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Lawrence Dickenson Obituary
(1945–2018)
Larry passed away peacefully at home on March 29th in the arms of his loving wife with devoted daughters by their side, after a long, fierce and tenacious fight against cancer. Born of the late Jean and Thomas Dickenson in London, Ontario, he is survived by Margaret (nee Boyko of Thunder Bay), his wife of more than 50 years, two daughters Tonya (Maxime) and Christa (Peter), siblings Shirley, Jim (Shirley), and Ruth (Maurice), and grandchildren Catherine, Nicolas, Sophie, Hugo and Gabrielle as well as many nieces and nephews.
Larry spent 28 years in Canada's foreign service, living overseas a total of 20 years in Vienna, Belgrade, Moscow, Brussels, Cairo, Seoul, Kuwait and Jakarta. On the last two of those assignments, he was Canada's Ambassador to Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman (1988-1992) and then Indonesia (1992-1996). The first of these ambassadorial postings coincided with the Gulf War.
His assignments while in Canada between foreign postings, varied from trade policy work in the former Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce to Director of the European Union as well as Director General of International Cultural Relations for the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and subsequently, Director General of International Markets in the Department of Agriculture and Agri-food.
Shortly after returning to Canada from Indonesia, he entered the Privy Council Office which provides support to the Prime Minister and the Canadian Cabinet. Initially, he was Executive Director, Millennium Task Force. His last position was Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet for Security and Intelligence, being in that position when "9-11" took place.
Upon retirement, Larry served as Vice-Chair of the RCMP's National Police Services' Advisory Council, was the former President of the Directing Group for the Retired Heads of Mission Association (RHOMA), an external member of the Audit Committee of Citizenship and Immigration Canada and most recently, on the audit committee of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). He was a Senior Fellow and a member of the Distinguished Advisory Committee of the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University.
Throughout life, Larry was a person of integrity, civility and commitment whose hard work positively impacted others. Those who knew him or of him, understood this - a thoroughly good and decent person with a sense of humor, always giving back to Canada, his community, family and those around him.
Forever, Larry and Margaret melded as a team. Indeed, since retirement after 35 years of public service, Larry would proudly say "There has been a reversal of roles! Margaret worked for me and now I work for her and for the same salary - ZIP!" He joined Margaret in teaching courses in "Business Protocol, Social Dining Etiquette" to a wide range of governmental and non-governmental clients as well as "Mind your Manners" for young people. Also, with great enthusiasm, Larry continued to work closely with Margaret on her culinary projects including doing all her food photography for their self-published multi-international award-winning cookbook ("Margaret's Table - Easy Cooking and Inspiring Entertaining"), her many cooking and life style TV series as well as free-lance writing commitments. Larry's food photography has won several international awards as well.
Besides entertaining, remaining very active in Ottawa society and traveling extensively, Larry devoted a great deal of attention and passion to his garden which brought color and joy to so many. Yes, Larry will be truly missed by his soul-mate, Margaret, and dear family and friends.
A celebration of Larry's very full life will be held on Sunday, April 15th, at 1:30 p.m. in the Sacred Space of Beechwood, Cemetery and Funeral Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa. All who knew and cared for Larry are welcome to join this celebration.
Throughout his illness, Larry received exceptional care. We are very grateful to The Ottawa General Hospital and cannot thank enough the incredible doctors, nurses and support staff for their dedication, determination, care and compassion plus a very special thank you to Dr. Maziak, Dr. Goodwin, Dr. El Sayed, the palliative care team as well as Dr. Lamont. If so desired, donations in memory of Larry may be made to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation (http://ohfoundation.ca).
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Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Dickenson
Sponsored by Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services.
48 Entries
Don Butler
April 20, 2018
Dear Margaret
I am sad to have missed the notice and thus the gathering with other colleagues and friends to remember Larry. My condolences to you and the family. He was a good colleague and I value the memories of associating with him.
April 16, 2018
Dear Margaret:
I was at Larry's memorial and the fact that so many others were also there is a tribute to how much he was valued and respected by his friends and colleagues.
However, given the crowd, I didn't stay to sign the book and instead slipped away into the freezing rain.
