Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Larry SPEERS Obituary
Suddenly, Thursday, October 13th, 2011 at the age of 62. Beloved husband of Susan (nee Nicholson) of 40 years. Loving father of Sheldon Speers (Karen) and Sandra Robitaille (Ricky). Fishing buddy of grandson Cameron. Survived by brother Doug (Kathy) and sisters- in-law Dianna Bain and Frances Smith. Cherished Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Will be missed by his mother-in-law Carmel Nicholson. Predeceased by his parents Cecil and Minnie (nee Rainey), by his brother Bob Bain and sister-in-law Joan Comstock. Friends may pay their respects at the Kelly Funeral Home, 580 Eagleson Road, Kanata, Ontario, on Tuesday, October 18 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Funeral Service Wednesday in the chapel at 10 am. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation are appreciated. www.kellyfh.ca .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
28 Entries
Paco Pando
December 5, 2011
Dear Susan,
It is only recently that l learnt of your terrible loss. Larry and you took me in your house in Gentofte without hardly knowing me, made me part of your life, and transformed my Danish landing in an enjoyable affair. Beyond those weeks, working with Larry at GBIF, learning with him, aiming at what was important; building something exceptional, was simply great.
Out of work, sharing time with Larry and you was for us (as I can speak for Alicia and the children) always special and a pleasure. Larry will always be with us and we keep sweet memories of those days.
Fondly,
Paco
Beatriz Torres
December 5, 2011
Dear Susy,
Paco just told me about the sad news, I can hardly believe it, I am shocked.
I shared many of the GBIF hopes and dreams with Larry, a lot of fond memories indeed.
My thoughts and special feelings are with you and your family.
Paul Johnson
November 29, 2011
Shock and dismay! I first met Larry ages ago at the CNC, and he was always someone I looked forward to seeing again at various conferences and gatherings. My last lunch with him was probably at the INBio Parque restaurant. Always a great guy with a grand sense of humor; I will miss him!
Margaret Thayer
November 29, 2011
I hadn't seen Larry for several years now, but have pleasant memories of our recurring interactions back in the early days of ECN and insect bioinformatics in North America (when he was at CNC). What a shock to hear the news of his death - my sincere condolences.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
John Busby
November 16, 2011
I had the pleasure of knowing Larry through a number of international meetings relating to biodiversity information. I valued him as a colleague and friend and was shocked to hear of his passing. Vale Larry.
Audrey Bendus
November 2, 2011
Larry and Susan became fast friends when I met them in Copenhagen. When they returned to Ontario that friendship continued. It was great to spend a weekend at the lake and see Susan and Larry making plans for their retirement. Larry took Arthur and I fishing and even though we didn't catch anything for dinner it was so calm and peaceful on the lake. We will miss Larry very much. Susan, our friendship will continue to grow and we will help you through the difficult times ahead.
Arthur Chapman
November 1, 2011
Larry was a good friend and I will miss him greatly. We enjoyed many great times together in various places around the world. Larry made important contributions to the knowledge and documentation of the world's biodiversity during his time at GBIF and with his work with TDWG. Larry was instrumental in having many of GBIF's technical publication's published and we worked closely together on many of those. Auddy and I were pleased to be able to spend a few days with Larry and Susan in their new home on the Lake just recently and to see them so happy in planning their retirement was a joy.
Susan, I know you will miss your companion and friend and my heartfelt thoughts are with you at this time. I too will miss my very good friend.
Chris Lyal
October 28, 2011
Larry was a great person to work with over GBIF matters, and a great person to be with outside of work as well - warmth, friendship, fellowship - I'll miss him.
Anna Weitzman
October 27, 2011
When I heard about Larry this morning I could hardly believe it. I often remember the times we spent talking at GBIF meetings and TDWG meetings and especially the times when the meetings were over. I often think of the few days in Paris with Larry and Susan and sharing beers and meals at sidewalk cafes. I've thought of and missed Larry often since he retired. I was hoping that our paths would cross someday, but ... I will miss him always.
