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Lawrence Solway Obituary

SOLWAY, Lawrence S. (Larry) - Peacefully on January 9, 2012 at Toronto General Hospital at age 83. Larry beloved husband to Shirley for 62 years. Loving father to Joseph (Juanita) and Beth Savard (Richard). Cherished Papa to A.J., Michael, James, Philip and Rachel. Dear brother to Nancy (Harvey Bokser) and brother-in-law to Judy (Hy Goldstein). Missed by many nieces and nephews. Larry worked extensively in radio, television, on stage, in print and pioneered open-line radio in the 1960s. He was an avid sailor, reader and world traveller. Friends may visit at the Visitation Centre in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 375 Mount Pleasant Road (east gate entrance), after 12 noon on Friday, January 13th followed by a celebration of life in the chapel at 1 p.m. Larry's family would like to thank the staff at Princess Margaret and the Toronto General Hospitals for their care and support. A special thank you to Dr. Barbara Vari for her special care. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Research Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.etouch.ca

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Published by Toronto Star on Jan. 11, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Solway

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11 Entries

Dave Robson

January 18, 2012

Larry was a real mensch. I listened to him on the radio as a child as he dealt with ranters and ravers and was wowed by the fact that he never kowtowed to his callers. Somehow I got connected to help with some set building when he and Naula Fitzgerald had a theatre somewhere NE of Toronto and during one of our drives back and forth at that time he, when asked about his acerbic responses to callers on CHUM radio back when, said "People don't have a right to an opinion, they have to earn it" - I have never forgotten that moment what a great guy he is!

Norm Guilfoyle

January 16, 2012

We met Larry and Shirley through our mutual friend, Brian Barker, who, like Larry had a long radio career in and around Toronto. Once Brian retired from Country 59, he effectively became First Mate on Larry's beautiful Dreamsend, sailing with Larry almost every weekend from spring to fall for several years. Meeting Larry in the 90s on a weekend sail was a great pleasure as I had known his name from the 1960s when he was a driving open-line force with CHUM 1050 on "Speak Your Mind".
In person, Larry was larger than life--a man with a brilliant mind and a social conscience that knew no end. Latterly, Larry's blog, Looking Forward, was a treat to read and worth seeking out on the Internet.
Larry--you are missed and you are a big loss to the community.
Gayle and I extend our condolences to Shirley and all of your family.

January 13, 2012

Less well known is how much Larry loved music. In its first 4 years, CHUM-FM was totally fine arts, classical music. Larry did an hour's program each night, talking qith equal knowledge and passion about the music and the performers he would be playing. I was librarian and programmer, and down the years shared many hours of good talk with Larry and Shirley and some wonderful meals, for we all loved good food. There were some unforgettable sails on Dreamsend including one magical moment when a sudden fog turned the Thousand Islands into something rare and unworldly and unforgettably, if eerily lovely . Larry's skill as a sailor got us all back safely. Some years later, he was my student in European History at the University of Toronto, and a total delight, not intimidating but stimulating the younger students. :"Historical" emails flew on Larry and Shirley's many tours, for he had an open mind.
He will remain green in my memory.
Thinking of you also Shirley.
Dr Helen Hatton
Dept. of History
University of Toronto

Dan Sherman

January 12, 2012

Good memories of Larry the story teller. He taught me at broadcasting school. He was a likeable, transparent and good spinner of yarns. He was what you saw, no more, no less. The name of one of his boats "Bingo Player", kind of said it all.

Ed Reilly

January 12, 2012

I first met Larry in 1978 when I had my boat at Oshawa Marina, & we often had coffee & dougnuts together during breaks when getting our boats ready for launching, he was very proud of his boat called "Dreamsend" which he kept at the Island Yacht Club in Toronto. Larry was a big part of my daily life when i came to toronto in 1962, I never missed him on Chum Radio. I now feel sad for his passing, as he reminded me of a very happy time in the 60's & 70's in Toronto, rest in piece my friend.

Robert MacBain

January 11, 2012

Memories of bobbing our way across Lake Ontario from Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake with no wind in our sails. Exchanging heated views in the corridors of CHUM. Taking the CHUM chopper to Mosport. Memories of a warm and delightful friend. I miss him. He was what Toronto is all about. Take care, Shirley.

Reid Caesar

January 11, 2012

Thankyou for the memories Larry , I know right now there is some one in Heaven "Speaking his mind". R.I.P.

Norman Bloom

January 11, 2012

I am sorry to hear of the loss of this man. I do know him through my late dad. I used to listen to his talk show on Chum years ago. Speak Your Mind.
I have met him personaly. he was a tall man who had an opinion on everything.
he later was heard on CFRB for a short time.
I wondered what happened to him over the years. Now I know. May he rest in peace now...

January 11, 2012

Go in Peace Larry...You were a Pioneer and a legend

Sarah

January 11, 2012

How I used to love listening to him when he was on CHUM. Whether you agreed or disagreed with him, he never failed to spark controversy.

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