Larry Holynski

A Life of Determination and Inspiration

Some people quietly live their lives, leaving a profound impact not through grand gestures, but by simply refusing to give up. Larry Holynski is one of those people.

Larry’s strength showed early. At just six weeks old, he underwent stomach surgery to correct a malfunctioning pyloric valve. It was a difficult beginning, but it laid the foundation for the resilience he would need later in life.

I met Larry in 1981 when I started dating his sister, Lorie. He’d often come over to visit, and we’d invite him to join us for meals. Larry was always full of life, easy to talk to, and genuinely curious about those around him. Over the years, as life got busy and families grew, our visits became less frequent—but the bond remained.

Then came February 14, 2008—a day that changed everything. Larry suffered a massive stroke. He was rushed to the ICU, and after just two days, the doctors advised pulling the plug. But they didn’t know Larry or his wife Patty.

He stayed in ICU for two and a half weeks, then spent another four and a half months in the hospital. It was a long, painful road, and recovery came slowly. But Larry faced it head-on with a spirit that refused to be broken.

The Fight to Come Back

When I visited him during those hospital months, Larry would grab my hand and try to pull himself across the bed. His brain didn’t register that his left side was paralyzed—he was simply determined to move, to get up, and to go home. And eventually, he did.

Back at the farm, with his devoted wife Patty by his side, Larry began to recover. Through physiotherapy and the amazing support at Sherbrooke, he regained some strength and movement. He learned to transfer himself, stand, and rebuild his independence. He still remains in a wheel chair but that does not define who he is.

What has always amazed me most about Larry is not just his recovery, but the way he lives life. His memory is sharp, his sense of humor intact, and his ability to boost the morale of those around him is unmatched.

He loves meeting people, learning about them, and making them smile. His curiosity is genuine, and his energy is contagious. Despite the challenges of being in a wheelchair, Larry dreams big—he wants to play wheelchair soccer and has even signed up to shoot at the gun range.

A True Mentor

Larry isn’t just an inspiration—he’s a mentor. Watching him live his life has taught me something important: our only true limits are the ones we place on ourselves. He proves every day that with courage, heart, and determination, we can push past them.

Larry Holynski is a man with a powerful memory, a gift for socializing, and a heart full of resilience. I am grateful to know him and proud to share his story. He reminds us that life is worth fighting for—and that even in struggle, there's strength, humor, and hope. Life does not happen to us I happens for us.