All my best,
Ron
PS: you signed a copy of the very original of your book to me and Rochelle in Dec. '96!
Again my condolences and best wishes,
Keith & Barbara Bradley
April 16, 2018
Dear Margaret
Our deepest sympathies in your loss of Larry, who, together with you, made such a difference to our time in Jakarta. You and Larry exemplified our nation's values and reminded us of how proud we are to be Canadian. We will always treasure our memories of your warm friendship and hospitality.
April 15, 2018
Dearest Margaret
Greg and I arrived back in Ottawa too late for the service today. Our thoughts are with you on your loss. Larry was a great colleague at Ag Canada and later as we worked on security issues in our respective roles. I always found him a kind, imtelligent and helpful buddy and after his retirement, enjoyed both of you as friends and witty hosts. Much love
Linda Keen and a Greg Gauld
Elise O'Leary
April 15, 2018
Tonya, Catou, Nicolas, Gabrielle, Max & of course, your mom and Christa - The freezing rain dictates that I can't be there to celebrate the wonderful, kind, loving person that was your father, grandfather. I had so hoped to make the drive and at least hug each of you but I don't dare. So please know that I remember the pain you're feeling which only shows how much he is loved. So so sorry
Jacques et Jacqueline Filion
April 14, 2018
Nous sommes vraiment très peinés du décès de Larry et vous transmettons nos plus sincères condoléances. Larry était une personne que nous admirions profondément tant pour ses qualités humaines que professionnelles.
Jacques et Jacqueline Filion
Roma Standefer
April 14, 2018
Dear Margaret,
It was with great sadness that I heard from Tudy that you had lost your dear husband. He was a very accomplished and impressive man who had an amazing career. What a wonderful life the two of you had together! How fortunate you were to have him in your life for more than fifty years. That must make it all the more difficult to have lost him. In time, however, the pain will lessen and you will be left with happy memories that will sustain you for the rest of your life.
John Bouza
April 12, 2018
Dear Margaret,
I cannot imagine one of you without the other. My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of Larry.
John
Anne Croy (McLeish)
April 11, 2018
Dear Margaret. I was so sorry to read Larry's obituary in Saturday's Globe and Mail. It brought back so many memories of early university years and your time with OVC69. I lost my husband/classmate Carl just about a year ago and know just how important hearing from others will support you and your family at this time. Like many U of G peers, we followed you via alumni newsletters in your diplomatic and culinary partnerships. I spent my last 15 yrs as faculty at Queen's and just sold my heritage home last week. I am moving to Ancaster at the end of June where I will be 20 min away in 3 different directions from our 2 sons and my brother.
Again, celebrate the wonderful years and experiences you had together and the renewal from knowing and loving the younger members in your family. With deepest sympathy for your loss.
Alan Bentley
April 9, 2018
Margaret it was with great sadness that we have learned of Larry's passing. I first met Larry as a student in Guelph when he was one of four students living in my basement. Little did I know what a distinguished career he would have. Your family must be very proud. I next met him years later through the Guelph Alumni here in Ottawa. What a surprise to meet him in meeting one day. Our sincere condolences and may his memories sustain you in this trying time. God bless! Alan and Betty Bentley
Olivia Jacobs
April 9, 2018
Margaret, please accept my condolences. Such a loss. I remember when we first met at the Ottawa Network Breakfast and you had just come from walking Larry to work. What a pair you were. May your best memories fill the hole in your heart. Thinking of you, Olivia Jacobs
Wayne and Sue Billard
April 9, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Sorry for your loss
Christopher Terry
April 8, 2018
Dear Margaret, Victoria and I were tremendously saddened to hear of Larry's death. Please accept our sincere condolences to you and your family. My association with you both as alumni of the University of Guelph in Ottawa was a great pleasure and a treasured memory.
Bao Zhen Tang
April 8, 2018
Although I have not known him personally, the heartfelt messages left here are a testament to his positive impact on our small FS community and on people all over the world.
My sincerest sympathies for your loss.
April 7, 2018
We were sad to read Lawrence's obituary in today's Globe.Our warmest thoughts and sympathy to you all.
