{"id":7400,"date":"2026-02-25T14:45:41","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T22:45:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianrugbyfoundation.ca\/?page_id=7400"},"modified":"2026-03-25T22:40:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T02:40:13","slug":"cowichan-rfc-larry-thibodeau-memorial-award-fund","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/canadianrugbyfoundation.ca\/index.php\/cowichan-rfc-larry-thibodeau-memorial-award-fund\/","title":{"rendered":"Cowichan RFC Larry Thibodeau Memorial Award Fund"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Established in February 2026, the Cowichan RFC Larry Thibideau Memorial Award Fund was created to encourage donations towards a new award for Junior rugby players at Cowichan to assist in furthering both their post-secondary academic and rugby careers.<\/p>\n

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The Cowichan RFC Larry Thibodeau Memorial <\/strong>\u00a0Award Fund is intended to provide funding from its endowment for annual awards that further the broad objectives and purposes of the Fund Sponsor, Rugby Canada, and the Canadian Rugby Foundation to develop and grow rugby across Canada, and that meet CRA requirements.<\/p>\n

LARRY THIBODEAU<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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The Larry Thibodeau Memorial Award is named after Larry Thibodeau, whose Legacy and Impact are described below:<\/p>\n

Club Involvement and Administration<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Larry was an active playing member of the Cowichan Rugby Football Club throughout the seventies and eighties. After his retirement from playing, he transitioned into a key role in club administration, serving as a board member for many years. Larry\u2019s main contribution was as the club\u2019s bartender\u2014he managed the bar with remarkable honesty and dedication, always keen to generate revenue for the club and support its ongoing activities.<\/p>\n

Athletic Background and Character<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Larry attended Cowichan Secondary (now Quw\u2019utsun Secondary School) and played rugby during his time there. He was a versatile athlete, excelling in multiple sports including football, lacrosse, and baseball, and was also known as an avid fisherman and hunter. Although Larry was somewhat soft spoken, his athleticism stood out\u2014he was the kind of individual who excelled at every sport he tried. His quiet determination left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.<\/p>\n

Legacy and Memorial<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Larry\u2019s passing on August 15, 2017 followed a courageous and memorable battle with cancer, a period that many continue to remember today. Even after losing his mobility, his commitment to the club endured\u2014he would have his wife drive him to the club and park, allowing him to watch games from their car. The scholarship fund was established in his honour to recognize his unwavering dedication to the club and to promote junior rugby through a high school award, ensuring his legacy and passion for the sport will continue to inspire future generations.<\/p>\n

THE AWARD<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Award Eligibility:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Cowichan RFC Junior player<\/li>\n
  2. Must be enrolled at Cowichan Secondary, now Quw\u2019utsun Secondary School<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Award Selection Criteria:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    1. \u00a0Long-time Cowichan junior player<\/li>\n
    2. \u00a0A junior-age boy or girl athlete<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Application Process and Deadline:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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      1. \u00a0<\/strong> Applications must be submitted by March 13<\/li>\n
      2. \u00a0QSS Rugby Coaches, along with councilors, decide on the annual award winner<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        TO HELP MEMORIALIZE LARRY’S LEGACY AND TO DONATE TO THE COWICHAN RFC LARRY THIBIDEAU MEMORIAL AWARD FUND, GO HERE<\/span>: