewashen, Today in BC, June 18, 2025.
More
- Larry A. Ewashen (1940-2025), by Jonathan Kalmakoff, Facebook
- Curriculum-Vitae, by Larry Ewashen
- Larry's Music, with photos and videos
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