May 19, 1946 - November 7, 2024
In loving memory ~
The valley lost a passionate volunteer and advocate for community this past November. Larry, we miss you!
After early retirement as a civil servant at the Chilliwack base, Larry McDermid arrived in Courtenay with his beloved wife Judy back in 2005, so Judy could be near family. Here, they also had support of longtime friends, Val, Eric, and Barenda.
Larry was born in Victoria in 1946. His parents took the family from Jordan River to Richmond, where Larry and his 3 siblings were raised. A Boy Scout and Rover, Larry had a natural inclination to be a helper. With a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from SFU, Larry had early work stints in Sudbury for Inco at the nickel mine, and on Texada Island for Ocean Cement as a chemist doing quality control.
In Victoria, as a young man, Larry volunteered to help young people with physical challenges. He attended meetings for affordable housing for those with special needs. He found a job as resident live-in care person at a group home. Richard Bennett, a resident of the home, introduced Larry to Judy and encouraged Larry to court her. Judy was non-verbal at the time, after surgeries related to Myasthenia Gravis. Larry, the science guy, tapped his faith. He learned sign language. Signing their marriage vows to one another, Larry and Judy were married on May 19th, 1979, with Richard as best man. Larry landed a job with the federal government. Soon the couple adopted a son Michael who was deaf. In December 1991, a forced work transfer took Larry and family to Chilliwack.
Larry and Judy saw people as essentially no different from one another. They recognized the able-bodied as TABs, only temporarily able-bodied. This insight was key to their joint mission, and to Larry's volunteer service. Upon arrival in Courtenay, they were introduced by Barenda to L'Arche and Jubilee House. For nearly twenty years, Larry has volunteered with the differently-abled at L'Arche, befriending core members at Jubilee House and later the "I Belong Centre!", accompanying them on many an outing in town and sometimes further afield. Larry is deeply missed by his resident buddies: Paul, Randy, Gary, Rachel, Lisa, Cory, Robert, Nick, Kevin, and Judith. His engagement and depth of caring inspired his mates, Peter and Manu, and other colleagues in the extended community of L'Arche.
Living their faith, Larry and Judy volunteered at The Bridge, a faith-based warming centre near the 5th street bridge. Together, they travelled to Costa Rica on a mission. First with Judy and later with L'Arche members, Larry attended several "Faith and Sharing" retreats in Nanaimo. A friend fondly remembers a retreat with Larry and the Benedictine monks at Westminster Abbey in Mission.
In 2013, Larry acted on stage playing Judy's husband in "This is my Voice" -- a biographical play cowritten by Judy and Eric about Judy's life journey living with Myasthenia Gravis.
For decades Larry's faith was nourished with Anglican liturgy, beginning at St. Philip's in Victoria and later at St. Thomas's in Chilliwack and St. Matthew's in Abbotsford. He attended the small mission church Via Apostolica in Cumberland, but when it folded, later found welcome at Northgate Church where he made new friends and pursued studies with Vintage Discipleship to arm himself for ministry. He volunteered at Northgate's Saturday soup kitchen.
When Judy died in 2017, Larry, though heartbroken, had more time to give to other elders. He was saddened by the neglect of seniors in our society. While dealing with his own cancer diagnosis, Larry opened his home to a friend who was dying of cancer. Inheriting his friend's outdoor cat Precious, Larry finally let the feline into his home and heart. He volunteered for many years with Comox Valley Lifeline installing and testing personal emergency response systems for the vulnerable in their homes. A frequent visitor to senior homes, he became a companion to residents at Glacier View where he shared from the Bible. He assisted a pastor with senior home memorials for those who had passed from Glacier View, The Views, and Oceanfront Village, and spoke often of those he had known.
A conservative of private conviction who held his ground with liberals, Larry also nurtured friendships with TABs, regardless of faith. A deep listener and observer, he could expound on subjects dry or droll. Truth or bluff, mentor or tease, he often held you in suspense. He would draw on his memory bank, drum up an anecdote to illustrate a moral point, or spin a tale just to amuse. Many were touched by his art of conversation, and his ministry in companionship.
Both playful prankster and devoted servant, Larry lifted his voice to bring joy to his King and Saviour.
Picture him in Heaven, with his wife Judy, the bravest person he ever knew. His older sister Janice is there. Larry is looking out for those he leaves behind: his son Michael; niece Sarah, daughter of Janice; his younger brother Greg & wife Roxanne, niece Carrie; his youngest brother Robert & wife Pam, nephew Jim; and dear friends of all abilities.
A L'Arche remembrance was held November 13th at the "I Belong Centre!", and a celebration of life was held on November 22th at Northgate Church. You can read and share more reminiscences of Larry online.
telfordtoneffboyd.ca/obituary/Larry-McDermid
