Larry Harald Flatla

It is with deep love and sadness the family of Larry Flatla announce his passing at his home in Salmon Arm surrounded by immediate family on December 19, 2025.

Larry was born in Innisfail, Alberta on February 15, 1937, to Ole and Martha Flatla. When Larry was 5 years old the family moved to Chilliwack, BC where Ole continued his service at the army camp. Their next move was to Vancouver where Larry attended John Oliver Hugh School. The move to in Maple Ridge/Haney, B.C had Larry complete his grade 12. He was employed at Mussallem Motors and helped his dad with construction. He was also involved with car racing, and very much involved in Scouts (King Scout) and Rovers.

Larry met an RCMP member and at his encouragement joined the RCMP in spring 1957 completing training in Depot and Ottawa, taking his first posting in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Transfers along the way included Hudson Bay, Rosthern, Buffalo Narrows, Waskesiu, Indian Head, North Battleford, Wilkie and 13 years at F Division Headquarters in Regina.

In 1963 he married Bonnie Jean Gunn and they raised two children Darrell born in Indian Head and Cheryl in North Battleford who came along the journey with every transfer.   Larry was a committed officer and proud of his many postings and experiences. But it was his family he was most proud of, involved in many of his children’s sports activities, coaching soccer, basketball, canoe trips, scouting and heading up safe grad for both his children’s graduation. After 26 years of committed service to the RCMP and using his acquired skills, Larry took a job with Saskatchewan Government Insurance in a newly created position as Special Investigator in Saskatoon. Holidays during the work years were in Northern Saskatchewan either, camping, fishing on the many lakes or cross-country skiing in the winter.  Larry and Bonnie traveled to Norway twice taking his parents once and his children a few years later to see the original family farm and the beautiful countryside. After 13 years with SGI Larry decided to retire. He left Saskatchewan with two successful careers, many wonderful friends and memories with a deep love and appreciation for the province and it people.  Larry and Bonnie searched the best place for them to start anew, and Eagle Bay was that place. For seventeen years Larry planned, designed and created their retirement paradise on the 5-acre mountainside overlooking Shuswap Lake. Larry was at his happiest breaking up the potato patch and plowing snow with his 2N tractor. He enjoyed landscaping, gardening, trying new vegetables and plants in his terraced gardens around the acreage.

During retirement they made a point to first see most of British Columbia, then to warmer places in Arizona and Mexico. Larrys favorite adventures were the Sun Fun Bus tours they organized to Oregon, Nevada, Washington State and Blue Jay/Mariner games. He would research the routes and narrate all the history and facts of the area along the miles.

With acreage life completed Larry and Bonnie moved into Salmon Arm in 2013 for the last of 15 moves. Using his talents assisted in the design and the building of their final home overlooking Salmon Arm. Larry was very active in his church, curling and the Shuswap RCMP veterans. Larry spent his final days in his Salmon Arm home surrounded by family at the time of his passing.

Larry is survived by his loving, caring and devoted wife of 62 years, Bonnie Jean Flatla, Son Darrell Flatla (Christine Steeves), his sons Matthew Flatla and Nolan Flatla; Daughter Cheryl Walyuchow (Dave Fenson) and her daughters Tylar Dick (Tyler) and Ashton Walyuchow. Great-grandchildren Graydon Dick and Marley Dick.

Larry was a loving, caring husband, extremely proud man and private man loyal to family and tradition. Larry’s legacy will be his children and their children who will carry on his generosity, love of life and his deep pride in his Norwegian heritage. A LIFE WELL LIVED.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Larry’s life on May 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Bowers Funeral Home Chapel. Please join us afterward for a reception and time of remembrance.Interment at a private family service at Memorial Gardens in Prince Albert in the spring.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of choice. Special thanks to all friends, neighbours, healthcare staff and the Salmon Arm Palliative Care Program. With a special thanks to Dr. Kieth Hepburn family physician and special friend who supported the family and Larry’s battle over the past few years.