DILLON, LARRY
STEPHEN
A loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully in Nanaimo hospital on December, 15th, with his family by his side. He is deeply loved and missed by his wife of 54 years, Yvonne, four children, Kathy (Peter), Doug, Karen (Peter) and Brian (Jackie), sister Marina Gathercole (Gordon), six grandchildren, Chad, Alison, David, Connery, Rebecca and Alex, along with nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Larry was predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Rose, his brother Wayne, and his sister and brother-in-law Stella and Hugh Herring. Born on May 2, 1928, the years growing up on a Saskatchewan farm during the Great Depression shaped his fine character with a strong sense of social justice which continued to develop throughout his life. After obtaining a Degree in Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan and working as a civil engineer in several towns and cities in Canada, he then worked for many years overseas in developing countries in Asia, South and Central Americas, and especially Africa, appreciating and embracing the commonality of all peoples. Keenly aware of the difficulties that so many have in obtaining even the basics of life, Larry worked until the end of his life to help those less fortunate. He invented a wonderfully simple, reliable, water well pump while living in Ghana and Ethiopia with the hope to meet this need in small rural communities around the world. Reluctant to admit he was ever retired, he was active in the Canadian Executive Service Organization and donated his time and experience to civil engineering projects in places like Trinidad and Armenia. A life-long student, he attended college classes that reflected his own diversified interests and had spirited debates with family and friends on many political and social topics, particularly his strong support of Cuba's struggle that offers an alternative to capitalism. His family will lovingly remember him as an intelligent, caring man of integrity and quiet compassion. A Celebration of Life for him will be held at the Anchor Room in the
Schooner Cove Hotel and Marina, 3521, Dolphin Drive, Nanoose Bay, (250-468-7691) on December, 29th, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favourite charity in Larry's name.