To Larry’s family – I have just read, in a New Zealand fishing magazine, that Larry has died. I met him in Dunedin, and we struck up a friendship. He would come round with perch he had caught in Lake Waihola, and we would cook up a feast. He would talk about his sons, and how proud he was of you all. The last time we met, he was excited about the impending birth of his first grandbaby, and was looking forward to meeting it for the first time, and a little sad that his wife would not be there too. He was a lovely man, and I was very fond of him. My condolences to you all.

Larry and I grew up a few blocks away in London, ON. We knew each other throughout our years in the public elementary/high school system, and both graduated as geologists from the University of Western Ontario. Strangely enough Larry worked the Amadeus Basin in Central Australia with Exoil ((early 1960’s) prior to Lois and I being stationed in Alice Springs, NT with Magellan Petroleum in 1968-1978. In the end we both ended up in Calgary, and I sat wells in the Rocky Mountain House area (Glauconitic pebble conglomerate gas play) in the early 1980’s as a consultant during Larry’s tenure at Dome Petroleum. After Larry’s retirement from Amoco in the nineties he tried unsuccessfully to teach me fly fishing (however in the end I was responsible only for paddling and dispensing ‘medical’ rum and coke), played accountable serious gin for the annual title, and enjoyed Larry and Carol’s company. After Carol’s passing in 1996 we became even tighter, and especially during his stay in the Beverly facility prior to his passing. I am very late in my condolence message due to the loss of Lois on Nov 27/13. I am ever hopeful that Carol, Lois and Larry are together along with their parents, siblings and departed friends are resting in peace.

A wonderful friend lost.

After reading all of these thoughtful remembrances I felt like adding a brief word and also thanking everybody for taking the time to contribute. It has been really nice to see some old familiar names and to learn a few new things about dad.

Dad kept his sence of humour right to the end, something that I hope I am able to do.

He taught me that you never turn away your friends.

He tried to teach me to love fishing……guess you can’t win them all.

I’ve recently become a father and that has given me whole new appreciation of how great both of my parents were. I can only hope to do as well (If anybody has a manual I’d like a copy. Dad didn’t leave me his).

Chris Pemberton.

When Wim mentioned after reading the obituary in The Calgary Herald, Larry had passed, it was a shock, Larry, whom was our neighbour for many years.

Rick and Tania, Chris and Trenna and David and Nicole and the grandchildren, also on behalf of Wim, Diederick and Mary and Reynoudt and Jen, our sincere condolences with the loss of your father.

When I think of Larry the first picture that pops up in my photographic memory is the beautiful calendar photo ‘Mister October’, Larry doing what he liked doing most, fly fishing! I can still see clearly in my mind that picture hanging above the stairs… When his fishing was successful, he gave us some of his catch, always cleaned. He also gave fish heads which I used to make broth for Frech fishsoup, bouillabaisse, which we shared though I don’t think it was Larry’s favourite soup.

Another picture memory, Carol, Larry sitting on a sunny front lawn, old Bess the golden retriever, between them. They were feeding her French fries, Bess’ favourite, it was going to be her last meal…

There are so many dear memories, we were good neighbours, always there when we needed each other. After Larry left Palistone Road, an era in our lives came to end and now with your father’s passing, an era has come to end in your lives, you are no longer kids…

Love and hugs for all of you from all of us, with a special ‘goodbye Mr.P’ from Reynoudt,

Marijke.

Hi everybody

I have just found this page and so happy I have. Being able to read messages from Larry’s friends many who I have meet either here in New Zealand or in Canada and so many familiar names that Larry would real off to me on the banks of the Mataura River at “Our Hut’ telling stories of wine making, big trout, stories from home, Rum and Cokes, huge cook ups, tying flies and laughs galore, could anybody have more fun with great bloke. Just fine memories. Reading Mel’s piece certainly says a lot about Larry and the fun we were able to poke at each other.

I haven’t had a lot of contact with Larry over the past couple of years as it became more difficult communicating with him over the phone but he is always there when I’m on the river or at the Upper Manorburn fishing a with a bobber and a green woolly bugger.

Summers in NZ aren’t quite the same without Larry.

To the boys you had a fine Dad and great mentor.

Tight lines, Old friend.

I have tonight just heard of Larry death last week.

I write with a sad heart but with so many lovely memories both here in New Zealand and in Calgary. Larry was always polite & well mannered, a real gentleman.

Given the circumstances, maybe it is a Happy Release for him.

Chris Rick David & family my loving thoughts are with you all – He was so proud of you all. Your dear Mum is often fondly mentioned when as ‘oldies’ we recall our younger days – always with a giggle or two!

