Larry W. Cranston

Larry Watson Cranston, 76, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2023, at his home in the comfort of his loving family. He was born on September 13, 1946, to his late parents, Clarence and Elsie Pearl (Johnson) Cranston, in Sarnia, Ontario, where he grew up alongside his three sisters.

Larry graduated from SCITS High School in Sarnia before furthering his education at a local community college. After a brief time, he transferred to the University of Toledo to play baseball, where he not only set but broke many outstanding records. Being the only Canadian on the team, he was affectionately known to his teammates as “Nook”, a name which accompanied him in life from that point onward. After college, he began his career as a Physical Education teacher at the Toledo Public Schools where he met the woman he was going to marry, Laurie (Rowe) Cranston. The two married on January 26, 1980, sharing 43 beautiful years together full of love and joy. Together they had four children which he loved more than anything.

Larry was a great dad who knew how to keep a good balance of sarcasm and humor, and though he had many achievements during his athletic and coaching career, his children will always be his greatest accomplishment. He was the type of father who would drop anything for his kids, and they were comforted knowing he would always be there to pick up the pieces and offer love and support, no matter the circumstance. From 6 a.m. hockey games to late night sentimental chats around the euchre table, Larry was and always will be a dad for the books.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Laurie Cranston; children, Jeffrey Cranston (Shannon), Jennifer (David) Nodine, Benjamin (Kristy) Cranston, Nicholas (Morgan) Cranston; grandchildren, Jackson, Vance, and Tripp Nodine, Layla, Lydia, Lennon, Rowe, Hank, and Vivienne Cranston; sisters, Joan, Nancy; as well as many dear Canadian relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Norma Powell.

Friends are welcome to visit at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W Sylvania Ave., Toledo, on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, from 4-8 p.m. A funeral service will take place the next day on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Flowers and condolences can be sent to the family directly at the walkerfuneralhomes.com. Memorial donations may be sent to the University of Toledo baseball program in Larry’s honor, at utrockets.com/dugoutclub [give2ut.utoledo.edu].