Nos sincères condoléances et nos pensées les plus amicales.
Almut et Gaëtan Fleuriau Chateau
John McCarney
April 7, 2018
Margaret and family my condolences. Larry was a true delight to work with. Professional, dedicated, funny and a true Gentleman. John (former Millennium colleague aka Santa).
Marnie Hope
April 7, 2018
To All Larry's family,
We join everyone in offering sincere sympathies to the Dickenson family on the passing of Larry.
Dennis, Pat and myself (Marnie) attended S.S. No. 6, London Township, along with Larry and Ruth. Good memories of days gone by.
Your family must be very proud of all his accomplishments and the stories that he probably had to tell will be with you forever.He will live on in those stories for certain.
We celebrate his life from afar, along with all the Dickenson family.
The GIDLEY siblings
Philip Mason
April 7, 2018
So very sad that Larry has passed away. My sincerest condolences to Margaret and family. Although I knew Larry for a relatively short time in Ottawa, Cairo and the Arabian Gulf, his memory will remain with me always. He was a good guy, that's for sure, and a true gentleman. He will be missed indeed.
April 6, 2018
Dear Margaret,
We are much saddened to learn of Larry's passing. Please accept our sincerest condolences. We shared many similar experiences including postings in Seoul and Jakarta. Larry will be missed.
Heartfelt sympathy to you and your family,
Young-Hae and Bob Lee
Patricia Scott
April 6, 2018
Dear Margaret,Tonya,& Christa, Family,
It was with deepest sorrow to hear of Larry's passing, a remarkable Canadian who served his country proudly & honorably. He lead by example and we will always treasure our memories of time spent together in Egypt.
With gratitude and love
Patricia & Michael Scott
Bill and Willi Devonish
April 5, 2018
Dear Margaret and Family. Our most sincere condolences. Socially it was apparent to everyone that you and Larry were a real team - convivial, conversational, gracious hosts and guests, always taking an interest. We will miss him. Our thoughts are with you.
Bill and Willi Devonish
Bruno Picard
April 5, 2018
Chère Margaret et famille,
Nicole et moi vous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances suite au départ de Larry. Je garde de lui le souvenir d'un homme fin, généreux, un véritable gentleman que j'ai eu le privilège de croiser au début de ma carrière. Que le Seigneur vous apporte paix et sérénité en cette période de deuil.
Michelle Thomas
April 5, 2018
Dear Margaret and Family,
Your husband/father was a committed foreign service officer, whose many experiences provided him with insights and wisdom, which he happily and generously shared with me in a training forum. I was particularly struck by his humility, passion, and humour. May your wonderful memories be a comfort to you in the weeks, months, and years ahead. My sincere condolences to you all.
Bryan Henderson
April 5, 2018
Larry - I will miss working with you. Rest in heaven.
Margaret - you are in our hearts. Love to you and all of your family from us.
Alan Mortimer
April 4, 2018
Margaret, my thoughts are with your and your family. Larry will be missed.
Jean J Gauthier
April 4, 2018
Dear Margaret, Tonya and Christa, Danielle and I are saddened to learn of Larry's passing. We will always remember the various times our carreer crossed (Cairo, Kuwait and Ottawa). Larry has always been a gentleman and a proud spouse, father and promotor of women in the workplace. May his soul rest in peace and his memory lives forever.
Rob Clipperton
April 4, 2018
Dear Margaret,
I am so saddened to hear of Larry's passing. I always thought of the two of you as one, a perfect match of two people supporting and encouraging one another, taking turns with one stepping back while the other shone in the light. I will continue to think of you that way.
May the memories of happier times sustain you through the days head.
Sincerely,
Rob Clipperton
Joan & John Alderman
April 4, 2018
With great sadness we received the news of Larry's passing. Our deepest condolences to Marg and family. We will always cherish the memories of your visits to our home in London and latterly to our farm. Larry's presence will be missed by all classmates attending the 50th reunion of OAC '68 this June
Linda Bell
April 4, 2018
Dear Margaret and family,
I was saddened to hear of Larry's death. Rely on the good memories and your children as you face the road ahead. Linda Bell
Ginette Martin
April 4, 2018
Sincerest condolences to Margaret and family. Had the pleasure of serving with Larry in Jakarta and to appreciate the dignity and love that characterized the couple. May you find solace in the comfort that his suffering has ended.
