Obituary of Larry Weston

LARRY WESTON With great sadness the family announces the passing of Lawrence (Larry) Weston on Saturday, September 7th, 2013 at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre with his family by his side. Devoted husband to Bess for 54 wonderful years. Loving father of Leslie Mutic (Damir) and Jill Maxwell. Proud grandfather (Poppa) of Victoria, Devin, Davis and Brock. Larry's long business career began at an early age and covered the full spectrum of marketing, advertising, sales promotion, printing, and custom packaging. The early years were spent in various advertising agencies and promotion houses, as a radio rep, and at Marketing Magazine. His self-taught ability in sales and his natural creativity propelled him to found Phase III Promotions Ltd., which he and Bess ran for forty years. In conjunction with Phase III he operated John Bradshaw Garden Promotions, and co-operated Econ-O-Pac Ltd., and Archive Productions. The connections acquired conducting his businesses had him travel to the United States, England, Holland, Italy and Germany. After he retired, his love for the island of Bermuda prompted a consultancy period, which has continued to this day, showcasing the island's beauty in the various media venues in Canada. Larry's artistic interests were extensive and led to many enjoyable and fulfilling hobbies. At various times he could be found printing and developing his own pictures; sculpting pottery which he fired in a basement kiln; building various boats at the cottage; restoring his pride and joy "Duke of Westwood," an antique Muskoka wooden boat which would twice bring him the award in "Best Self Restored" category; building pine dining room tables, beds, chests, and chess sets for the cottage and for the girls; painting in various mediums which can be seen covering the walls of the cottage, the house and Christmas cards. His woodworking and painting skills were to meld into his hobby of the last 20 years, producing beautiful sculpted ducks and birds which brought him many awards in Canada and the USA. This hobby culminated in his current volunteer project of carving a collection of the "Birds of Bermuda" for the Audubon Society of Bermuda, which can be seen at the Masterworks Gallery of Bermuda. Sadly the current bird, unfinished, did not make its flight. Some of Larry's other leisure pursuits were golf, which he took up late in life, long walks, pasta nights, classical music (all the time!) and a good game of chess most nights with Bess. A voracious reader, he often had two or three books on the go at once. His grandchildren were a constant source of delight to him, and he was very proud of them. Larry loved travelling, and he and Bess enjoyed taking the girls with them when they were young. In later years Larry and Bess were to create their own walking tours and had incredible experiences walking the coast of the south of England. Fifteen years ago they took their first trip to Italy and had been returning as often as possible ever since. Larry could never get enough of the history, architecture, and art to be seen in Rome, Florence, and the small villages of Italy. Flights had been booked for a trip in September, and he was looking forward to returning to Portofino. Larry never forgot his Cabbagetown roots. He was self-educated and never lost the desire to learn, taking Berlitz lessons in his mid-sixties to allow him to converse in Italian in the tiny villages. At his 75th birthday it was noted and agreed on by all that he remained a "work in progress." He was generous with his time and always willing to talk to young people who sought his advice. Larry's most meaningful and precious days were spent each summer at Westwood, his beloved cottage on Lake Muskoka, and none were more precious than when all the family was there. But those days would dwindle. For the first time in his 79 years Larry would be greatly challenged with illness and its complications. His determination was never stronger and he fought with great courage, fortitude, resolve, and a willingness to trust. His positive attitude was infectious and had the doctors and staff all fighting his battle along with him. The family thanks Dr. Verma and the Sunnybrook team for their kindness and care. We feel fortunate to have had Larry as a husband, father and friend and we will miss him, his love of life, his laughter, his sense of humour, his generosity and his love. "We'll have our talk soon, my dear." A reception will be held commencing at 6:00 p.m. at the GRANITE CLUB, 2350 Bayview Avenue, Toronto on Sunday, September 15th to 'Celebrate and Remember' Larry's life. If desired, donations to the Odette Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, specifically for lung cancer, would be appreciated. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.