It is with tremendous sadness that the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame and Basketball Manitoba share the news of the recent death of Larry Marquardson. Larry was best known for the over 35 years he dedicated to basketball as a teacher-coach, primarily at the junior high level.
He began his coaching career at Sisler and Earl Grey Schools, but his longest tenure was at Sargent Park Junior High, where he developed a model for consistently successful and competitive junior high programs. His leadership left a lasting impact on the many athletes he mentored.
In 2012, Larry received the Mike Spack Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the growth and development of basketball in Manitoba. He was a three-time Manitoba Coach of the Year (1983-84, 1998-99, 2009-10) and coached over 20 junior and senior girls’ teams to City Conference championships. As a founding member of the Winnipeg Invitational Tournament (WIT), Larry’s influence extended beyond his teams, helping to shape the future of the sport in the province.
Larry’s work with grassroots athletes was a testament to his commitment to developing basketball talent. He initiated a developmental league for athletes who did not make school teams, providing opportunities for growth and improvement. Moreover, Larry’s greatest contribution may have been his insistence on strong academics and proper behavior from all his athletes. His high standards for both athletic and academic achievement produced not only exceptional athletes but also strong students and individuals.
Larry’s dedication and accomplishments were achieved with his characteristic quiet and self-effacing demeanor. He was a beloved figure, and his contributions to the basketball community were invaluable. In 2017, he was inducted into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame as a builder, an honor that recognized his outstanding impact on the sport.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Larry’s wife, Brenda, his entire family, his many friends, and colleagues. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy will live on in the lives of the countless athletes and individuals he inspired.
Source: https://www.mbhof.com/2025/01/in-memory-of-larry-marquardson.html