At times like this I wish I was closer. Big Hugs & Love to you all Ann

David, Chris, and Rick

I was sorry to see the obituary this morning about your dad. I have very fond childhood memories of spending time with your family. Your mom and dad were alway happy and fun to be around. Thinking of you,

Eloise Berry (Jr)

David, Rick and Chris;

We are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was such a unique individual. We enjoyed the many years your family lived in our neighborhood. We missed im when he moved.

Please accept our condolences. We are also sending this on behalf of Debbie and Troy.

Linda and Gordon Parker

Bayfield will be the lonelier for Larry’s death — the last of his generation now that Eric is also gone. I grew up with Larry — hitchhiking to Bayfield from London, camping out in the family cottage, plunking away at groundhogs from the roadside. We kept on connecting even after high school — Larry came with me when I drove to Massachusetts to get my marriage licence and at one time he was on the verge of becoming my brother-in-law (which would have been most unfortunate, given that Carol, whom we got to know over time during his many trips East, was clearly meant to be his wife). And when we too got our own place in Bayfield we could always count on his cheerful voice from the yard, “Anybody home?” whenever he made it back. A happy, ever optimistic and funny, soul — he and Carol and Eric and Philippa and Gwen all now passed on, leaving a huge hole in the hearts of so many people.

It was with much sadness that we learned of Larry’s passing. It was at your parents marriage that Frank and I met and later married ourselves.

Frank and Larry travelled to New Zealand together and kept in touch until your father was no longer able to.

We spent many happy times in New Zealand and also in Canada where we would meet up in Bayfield at your Grandma’s home.

Some wonderful years!

We are hopeful that the memories will stay alive and your family can enjoy them for many years to come.

Your Father was an amazing person.

Our love to you all…Lindsay and Frank

Larry was ‘one in a million’. He was our Father, Roger de Pemberton’s first cousin and, after many years of having no contact, our Father was delighted to make contact and meet all his ‘Canadian Family’. He and Larry seemed to share a very similar sense of humour! Personally I have lovely memories of him too and am so pleased that we had the chance to meet and share some time together, both here in England and in Canada. May he rest in peace.

Rick, Chris & David, and Kin

I’m sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. My heart feels the same heavy as when I heard of your Mom’s passing years ago.

Your Folks were super duper awesome people. Genuine, generous, caring, honest, upstanding members of the community. Your Dad was quite the outdoorsman, a decent handyman, and a pretty fair vegetable gardener too. Your Mom had a heart of gold, she sure was an excellent homemaker who stood up for what was right and what she believed in. They both contributed selflessly to the community.

God, how I wish I could say this to them in person; I appreciate the positive influence they had on me as I was growing up. I really enjoy the natural world, I love being outdoors. I have a fascination for fishing ( I have to blame your Dad for that ). I firmly believe we must not allow capitalism or any “-ism” obliterate our natural environment or humanity. I joined greenpeace ( I have to put at least partial blame on your Mom for that ). I try to raise a garden. I also do volunteer stuff, but I’m not much of a homemaker . You know, good people doing good things is a good example to others, and your Dad & Mom were really really good people.

I may have never said this before, but I always have and always will hold The Pembertons in the utmost regard.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mom & Dad

God Bless,

Dirk Winters

So sorry to hear of Larry’s death, He was a wonderful friend, a great fisherman and he knew all the good places. Very sorry that he has not been able to get out much over the last few years. Will miss him. We send our sympathies to his sons, their families and his London family. Bob Innes

David, so sorry to read of your dad’s passing. Donna and I extend our sincere sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time.

To the Pemberton Family:

It was sad to read about Larry’s passing. Larry acted as my mentor when I started working as a geologist at Dome fresh out of university in the late eighties. Despite challenging and uncertain times at Dome he was welcoming, always friendly and happy, and extremely generous with his time. Having the office next door provided me easy access to Larry, but no matter what question I asked, he always came up with a solution or pointed me in the right direction. His sense of humour was always appreciated and likely lowered my level of stress. I still have an image of Larry at his desk with a slightly amused look on his face. I am blessed to have had someone like Larry help me along right at the start of my working career. He was a real gentleman. I am so sorry for your loss.

Andrew Fox

So sorry for your loss. Larry was a helluva guy and he will be missed. I have many fond memories of “Pem” – time at the cabin, days of fishing, playing Gin, drinking screech (okay, maybe not a fond memory there), and swapping stories over a few Rum and Cokes. I also recall a long road trip from Calgary to Vancouver in the fall of 1991. Larry loaded up the Subaru with tonnes of my gear and drove me back to SFU. Along the way I learned that there are a surprising number of Dairy Queens between Calgary and Van. We stopped at each one for a ‘washroom break’…And of course a wee treat. Larry’s legacy will live on in the fine men I am so fortunate to call friends. Take care my friends. My heart goes out to you.

