Obituary of Larry Conroy

Larry Christopher Conroy passed away peacefully at his Ottawa home on Sunday June 21 2020, at the age of 69, surrounded by his family, after a strong, brave and humour-filled battle with cancer, outliving doctors’ predictions several times over. Spending a last Father’s Day with Larry meant the world to his family. He was supported by his beloved spouse Dianne Laporte and with the sons and daughters-in-law of whom he was so proud, Kevin Conroy (Nancy Arnot) and Trevor Conroy (Mélanie Anne Gadoua). Born on September 10, 1950 in Cobalt, Ontario to Earl William (Bill) and Evangeline (Eva Albert) Conroy. His father, mother and sister Gertrude (Bob), and brothers Wayne, and Terry (Gerry) preceded Larry in death. Larry is survived by his sisters Marilyn Hopkins (Jim), Wanda Fulford (Mark) and Laurie Lemoine (Ron) as well as by his brother Vince (Dorothy – deceased), all of Cobalt, and Sharon Pigeau (Leo) of Kelowna, BC. Larry will be dearly missed by all of us and by his many nephews and nieces, particularly by Amber Fulford and his Great Nephew Liam. Larry was guided by a strong, life long sense of purpose and problem-solving attitude. He always had a ‘can do’ outlook on life and he delighted in telling people that at the age of 14 he showed up unannounced at Ontario Northland Railway, telling them he was there to start work for the summer and where could he leave his lunch box, and that they hired him on the spot. Larry was a certified electrician by trade since 1979. He applied his abilities to a variety of industrial positions in many northern Ontario businesses: Elk Lake Planing Mill, Lofthouse Brass Co., Wabi Iron and Steel Corp., Diamond Lime Products, Grant Development Corp., Agnico-Eagle Mines and Canadian Smelting and Refining Iron Foundry. Totalling over a combined twelve-year period in the Caribbean and South America, he managed the construction of and operated a number of lime kilns in Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, French Guyana and Suriname. In semi-retirement, he continued as a builder and renovator, delighting in working with his sons on many projects. Larry’s sense of humour, and ‘nice guy’ nature was renowned. He enjoyed helping others, supporting his family, travelling, relaxing outdoors, fishing, spending weekends with friends and family at his Iron Lake camp, wood carving ducks, being the family chef, taking care of family pets, and in recent years, fishing with his family on his boat in the Ottawa area, and practicing Tai Chi. A life-long observer of the scientific and natural world, he was particularly engaged by astronomy and joined the Ottawa Astronomy Club when he moved to Ottawa. There is no doubt that Larry was the epitome of his often-used motto: he lived ‘sunny-side up’, including as the cancer advanced. In keeping with his wishes, Larry was cremated and his ashes will remain with his sons. A celebration of life will be held in the early fall of 2020. Details will be found here https://www.facebook.com/events/749164645821155/. Our family asks that whenever looking to the night sky we remember Larry’s well-lived life, our love for him and his unique place in the universe and in our hearts. The family thanks Dr John Hilton, Dr Christine Whetter of the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre and so many other caring and dedicated staff in the Clinical Trials Area. We recognize the Champlain LHIN and staff for their ongoing support, and most particularly Nurse Heather Booth for her professionalism, compassion and dedication both in caring for Larry, and for supporting our family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ottawa Regional Cancer https://www.ottawacancer.ca/donation/