Obituary of Lary Mosley

December 10, 1941 – Windsor, Ontario

July 26, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

James Lawrence “Lary” Mosley of Calgary, AB passed away on Friday July 26, 2024 at the age of 82 years.

Lary was born and raised in Windsor, ON. He obtained a B.A. (Gold Medalist) and M.A. in Psychology from the University of Windsor and his Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario in 1970 before moving to Calgary to join the faculty at the fledgling University of Calgary. Over time he became a true Westerner and considered Calgary his home (except when his beloved Red Wings were playing at the Saddledome).

Dr. Mosley, as he was known on campus, taught for many years in the Psychology Department at the University of Calgary before retiring as Emeritus Professor in 1997. He was a kind and compassionate person and devoted his time and energy to little ones who need a helping hand, lecturing on child development at the University, supervising graduate students in research and applied settings, and serving as a long-standing member on many charitable boards and organizations, including Vecova (formerly VRRI) and the Providence Child Development Centre. He worked as a financial consultant after he retired from the University but continued to be involved with Vecova and the Providence Child Development Centre for many years until recently.

Lary, Uncle Lary, or just plain “DaDeo”, as he was more commonly known to family and friends, was a man of many talents. He had a seemingly endless supply of puns and malapropisms, some of which were even funny, and a wonderful singing voice. He knew the words of every song or could improvise with impunity and harmonize with the best of them from years of singing in church and with a CYO quartet in his youth. A special memento and highlight of many family weddings is the original song composed and sung by Uncle Lary, with accompanying disc and picture of the smiling couple.

Lary was also a good athlete. He played football and softball and ran hurdles in track and field in high school and university. An injury to his knee playing touch football in a cow pasture cut short his athletic career but he was still a person to be reckoned with in the weight room or in the stands at Heather and Matthew’s sporting events and Flames Games where Lary was always a loud and enthusiastic fan.

Most of all, Lary loved people and was genuinely interested in what was happening in their lives. He was open and accepting of everyone and always willing to listen to your troubles or lend a helping hand. His family received special attention and will miss his smiling face and loving attention on a daily basis.

Lary was predeceased by his mother and father, George and Margaret Mosley of Windsor, ON, sister and brother-in-law, Helen and John Gignac of Brampton, ON, and brother-in-law and close friend, Stuart van der Lee of Calgary, AB. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by his wife Jean van der Lee of Calgary, AB, daughter Heather (Malcolm) Wallace of Coquitlam, BC, son Matthew (Lauren McAlpine) Mosley of Perth, AU, his former wife Sheila Blair-Mosley, daughter Krista Mosley and sister Margo Bruce, all of Windsor, ON, and his very special grandchildren, Ava Grace Mosley of Perth, AU and Henderson James Wallace of Coquitlam, BC as well as his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marilyn and Richard Keevil (Deep Cove, BC), David and Kathleen van der Lee (Calgary, AB), Joyceanne and Laurie Smith (Calgary, AB), John and Sharon van der Lee (Strathmore, AB), Bill and Lorna van der Lee (Calgary, AB), Bruce van der Lee and Henry Soto Salas (Grecia, Costa Rica), Shirley van der Lee (Rob Devido) (Calgary, AB) and Katrina van der Lee (Calgary, AB), and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and colleagues.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday August 1, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (5340 – 4th Street SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday August 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brook Cemetery (24223 Township Rd 242, Calgary, AB). Reception to follow at Jean and Lary’s home.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in Lary’s name to Providence Child Development Centre www.providencechildren.com/donate or Vecova www.vecova.ca, or another charity of your choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Lary’s family here.

In living memory of Lary Mosley, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.