Hello everyone. When Shirley asked that I say something at Larry’s funeral, I was honoured. I have so many special memories of Larry – my bestie in today’s lingo. We met in 1975 at York Finch. He started in the spring and I started in the fall. Larry was a pioneer as he was the first male nurse in the Finch operating room and we were privileged to have him as a member of the team. We struck up a lifelong friendship. We both lived close to the hospital. Larry, Dagmar and I would walk home together. Larry had it worked out as he only had to walk to Jane and Finch, while Dagmar and myself to Keele and Finch. But we bonded. I was invited into Larry’s life. I saw his home and wedding pictures. I met his family. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather and family man. He had much to be proud of. I moved to Richmond Hill in 1977 and shortly after, Larry followed, so we replaced our walks together with carpooling to work and Finch social events.
Our friendship grew stronger and we soon became known as work boyfriend and girlfriend. This was accepted by Shirley as she was the real love of Larry’s life. We shared with each other our trials, tribulations and the joys of raising children. Marva, Garin and Shawn have inherited the best qualities of Larry and Shirley.
Larry had many talents. I remember him showing me the clothes that he made for the kids. He also had a hand in carpentry. He generously shared the food he grew in the vegetable garden, his fruit trees, as well as his homemade zucchini loaf.
Larry became known around the hospital for his green thumb. I remember Sylvia Lopez would ask Larry to water her plants when she was away. Larry was dedicated and was most proud of one plant in particular that flourished under his care. He later found out that the plant that he took such good care of was artificial. Sylvia came home to find a puddle on the floor beneath it. Needless to say, the other plants did survive.
At work, Larry was my mentor. He taught me many things, but the most important was “ya man”, also known as “yes dear”. A surgeon would impatiently ask for something and Larry would simply respond “ya man”. He would have got what they wanted, not what they asked for. There were many people at York Finch who greatly admired this quality of Larry’s. When Victor Quint, one of the anaesthetists there learned of Larry’s passing, he said, “Larry was one of my favourite nurses to work with. I used to love when Larry was in charge”. He didn’t let any prima donnas bother him. He just said NO PROBLEM to their demands, and then did what he wanted”.
Nevis was another big part of Larry’s life. He was born there and proudly wore it on his sleeve. From Nevis, he went to England and worked there for a while. He then returned to Nevis before immigrating to Toronto. He always looked forward to going back to England for reunions. His Nevis community in Toronto was very important to him and he cherished it. It was how he met Shirley and where their journey began. Larry was a great friend to many. He was always there for you.
Larry’s journey here has now ended but his spirit will live on. His family was truly dedicated to him and his personality shines in them. Shirley, Marva, Garin, Shawn and family – my condolences. From the York Finch family, condolences and rest in peace Lawrence.