My deepest sympathies to you, Chris, Rick, David and families. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know Al’s best buddy and see them in action together (as seniors, thankfully). Larry always seemed to show up within minutes of our arrival in Calgary bearing gifts from his garden. He would then regale us with stories and tall tales of the past. I will forever remember him and am sorry for your loss.

Very saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. He was a great guy and a great work colleague. I will never forget working with Larry on some of the early exploration wells near Alice Springs in Australia in the sixties. With sincere condolences to his three boys and their families.

Dear Rick, Chris, David and families,

Carol and I send our heart-felt condolences to you all. We have nothing but great memories of all the wonderful times our families have had together.

Love,

Carol and Carl

Rick, Chris, David (Dodie!) and families…the Baileys sends their condolences to you all. It was always such a great pleasure to be with your Dad — he made us laugh, and he always had a twinkle in his eye to go along with his easy smile. Christmas Eve at the A’s is just one of the fine memories we have of both your Dad and Mom. We are truly sorry to hear of your loss, and extend our deep sympathy.

Joan Bailey and Tim, Ed and Eleanor, Ross and Kathy

We wish to express our sincere sympathy to the Pemberton family. Larry was definitely an avid fly fisherman and really enjoyed the sport. It is very sad when someone is taken so young. Our small group has lost another friend.

Sincerely,

Russ & Pat.

My sincere sympathy to Larry’s family ,my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

My husband Bob McManus worked with Larry during the “hay days” of Dome , Bob passed away 2 weeks ago today, may they both rest in peace . Lets hope they are both in heaven enjoying a glass of wine together!

Chris, David and Rick – Karen and I would like to express our sincerest condolences to you and your families for the loss of your dad. Larry was a longtime close and dear friend of ours (47 years). He was a great fishing partner and he taught me (Gordie) much of what I know about fly fishing. We will all miss him.

Gordie & Karen

Farewell to a Friend – Larry Pemberton (Pem) My Best Fishing Mate Ever!

It is impossible for me to sum up Pem in just a few words, for he was so much of my life for so many memorable fishing trips, over so many years.

I first met Larry on a Wednesday afternoon during the summer of 1999, he was fishing Southern Reservoir by himself and our friendship began instantly I shook his warm outstretched hand and looked up on his round happy face and into his sparkling eyes, which conveyed a lifetime of mischief, experience in life and the pain of hard work. Which explained his hips and shoulder problems that he rarely complained of.

An immediate friend, for that was what he was to me and he very quickly became a great friend – my best fishing friend and a lot more too; he came along at a troubled time for me and filled a deep void with hours of fun and laughter. He returned again in 2000 to take up with a new lady friend, which sadly did not last and he moved in with us at our home in Fairfield, as I could not stand to see him living in a garage sleep out while he valiantly tried to keep alive a relationship that was destined to fail.

Our family and friends accepted him as our regular boarder and during his 3 to 4 month stay annually for the next few years, he was repeatedly looked upon by others as being my older brother and frequently we were described by some, as a couple of likely lads, which both of us liked immensely. That year began a series of regular adventures and everywhere we visited, people would take to him. He was a magnet that attracted people and he could fit in no matter what their standing in life was, he never discriminated and treated equally everyone he met and spoke with. He was a regular at the CT club in Dunedin and rubbed shoulders with some high flyers and exchanged stories with knights’ of the realm and top business people, but he chose to come home to our house for a meal most evenings. That is, unless he was out chasing ladies or wining and dining them!

He had an endearing charm for the ladies and could be seen to bristle with enthusiasm in their presence. On occasions in the company of a new lady, I would notice him rise up in stature by at least a couple of inches and he could sometimes be seen, checking to see that his tie was straight, even though he had an open necked shirt. Once I pulled his leg about this and he smiled and said, “I just like to know that I am at my best in the company of a lovely lady!”

He always did too, for all the years I travelled with him and his ability to turn on this endless supply of charisma was never more to the fore, than when he would instantly switch from English to Spanish. I witnessed many times a good looking waitress or bar maid sparkle and shine following a few words from Larry. They would be all a flutter and smiles at his comments – then he would quickly interject to me in English that, “They would never forgive him or look so happy had they only known just what he had said!” As it was nearly always something of an anatomical nature about varying parts of their body, which he wished he could do wicked things with and that ever present glint in his eyes would shine even brighter.

