Larry passed away peacefully at home on March 29th in the arms of his loving wife with devoted daughters by their side, after a long, fierce and tenacious fight against cancer. Born of the late Jean and Thomas Dickenson in London, Ontario, he is survived by Margaret (nee Boyko of Thunder Bay), his wife of more than 50 years, two daughters Tonya (Maxime) and Christa (Peter), siblings Shirley, Jim (Shirley), and Ruth (Maurice), and grandchildren Catherine, Nicolas, Sophie, Hugo and Gabrielle as well as many nieces and nephews.

Larry spent 28 years in Canada's foreign service, living overseas a total of 20 years in Vienna, Belgrade, Moscow, Brussels, Cairo, Seoul, Kuwait and Jakarta. On the last two of those assignments, he was Canada's Ambassador to Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman (1988-1992) and then Indonesia (1992-1996). The first of these ambassadorial postings coincided with the Gulf War.

His assignments while in Canada between foreign postings, varied from trade policy work in the former Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce to Director of the European Union as well as Director General of International Cultural Relations for the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and subsequently, Director General of International Markets in the Department of Agriculture and Agri-food.

Shortly after returning to Canada from Indonesia, he entered the Privy Council Office which provides support to the Prime Minister and the Canadian Cabinet. Initially, he was Executive Director, Millennium Task Force. His last position was Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet for Security and Intelligence, being in that position when “9-11” took place.

Upon retirement, Larry served as Vice-Chair of the RCMP’s National Police Services’ Advisory Council, was the former President of the Directing Group for the Retired Heads of Mission Association (RHOMA), an external member of the Audit Committee of Citizenship and Immigration Canada and most recently, on the audit committee of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). He was a Senior Fellow and a member of the Distinguished Advisory Committee of the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University.

Throughout life, Larry was a person of integrity, civility and commitment whose hard work positively impacted others. Those who knew him or of him, understood this - a thoroughly good and decent person with a sense of humor, always giving back to Canada, his community, family and those around him.

Forever, Larry and Margaret melded as a team. Indeed, since retirement after 35 years or public service, Larry would proudly say “There has been a reversal of roles! Margaret worked for me and now I work for her and for the same salary - ZIP!” He joined Margaret in teaching courses in “Business Protocol, Social Dining Etiquette” to a wide range of governmental and non-governmental clients as well as “Mind your Manners” for young people. Also, with great enthusiasm, Larry continued to work closely with Margaret on her culinary projects including doing all her food photography for their self-published multi-international award-winning cookbook (“Margaret’s Table - Easy Cooking and Inspiring Entertaining”), her many cooking and life style TV series as well as free-lance writing commitments. Larry’s food photography has won several international awards as well.

Besides entertaining, remaining very active in Ottawa society and traveling extensively, Larry devoted a great deal of attention and passion to his garden which brought color and joy to so many. Yes, Larry will be truly missed by his soul-mate, Margaret, and dear family and friends.

A celebration of Larry’s very full life will be held on Sunday, April 15th, at 1:30 p.m. in the Sacred Space of Beechwood, Cemetery and Funeral Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa. All who knew and cared for Larry are welcome to join this celebration.

Throughout his illness, Larry received exceptional care. We are very grateful to The Ottawa General Hospital and cannot thank enough the incredible doctors, nurses and support staff for their dedication, determination, care and compassion plus a very special thank you to Dr. Maziak, Dr. Goodwin, Dr. El Sayed, the palliative care team as well as Dr. Lamont. If so desired, donations in memory of Larry may be made to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation (http://ohfoundation.ca).

Online condolences may be left at https://beechwood.permavita.com/site/LawrenceDickenson.html.