Age 89 of Halifax, and tenth generation Nova Scotian, died peacefully June 7, 2023, surrounded by family.
Larry had the recipe for a successful marriage. He is survived by his cherished wife of 65 years, Elise; and children, Stephen (Kathleen), Tom (Maureen), Ted (Marion), and Jennifer (James); and his sister, Beverly Healey. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Laura, Michael, Geoff, Peter, Lesley, Michelle, David, and Emily who fondly remember him as “Skipper”. He made them all feel special, and never missed an opportunity to attend their athletic events, concerts, and celebrations. He was predeceased by parents Harvey Roy and Anne Margaret; his brother, Alan; and his grandson, Greg. Just when Larry thought he was too old to love again he welcomed great-granddaughters, Rylee, Ava, and upcoming Rubi!
He had a passion for life and skillfully balanced his career as a Fellow Chartered Accountant with his undivided attention to family and his many valued friendships. He built lasting relationships with his children and friends with his many exciting activities. In his early years, it’s rumored that he lost a university basketball game to the Harlem Globetrotters, he was an excellent jitterbug dancer, and prior to the introduction of electronic navigation, he and Elise traveled the coast of Nova Scotia with their “Hurdle Hopper” friends in a leaky wooden boat named the Linda Lloy.
Larry, Elise, their children, and friends; including the Welds, Koppernaeses, Hyndmans, and Currys; enjoyed many sailing adventures throughout Nova Scotia and the Caribbean. This included bareboat cruises, Marblehead to Halifax yacht races, Chester Race Weeks, and weekly racing in beautiful St. Margarets Bay.
He loved to fish and thoroughly enjoyed his annual pilgrimages to the Clearwater salmon camp, Wilber cabin, and the Father-Son trip on the St. Mary’s River. He and Elise enjoyed regular trips to salmon fish on the Upsalquitch River. Larry was an avid gun dog enthusiast and loved his canine critters including Barney, Liz, Bay, “Sally from the Valley”, Babe, as well as Scrapper the cat. For the winter, he enjoyed curling and skiing. Over his 89 years he curled with six generations of family including his grandfather, father, brother, spouse, sons, and grandson. He even participated with Elise in an international curling competition in Aviemore Scotland.
Although he never referred to himself as a golfer, he participated with friends in the annual St. Margarets Bay Closed Golf Tournament. Most importantly, his family spent a lifetime of summers at the cottage in St. Margarets Bay. In later years, his grandchildren enjoyed their summer fun at the cottage including the water test off the end of the wharf and their rite of passage to use the waterfront without a lifejacket.
As a result of his work, volunteer positions, and vacation time, Larry and Elise had an opportunity to travel the world. His travel adventures could fill the pages of a best-selling book. Best of all, Elise fondly remembers their family ski trips to local destinations like Squaw Mountain, Sugarloaf, and Sunday River in Maine and their trips to other destinations including the Rocky Mountains and European Alps. Although no reflection of his skiing abilities, in Val d’Isère he skied and ate alongside the “Crazy Canucks”, as Canada’s downhill race team were fondly called in the 1980’s.
Larry was a remarkable and proficient businessman. He served as Chairman, Managing Partner, and National Tax Partner and supported the growth of H.R. Doane and Company and Doane Raymond, which are now known as Grant Thornton. From his early career days in New Glasgow supporting the financial audit for Sobeys, he developed as a professional to become widely sought after, as one of Canada’s early tax specialists and business valuators. He was President for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia, Chairman of the Canadian Tax Foundation, and President for the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. His meritorious contributions to the profession were recognized by his peers with a fellowship (FCPA, FCA) designation.
Larry has selflessly given his time and energy to dozens of community organizations such as Dalhousie University Board of Governors, Deacon at First Baptist Church Halifax, Technical University of Nova Scotia Board, International Tattoo, Sacred Heart School, IWK Hospital, Grace Maternity Hospital, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, YWCA, Metro United Way, Salvation Army, and many others. In recognition of his accomplishments, he received an honorary degree (Doctor of Laws) from Dalhousie University and was recognized into the Accounting Hall of Fame at St. Mary’s University.
As Chair of the Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge Commission, Larry provided Board leadership for the enhancement of their communications, debt refinancing, and capital improvements including the MacPass, MacDonald Bridge onramp, third lane, bike lanes, and lighting. He was very proud of the volunteers, staff and business partners who contributed to the Bridge Commission’s success during these years.
Larry is often likened to a cat with nine lives. He overcame many medical events including a brain tumor, cancer, concussions, general surgery, and the effects of aging. All of this required medical intervention. We would like to thank the medical practitioners who supported his journey, including the staff at Maplestone Enhanced Care.
In memory of his late grandson Greg, donations can be made to the Scholarship Fund at Sacred Heart School or First Baptist Church, Halifax.
A celebration of Larry’s life is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Monday, June 12, at the First Baptist Church in Halifax (1300 Oxford Street). Virtual options to attend the celebration of life will be available (Options: Facebook, YouTube, church website). A reception at the Church will follow the service.
“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.” – Horatio Spafford