ANDERSON, Dr. James Larry
November 12, 1931 to October 30, 2004
Depending on whom you believe, the matron of the hospital or Larry's mother, Larry was born November 11 or 12, 1931 in Pouce Coupe, BC in a red cross outpost hospital. Larry spent the majority of his childhood in Assiniboia, SK where, at the age of 17, he met his wife and lifelong partner, Lind (nee Dahlman). Larry and Lind were married in Readlyn, SK on April 19, 1952. Larry graduated from medicine in 1959 from the University of Saskatchewan. Larry did his internship at the McLaren General Hospital in Flint, Michigan returning to southern Saskatchewan where he practiced medicine in Bengough for two years. From 1962-1978 Larry practiced medicine in Port Alberni where he and Lind raised their family. In 1978 Larry and Lind moved to Qualicum where Larry had his last medical practice until his retirement in 1993. During this time, Larry also served a two-year term as medical investigator for the BC Coroner's Service. Larry loved fishing, boating, downhill and cross country skiing, hiking, tennis, hockey and most sports. (Larry was scouted by the Chicago Black Hawks at the age of 16.) Larry also led the fitness program at Port Alberni's Echo centre for a period of two years. Larry is survived by his loving wife, Lind, mother Mabel Anderson, son Kevin (Cathy), daughter Debbie (Ken) Simmonds, daughter Jamie Schluessel, grandchildren Lindsay Ribeyre (Angie Brown), Darian (Glen) Ribeyre-Barrow, Courtney and Steffany Schlussel, Gregory and Mark Anderson, numerous sister- and brother-in-laws and many cousins. Larry is predeceased by his father Cecil Anderson, brother Clark Anderson and daughter Jennifer Anderson. Larry's spiritual life began when, as a child, he attended Sunday school in a little Anglican church in Assiniboia where he was later confirmed. During his university days in Saskatoon Larry drifted away from his spiritial roots and moved towards science. At the age of 47 Larry had a miraculous conversion where he met our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This profoundly and forever changed Larry's life and his relationships with others. During Larry's many illnesses, he was uplifted by his favourite scripture from Philipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Larry passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side after a lengthy battle with diabetes and its associated complications. The Anderson family express a sincere thank you to Dr. John Atherstone, Dr. Rene Weir, Dr. Horgan and the nurses, social workers, physiotherapists at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, and pastors Dean Kellerhouse, Andrew Hewlett, Bob Cuyler and Neil Robinson, the St. Mark's Anglican Church Women's Guild, as well as the best friends anyone could ever have. Flowers are gratefully declined in lieu of donations to the Kidney Foundation of Canada at #320-1600 West 6th Ave., Vancouver V6J 9Z9, or to the Canadian Diabetes Association at #255-2000 Island Hwy. N. Nanaimo V9S 3V5. A Celebration of Larry's Life will be held at St. Mark's Anglican Church in Qualicum at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 6.