His return again to us in 2001 saw my early retirement due to my declining health and Larry’s comments were, “Well we will just have to mark this occasion with a special trip!” We did exactly that a short time later, two days with Russell in a hut on the Mataura near Wyndham, where it rained almost continually, brought on a change of direction and we ended up having 5 days in Twizel. Much to the delight or consternation of both Larry and Russell, I landed a 17lb rainbow trout in the Tekapo canal basin after Larry had been trying unsuccessfully for over an hour to hook the same fish. Although he did comment shortly afterwards that he would throw me into the water, if I didn’t get rid of the large supercilious grin I had. He did help me at that time to start composing my first fishing story of many for the New Zealand Trout Fishing magazine. Larry featured in at least six of these stories over the first few years and returned home to Calgary in 2005, clutching a copy proudly under his arm, proclaiming that he could dine out for a month on that story and that the half page full colour photo of him, truly illustrated just how good looking he still was, – modesty never being one of his greatest assets!

He had a taste for Rum & Coke and during a short stop at the pub in Naseby during the summer of 2002, in the company of his brother-in-law Russell Quinn and me, we arrived for one drink about 6pm after a day of fishing and left at closing time. We returned to our cabin at the Ranfurly motor camp and played cards until I couldn’t sit up straight. In the morning a bottle of rum we started was empty and while packing I found a bottle of coke, saying to Larry, “Oh, mate we didn’t drink the coke last night” and he replied, “What, you mean we had Coke?!” As he smiled at my rather green face he added, “Just leave your breakfast Mel if you can’t manage it and Russell and I will gladly eat it for you!” Yes, he really was a true gentleman on a fishing trip and he always hated waste, especially food or drink!

I have written over 75 stories since that first one and 12 years have gone by, Larry even got a mention in an issue earlier this year and throughout his absence from our house over these last summers since moving into care. He has always been in my thoughts and the thoughts of all of those people, whose lives he has made all the richer for having shared some of his time and life with us!

I will end with a part paragraph taken from one of Larry’s favourite stories, written in March of 2002. In the company of Russell Quinn his brother-in-law and Larry you have two guys who can only be described as “Hangmen.” They are a mixture of Laurel & Hardy, Morecombe & Wise and the Blues Brothers, along with a dash of Dean Martin and Bobby Darren thrown in. They both like to croon a few lines of “Everybody loves somebody sometime” and “Mack the knife”.

Larry would not leave home on a trip without his collection of cassette tapes, although he only ever had the one in his car player. It had “Leila” by Eric Clapton on one side and “Delilah” by Tom Jones on the other. Each number repeated over and over through to the end of the tape and Larry would join in, with his best husky voice, singing along with enthusiasm and even interjecting one or two extra bits here and there. He was my mentor, advisor, supporter and supplier of many hours of laughter and good humour, as well as being a really great mate to fish with.

After his last stay with us, Larry suggested to my wife Jan, that I should advertise for someone else to fish with. He said that he would be happier if he knew that I had someone else to fish with as he didn’t think that I was safe out on my own. Since that day my dearest fishing mate left, until now, I have fished with many dozens of other anglers, but I have never attempted to advertise for a replacement. To replace what I had in Larry Pemberton has been and always will be, just a bridge too far! His boots could not be worn by anyone else and the hole in my heart is too deep to fill. His memory will live on in my heart and mind forever because as long as I keep on fishing, Larry will always be with me!

Tight lines and peace be with you my friend! – Mel, Jan, Wendy, Amber, Jason and David.

To

Rick,Chris, David and families,

It was with shock and sadness that we read of Larry’s passing this morning.

Although we had lost touch with Larry we often remembered with fondness the times we spent together in Australia. He was a great person as was your Mum and I know he will be greatly missed by you all. please accept our heartfelt sympathy

Wendy, Spence & family

Chris, Rick, David and families…my condolences to all of you on the loss of your Dad. What a great fellow he was…I have many happy memories of times that Kris and I spent with both your Mom and Dad, and will remember the friendship and laughter we all shared. I don’t think I ever saw Larry without a smile on his face, and his sense of humour was legendary amongst his many friends. Please know that Beth, Michael, Kiran (Sandra) and I are all thinking of you at this time…Shirley (Mohan) Bruce

Karen and I would like to express our deepest condolences to Larry’s family. Larry was one of a kind – a family man, a dear friend (47 years), an excellent exploration geologist and a true devoted fly tier and fly fisherman. He taught me most of what I know. He was the only guy we ever knew that could recite from memory many of the works of Robert W Service. We know that you, as well as we, will miss him immensely. May he rest in peace with Carol.

Tight lines,

Gordie and Karen