I remember Earl in ’65, as a kind and patient teacher of a man when he came up to the far north of Quebec to a little village called Salluit, when it was still called Sugluk. Us Inuit kids used to want to visit the family knowing we would be fed and entertained by the family. People used to call him ‘miqquituk’ meaning ‘the bald one’ as most people who came up were given ‘nicknames’ mostly by elders who couldn’t pronounce their English sounding names. My condolences to Bonnie and the rest of her extended family as well as Stephanie who I have fond memories being such a popular child up north. Nakurmimarialuk meaning thanks very much.

Earl was a remarkable colleague and friend. Always encouraging and genuinely interested in all our ups and downs. Never too busy to chat about concerns and supportive of experimentation and innovation. He will be missed by anyone who knew him as a teacher, student, friend, family and neighbour.

I had Mr. Larden as a teacher in 1971. This was at Alice M. Curtis elementary, in Calgary, in grade 6. You don’t remember all the teachers you have over the years, but I clearly remember Earl. (of course, in that decade you never knew the first name of your teachers!) He was a kind man and one I sensed even at that young age, was clearly interested in teaching his students and enjoyed his career. My sincere condolences to all his family.

My thoughts and prayers are with Bonnie, Stephanie and the rest of Earl’s family. Earl was a mentor to me at Prince of Wales School and I still aspire to be the kind of teacher, leader and friend that he was. His kind, gentle manner and genuine concern for the kids, staff and parents was always admirable.

Stephanie, Bob and Family, our deepest condolences for the loss of your Father and Grandfather. May your souls be at rest knowing that he is at peace and that he is now that Angel watching over all of you. We will not be able to be there today, but know our prayers and thoughts are with you all as you celebrate his special moments in your lives. Sincerely, Joanne and Tim Hansen

Earl was a lovely human being. He was kind and caring and always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. I think he made everyone in his path feel valued. My deepest condolences to his family at this sad time.

I was one of the many touched by Earl as we worked together in leadership roles in a very challenging community so many years go now. Earl’s sense of humour, down-to-earth common sense and practical advice got us through many tough situations. His experiences ‘up north’ helped put difficult situations into perspective. He cared about kids and their needs and their learning. Diane and I want to express our deepest condolences to Bonnie and Stephanie whom we fondly remember from the days when our paths crossed.

I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of having Mr. Larden as a Grade 6 teacher from January – June 1969 at Acadia Alice M. Curtis Elementary School.

Coming from a small town to the big city of Calgary was quite overwhelming for a 10 year old. On my first day Mr Larden welcomed me and made me feel so comfortable. He treated all the children with respect and was always so helpful.

One of our assignments was to write a story about peanuts. I recall writing in my 10 cent green hilroy note book and coming up with a pretty good story about peanuts. Mr. Larden came to me and asked me if he could keep my story, as I had done a very good job and it was one of the best little stories that he had read. He had asked me if I wanted a copy, but I said no. I was on top of the world; it was such a special day. (I wish I would have got a copy). He rewarded me with a new paperback book with comments “Great job” Mr. Larden (I still have that paperback packed away in a box).

Mr Larden was a kind and caring teacher. I am very thankful that our paths crossed so many years ago.

Bonnie, Stephanie and family,

So sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and father.

The Patton Family

John, Shirley, Charlene,Carolyn and Craig

I was fortunate to teach at Prince of Wales School (1985-1990)when Earl was an administrator there. Earl was such a kind and caring man and he was loved and respected by both staff and students. He had a passion for making learning fun, especially science. Earl always had a kind word for others and he was great fun to be around. I can see him now with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye! What I remember most about Earl, though, is his love for Bonnie, Stephanie and family.

Our deepest condolences to you.

Such a wonderful teacher and administrator …… was passionate about science & teaching. Earl touched many students through the years. He will be sadly missed.

Our deepest sympathy to his family.

So sorry for your loss and we extend our sympathy to you all.

Earl was a great loving member of the extended family we will all miss him greatly.

Stephanie and family,

I remember your dad from my time as a student at Prince of Wales school. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I was very saddened to hear of Earl’s passing. He was such a warm, caring man with a zest for life. Earl was a special friend to Herb and I , as I’m sure he was to many. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by many.

Stephanie, Bob, William and Ben – Warm thoughts to you all at this sad time.

Bonnie, Stephanie, Bob, William and Benjamin,

Grace and I want to offer our heartfelt condolences to Bonnie and the entire family at this time. My fond memories of Earl, both as a school administrator and a friend, will live with me forever. It is people like Earl who make this world a better place.

Bonnie, Stephanie, Bob, William, and Ben,

I hope you will celebrate a life well lived. Earl was, above all, a kind soul, who was a friend to all, including me. I miss him, but have a smile on my face thinking of Earl at your wedding, fishing with Bob and my brother David, and my father, and sharing meals with a glass or two of his home made wine.

I enjoyed seeing Earl and speaking with him about photography and his grandchildren. He was one of the most kind and friendly people I knew. We will miss him and extend our sympathies to his family. Dr. Sean Pedersen and Staff

Sincerest sympathies on your loss. Earl was a science teaching colleague and I enjoyed our professional interactions.

Susan Chivers

William and Family,

Please accept my sympathies on the loss of your grandfather and father. I fondly remember the times that he spent in our grade two classroom sharing pictures and stories from the arctic region of Canada. I so enjoyed visiting with him in the halls of Prince of Wales school.

Shawna Weir