Jim and Anne Edwards
October 27, 2011
Larry and Susan were good friends and essential contributors to our time in Copenhagen with GBIF. They set an impressiveIy high bar for how to live outside of work, with Larry's coaching of Danish hockey teams and Larry and Susan's weekend journeys around Denmark. I know how happy Larry was to be retired because I unsuccessfully tried to lure him out of that state with a job at the Smithsonian. We will miss him deeply.
Richard Bruggink
October 20, 2011
We had a few great fishing trips to Algonquin with Larry (Laker Larry) and in that short time he impressed all with is kindness, wisdom and humor. He is, and forever will be missed. From all of us, our sincere sympathies. God Bless.
Lewis Ling
October 19, 2011
Having a hard time getting my head around Larry's passing. My deepest sympathy. Worked and fished with Larry, some of my best times were with Larry. He really was a great guy.
Corrie Slinn
October 18, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
October 18, 2011
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Larry's passing. I worked with Larry when he was at Agriculture Canada and more recently with CNC/CODATA.
He was a great person.
My sincere sympathies.
-Glen Newton, Cantley, Qc
Mike & Marlene Robinson
October 18, 2011
Speers Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of
Larry, our heartfelt sympathies are with
you at this very sad time.
God Bless
Audrey Regan-Speers
October 18, 2011
Susan, Sheldon and Sandra,
I am thinking of all of you, and wishing you strength going forward. I have great memories of Lawrence -- his commitment to family and his love of nature and the outdoors.
Take care of each other now.
Audrey Regan-Speers
Norm Frost
October 17, 2011
Sheldon, Sandra and Sue, my heartfelt sympathies for your loss of Larry. I still have many wonderful memories of Larry and the family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Jeff Boyle
October 17, 2011
Sheldon and family sorry for the loss of your father. I rember him well when I coached minor hockey in Kanata.
Rhonda Sharland
October 17, 2011
Susan & Family, we are shocked and saddened to learn of Larry's passing. He was such a great fellow. Please accept our deepest sympathies and know our thoughts are with you. Rhonda & Keith Sharland
October 17, 2011
Susan, Sheldon & Family.
We are saddened by today's news of your loss. As our kids grew up Mr.Speers was always there with a friendly smile and a helping hand. He will be missed!
Jim, Kathleen, Chris, Stephen & Tricia Cooper.
October 17, 2011
Sheldon,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Father. May the memories of happier times bring you comfort.
Debra Blanchette
(a former Transport Canada colleague)
October 16, 2011
Dearest Aunt Susan, Sheldon and Sandra...
Karen, Cameron and Ricky...
I am deeply sad. I am thinking of you all. You are in my heart...
My Uncle Larry taught me how to fish with a branch, a line, a hook, a worm and a sinker.... good times
all my love
Andy Comstock
October 16, 2011
We are truly shocked. I have so many fond memories of Uncle Larry that I don't know where to start....Larry taught me to ski (water, cross-county and downhill), play baseball, play hockey, fish and camp. The nights around the campfire behind the cottage shaped much of my youth. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Doug Hyde
October 16, 2011
Larry was a wonderful man who made great contributions to biodiversity data management in Canada. I had the highest regards for him, and I will miss not having gone fishing with him now. My warmest thoughts to his loved ones.
Marilyn Mansfield
October 16, 2011
Sue: I can't believe it! I am so sorry for your loss. There is nothing that anyone can say except: try to celebrate the 40 wonderful years you had together. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rebecca Parker
October 16, 2011
Sue,
You are in my thoughts. I am so sorry.
Rebecca (and the boys)
October 16, 2011
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow. Find comfort in all the memories and great times shared. Miss Ya!
Love,
Jason, Jessica, Morghan and Emily
Philip Landon
October 16, 2011
To Sheldon and his family, you are all in our thoughts at this difficult time. Your dad will always be with you and continue to make you who you are.
Philip, Sheila, Max and Madeleine
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in Larry SPEERS's name
How to support Larry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Larry SPEERS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
