Larry SPEERS

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

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

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

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

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.

Sheldon and family sorry for the loss of your father. I rember him well when I coached minor hockey in Kanata.

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

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.

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)

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

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.

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.

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.

Sue,
You are in my thoughts. I am so sorry.
Rebecca (and the boys)

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

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