Lawrence C Lemon

The family of Larry Lemon is saddened to announce his death on June 27th, 2026, at the young age of 79.

Larry is lovingly remembered by Dorian, his wife of 55.5 years, his four children, Erin, Stephen, Andrew (Amanda) and Lindsay (Colin), as well as eight terrific grandchildren: Amy, Bianca, Margot, Henry, Leela, Adam, Phoebe and Ren.

Larry was born in Chicago to Bob and Ermajane and lived his first nine years there and in Albany, Georgia. In 1956, the family moved to Vancouver for his father’s new job. Larry graduated from Prince of Wales High School where – fatefully -- he met Dorian. He went to college in the U.S., first in Oregon and then in Washington, graduating with a journalism degree. He served in the U.S. navy, where he was stationed in the desert just outside Fresno, California. He narrowly missed being shipped off to Vietnam on an aircraft carrier (very lucky for our family – aircraft carriers and Vietnam were extremely dangerous places).

Larry worked for Canadian Press in Vancouver after graduation and then, briefly, for Uniflite in Bellingham, Washington. In 1974, Larry, Dorian, Erin (and Stephen in utero) moved to Trail, BC, where Larry worked in Public Affairs, for Cominco. After two more children (four in total now), the family moved to Kamloops in 1980, for Larry’s job in Public Affairs at Weyerhaeuser.

Larry was a man of many talents and interests: he was a camper, a canoeist, a hiker, a kayaker, a skier, an archer and a cyclist. He loved music – mostly jazz and classical – and was fascinated with Astronomy. He played the trumpet and the ukulele and dabbled in harmonica. He carved wood and sculpted in clay and did wonderful, personalized cards for his children.

Larry was also a keen and willing volunteer: he was a Beaver leader, a Big Buddy, a soccer coach for Lindsay’s Green Machine, a baseball coach for Steve and Andrew’s teams, an active member of Kamloops Adult Learner’s Society and a master editor for many, many family essays. He was instrumental in getting all of us through school and was always a staunch supporter and cheerleader for every activity his family took an interest in.

‘Early’ retirement was one of the best decisions Larry ever made. He asked Dorian if she wanted ‘time’ or ‘money’ and they quickly agreed on ‘time.’ Freedom 55 allowed us to travel extensively – twice to Japan as well as many trips to France and other parts of Europe, often with our bikes. It also provided a lot of time and opportunity to be with our children and grandchildren and be part of their activities.

Larry’s family would like to thank our wonderful community of friends who have supported us over the years and also to send a special shout-out to Minds in Motion, the Ponderosa Adult Day Program, the wonderful Handi-Dart drivers and to Overlander Long Term Care Home. All of these organizations became an additional, welcoming community for Larry and our family.

Larry’s humour, kindness and devotion to his family will forever be missed. He was, without question, the best man ever.

Memorial donation may be made to the Royal Inland Hospital foundation to support the recreation programs at Overlander Long Term Care Home and/or the Ponderosa Adult Day Program.

The family is planning a Celebration of Larry’s life. For more information, please contact Lindsay at [email protected].