Larry Forrest Loomis

LOOMIS, Larry Forrest, age 70, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, passed away suddenly at QE II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax on Sunday, June 17, 2012. His very full and colorful life revolved around pursuing what he loved: His family, his community, connecting with people, basketball, travel, Kyudo meditation archery, and Zen and Shambhala Buddhism. His love of basketball sent him to Grove City College on basketball and soccer scholarships where he received a BA in Economics. He served as a Captain in the US Army Ranger Division in the DMZ in Korea. His love of travel, spending six years in Asia, culminated in a 12 year career as a quartermaster and able-body Seaman II in the Merchant Marines. His love of learning took him to completing a fifth year degree from the University of Washington in Religious Studies and Philosophy, and a Masters Degree from Naropa University in Contemplative Psychotherapy.He and his family moved from Colorado to Halifax in 1989, becoming Canadian citizens in 1995 - of which he was immensely proud. He began his lengthy counseling career in Canada as a clinical therapist for Addiction Services for the province of Nova Scotia. He was a co-founder of Atlantic Coaching and Counseling Services in 1991, where he enjoyed actively working until his death, impacting the lives of countless individuals. As an active member of the Shambhala Buddhist and Zen communities in Nova Scotia, he championed and supported community leadership development in the Maritimes. Larry was a devoted meditation practitioner for over forty years. He was a dedicated and long time student of Kanjuro Shibata Sensei XX who brought Kyudo meditation archery to North America. Larry was known for his appreciation and adornment of his favorite ball caps, suspenders, and bolo ties. He had an art for story telling, a clever wit and a wicked sense of humor. Larry took immense joy in mentoring his twin daughters in their educational pursuit within the health professions, and throughout their lives, imparting his wisdom, humor, and compassion. The greatest joy and sense of pride in his life was in being a husband and father to his family, which always remained his first priority.

He was born in Greenville, Pennsylvania, and was the fourth and youngest son of John Harper Loomis and Ruby Caroline Miller Loomis. He is survived by his wife, Conner Loomis, and twin daughters Jessica Loomis and Korinne Loomis. His brothers’ in Pennsylvania: Jim and Mary Loomis, Don and Peg Loomis, and Bob Loomis and their families.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, June 20th, at the Halifax Shambhala Centre, 1084 Tower Road, at 5:30 pm with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Mother Lineage Fund, c/o the Halifax Shambhala Centre.