Larry Pearen

Larry is a dedicated community leader and advocate for heritage preservation, has made substantial contributions to the cultural and civic life of Yorkton. He holds Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Administration from the University of Regina. After three decades in public education, Larry retired as the manager of Post Secondary (Certificate and Diploma programs) at Parkland College.

Throughout his career, Larry has been deeply involved in music education, directing several Yorkton Concert and Jazz Bands, and the YRHS Marching 100, performing across notable venues in North America, including Parliament Hill, Halifax Historic Properties, the Calgary Stampede, Disneyland, and Disney World as well as representing Canada in the Tournament of Roses Parade. His leadership extended to the Yorkton Community Adult Bands, enhancing local events with a focus on embracing Canada’s multicultural diversity. He continues to serve as a festival adjudicator, clinician, and has been a provincial honor band conductor.

Larry's community leadership is particularly notable in his work with the Brick Flour Mill Heritage Society. As president, he has led efforts to restore and repurpose Yorkton’s oldest industrial building, turning it into an Interpretive Cultural Center that showcases the region's milling history and agricultural heritage. He has successfully secured $835,000 from federal government departments, including Heritage Canada for its construction. He has worked closely with Yorkton Tribal Council in many projects such as the Annual Heritage Dinners and Rally Round the Mill. Under his leadership, the Mill Committee has won three Saskatchewan Heritage Awards for restoration and community outreach with presentations by Lt. Governor Russ Mirasty.

In his civic roles, Larry served three terms as a Yorkton City Councilor, actively participating in committees focused on infrastructure, regional planning, the airport, and heritage preservation. He has chaired several community celebrations and initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and cultural appreciation including Yorkton 2005 Provincial Celebration, Yorkton 125 and the B17 Airport Open House.

Larry's honors include Honorary Life Memberships in the Canadian Band Association along with several awards recognizing his leadership and contributions to the community, such as the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal and the Canada 150 Medal as a “Community Builder.” He was the recipient of the Yorkton Film Festival Volunteer Award, chosen as Citizen of the Year by Yorkton This Week newspaper in 2020, awarded the Sask Band Association “Lifetime Membership Award” for provincial service and leadership in 2023 and more recently awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Currently running for the Heritage position on the SaskCulture Board of Directors, Larry brings a wealth of experience in education, leadership, and heritage advocacy. His deep commitment to enhancing community life and preserving cultural heritage makes him an excellent candidate for this role.

Larry enjoys life with his wife Sonia, a retired pharmacist, and their two married daughters with five grandchildren. He continues to enrich his community involvement through singing in the Westview United Church Choir and participating in various cultural and heritage initiatives.