November 3, 1939 - June 16, 2025
Otto "Opi" Larisch, 85, passed away peacefully in North Vancouver on June 16th, 2025, in the company of loved ones.
Otto was born on November 3rd, 1939, in Bruck an der Mur, Austria, to Elisabeth (née Draxler) and Otto Larisch. Otto spent his early years in Bruck excelling in many sports, most notably winning the 1957 Austrian National European Handball Championship with his team. After graduating, Otto completed his Austrian military service as a pilot before he decided to follow in his father's footsteps in 1960 and moved to Montreal, Canada. There, he found a job with Ringball Bearings, starting in the warehouse and working his way up the company. In 1964, he married his wife, Johanna, and in the same year, he was transferred to Vancouver to expand the company in BC, where he did so successfully that he became manager of both Ringball Bearings and Vanguard Steel until his retirement. Otto travelled extensively with his company, making connections and forging friendships globally. Otto was a co-founder of the Austrian-Canadian Business Association as well as co-founder of the FC Austria-Vancouver Soccer club. He was active in the Lynn Valley Soccer Association starting in 1974, coaching and managing for decades, instilling in many young players, including his own sons, the love of the game.
Otto and Johanna raised three children - Doreen, Michael and Thomas - and the family enjoyed travelling and family traditions such as BBQs and get-togethers with friends. Otto was passionate about sports, fishing, cards, music, horse and dog racing, and a good amount of beer. He liked all types of fishing, but he particularly enjoyed time fishing off Port Hardy with his son Tom and his friends. Otto was an excellent storyteller, keeping listeners enthralled even if they may have heard a story before. He was always quick with a smile and a joke, and he was generous with everyone. Otto believed in hard work, fairness, direct and honest feedback, and above all, putting family and friends first.
His legacy will live on in his wife of 61 years and in his children and grandchildren, whom he supported with great joy. A celebration of Otto's life will be held at a date to be determined.
