Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Hearing the news about Larry's passing left me very sad and reflective of my time spent with him. Larry was easily among the most kind, intelligent, genuine people I will ever be blessed to meet. I met Larry at the age of 20, he was the first person outside of my own family that made it seem like it was "cool" that I was Aboriginal. I wasn't quite used to such a positive reaction about my native culture and I believe Larry recognized that I had a lot to learn about the history of Aboriginal people. Larry bought me my first two books about Aboriginal people, then he started saving me newspaper articles about current events affecting Aboriginal people, then more books, and of course, when we were together he would engage me in informative discussion about my culture. 15 years later and 30 plus books read about my culture, I routinely participate in Aboriginal traditions and events, I am engaged with my native family and now find comfort and peace when visiting my family's territory. I am "loud and proud" about my beautiful heritage and I will always have Larry to thank for pushing me towards this new and improved me. Larry, you clearly made a big impact on me in the fairly brief time I had with you, and I know you made an even bigger better impact on my husband who has a lifetime of only the happiest memories with you and Linda. Thank you for continued support and encouragement, you will be dearly missed. Rest in peace and paradise always, Louann
