Lawrence William Oleksa
May 11, 1992 – September 9, 2021
Lawrence (Larry) William Oleksa, 29, of Burkeville, VA passed away on September 9, 2021. Larry grew up in Henrico, VA, and graduated from Benedictine High School, class of 2010.
Larry worked for US Asphalt Maintenance, loved Star Trek and Star Wars, and was an avid collector of movies on VHS.
Larry was preceded in death by his 4-legged companion, Caine (Indy, Ayla). Larry is survived by his father, Joseph Carmen Oleksa, and mother, Margaret Mottley Oleksa of Burkeville, VA, as well as Groot, Mia, and numerous cats.
The family will receive friends Friday, September 24 at 10:00 am, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am at Discovery United Methodist Church, 13000 Gayton Rd. Richmond VA. Memorial contributions may be made to Journey House Foundation, 6401 Horsepen Rd, Richmond, VA 23228.
I remember the baby sitting days. I remember the crazy kiddo always wanting to do fun things. I remember the layout of your home that you welcomed me into. I remember the time lost. I rember the time gained when we came to visit again many years later when he was going off to school. I remember catching up with him so many years after my kids were here. I know that he was still the silly fun kid who always enjoyed a laugh and sharing his heart to those he trusted. I also remember when Caine passed away. We talked then. I wish the communication had continued much further beyond that. He gave me happy times and hope for better feelings when things were bad. He knew how things were and weren’t with me when it wasn’t ok. I may have babysat him at one point and was there for his care. However, he was there for me in a time that I didn’t know I needed care. I never knew exactly how his life went over the years. Just blips here and there, but he knew the same of me and was there for those bblips.Even though we weren’t a constant, and we had not talked in quite a while. He will always be a part of me and mine. He was one of the few people I could just “pick up where I left off”.
Larry came to Journey House shortly after I started working there. He was quick to tell me how the program used to be and how I should be running it. That was our first introduction. He was a kindred spirit. He loved the Grateful Dead like I do love and being anywhere outside, especially by the river. He was a country boy and shared his hopes of returning to his home in the country and being able to work on projects and build with his dad. He shared about his love for his dogs, woodworking, and attending festivals. He always made fun of me for being a vegetarian and often told me that I need to eat more meat. One day I brought one of my tofu dishes in and let him reluctantly try it. He said, “Kim I hate to say this out loud, but this is actually pretty damn good.” He was sarcastic and had a great sense of humor. He always appreciated when we left the center and went on adventures in the Journey House van that he called the magic school bus. Larry referred to me as Mrs. Frizzle who was a cartoon character from a show called “The Magic School Bus.” He made sure he looked it up to show me how I embodied Mrs. Frizzle. He made fun of my driving, questioned my ability to operate a 10-passenger van safely, and was the classic backseat driver. The only time the van ever broke down Larry was one of the people with me that day as we were headed to do service work for another addict. While we waited for help, we told stories, laughed, and he said, “Kim this could only happen with you.” He was sensitive, thoughtful, compassionate, and was an asset to our Journey House Family. He cared about his family and friends and was eager to be the Lakeside house manager and support others in their recovery process. I will miss my friend, his sarcasm, his smile, and all our van and tofu adventures. Larry was a big teddy bear and a gentle soul taken by this disease too soon.
With sincere condolences and love,
Kim Engleman
I met Larry at Journey House Foundation. He always kept me laughing and living in the moment. I referred to him as a “Gentle Giant”. Larry you’ll truly be missed at Journey House buy your spirit lives on in us those who remain. Rest Easy Brother.