Lawrence (Larry) Lavan passed away peacefully the afternoon of October 15, 2023 in Maple Ridge, British Colombia, at the age of 84. He leaves to mourn his loving wife, children and grandchildren.
Larry was born in NewYork City on June 2, 1939, to Peter and Fay Lavan. He had an older brother, Spencer, who predeceased him. Larry was educated at Trinity School in Manhattan and, then, at Harvard College. A member of Leverett House and the Harvard Class of 1960, Larry graduated with an A.B. degree, majoring in Economics. Subsequently, he earned a J.D. degree from the Law School at Columbia University.
Larry began his professional life at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan.
He moved to the United Kingdom and married Lesley Vine in 1971 and became father to Cara, Piers and Hannah.
In 1977 he moved back to the United States and spent his time between Miami, Palm Beach and India. He had a music studio in Florida, met and recorded some professional singers among others.
Larry dedicated the second half of his life to uncovering hidden meaning in the great texts and arts from Ancient Civilization and European Culture. He was gifted with a perfect memory for details and dates from history. He loved to share his findings and stories later in life with whomever had the privilege to be in his company.
In 1998, he met his greatest travel companion, Dianne Germain, and they were married in Vancouver, British Colombia in 1999. Together their adventures on six continents and more than 100 countries (and various planes of consciousness) could fill volumes. Every winter they would visit at least one new country and enjoyed the different beautiful scenic wonders as well as the various interesting cultures. They had the privilege to stay with indigenous people such as in Nepal, China and Mesa, Arizona. Larry loved the ocean and loved to swim as well as visit art museums and ancient ruins of the world.
Larry was the first to bring high speed internet to the Slocan Valley community in BC with the help of Dianne and his stepson, Vince, as the technician from 2005 till 2018 when the business was sold to another internet company.
He was an accomplished musician and had an encyclopedic knowledge of classical music. Larry loved playing for an audience from Rachmaninov solos to classics from the American songbook. He was a gifted singer and had an amazing memory for the songs’ lyrics. He delighted in singing as he played the piano. Oftentimes, a band was playing jazz in the living room with Larry on the piano, Larry A on the saxophone, Eric on drums, and a guitar player or another singer. We women would object to the band calling themselves “The Chairmen of the Broads”. In public, they called themselves “Larry and Larry”.
He had a special kinship with horses and would ride them whenever the opportunity presented itself.
He always found time to visit and interact with his grandchildren, Hector, Gabriel, Toby, Daniel, Reuben and Gideon, and his stepchildren, Vince, Madeline, Paul and Jeff, as well as his step grandchildren, Vienna, Miranda, Logan, Trinity, Tyler, Eli, Izabel and Jasmine.
Larry developed many friends over the years and many sought his advice and wisdom which he always gave freely.
Larry leaves his memories to all who knew him. All will remember him fondly and will miss him dearly. Till we meet again.
Larry’s ashes will be spread over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