Robert Birnbaum
April 4, 2018
I was saddened to hear the news of Larry's passing. My condolences to Margaret, Tonya and Christa. Larry was a wonderful man who I always enjoyed seeing! May his memory be a blessing to everyone whose lives he touched.
Mary and Roy Carver
April 4, 2018
Dear Margaret and family: Our words are not adequate to express our sorrow for your tremendous loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you every moment.
Giuseppe Joe Calabro
April 4, 2018
My prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Sincere Condolences to the whole family.
April 3, 2018
The Warren family and the Les Fougeres family send deepest respect and condolences and salute the public service and humanity Larry shared in his life. And the beautiful example of comradeship, humour and love he and Margaret modeled.
Joan, Jennifer, Charlie, Yannick and team xo
Nilda Q. Salvani
April 3, 2018
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
John Clapp
April 3, 2018
Joyce and I want to express our deepest sympathy to Margaret and the family
Janet Bax
April 3, 2018
Dearest Margaret and Family: I am totally devastated to learn the news of Larry's untimely death. He taught me so much in my first Ottawa-based job, and was a true friend and mentor. I can hear his laugh as I type these words, and would love to have a last Scotch with him and reminisce. A great boss, a true gentleman and such an asset to Canada. Much love and hugs from Sebastian and me.
Jean-Pierre Petit
April 3, 2018
À Madame Dickenson et sa famille, mes sincères condoléances. M. Dickenson fut mon Directeur-Général pour les affaires culturelles vers 1986 et comme j'étais en poste à Mexico à ce moment-là il était venu négocier le renouvellement de notre accord cuturel avec le Mexique. Il était un vrai professionnel, capable de faire face aux surprises mexicaines sans perdre son sens de l'humour. J'ai un excellent souvenir de ces jours-là. salutations, Jean-Pierre Petit Agent du Service extérieur Canadien à la retraite.
Raynell Andreychuk
April 3, 2018
" Please accept my sincere condolences to Margaret and Family. A truly fine, respected and accomplished diplomat who did Canada proud!
Sincerely,
Sen. Raynell Andreychuk
Ron Robertson
April 3, 2018
Margaret and your daughters:
my deepest sympathy on Larry's having moved on.I know you will miss him terribly.
Ron R
Mel and Marni Cappe
April 3, 2018
Margaret, our deepest sympathies. Larry was such a wonderful, gentle man and a great Canadian.
Mel and Marni Cappe
Helene & Otto Heberlein
April 3, 2018
Dear Margaret and family, Helene and I are very saddened to learn of the passing of your husband, Larry.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
tony arrell
April 3, 2018
marg,
I am so sorry about Larry and write to say I am thinking about you at this difficult time. From the very first time I met Larry in our early years at Guelph it was obvious to me that he was a person of the highest character and ability; I never changed my mind on that! After he married you, I felt even more strongly on these two points!
Best, Tony
April 3, 2018
From Florida, the news of Larry's death has cast a pall over what could have been a sunny day. What an impressive and sweet man and what an impressive and sweet team were Larry and Margaret. As a duo they brightened the lives of all who knew them. I am proud to have known him. Rest in peace dear man. Evelyn Greenberg
Penny Collenette
April 3, 2018
Margaret, David and I are so deeply saddened to learn of Larry's death. He was a wonderful, joyous and positive individual who fought his health battles bravely. We will always remember his intelligence and friendliness.
Please accept our sympathy and affection,
Penny and David Collenette
Jayne Watson
April 3, 2018
Dear Margaret and family,
Please accept our sincere sympathies on the death of Larry. He was a gentleman of the first order and we always enjoyed seeing him at the NAC and at parties around our city. Peter has fond memories of renovating your beautiful home many years ago; a home where we were privileged to have been elegantly entertained by both of you at your legendary receptions. We hope your memories of happier times will sustain you during this difficulty time.
Kind regards,
Jayne and Peter
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