Contributions to the tribute of Laurence Traher

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The family of Laurence Traher uploaded a photo

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

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Vicki Pike posted a condolence

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Larry Traher was a very kind and generous man who not only played Santa to a very large family of fellow employees, but was always willing to tell a joke or story or updates on his latest bowling triumphs. I am sure as Larry's family and friends reminisce they will have many fond memories to add. Goodbye to a truly wonderful man. A donation tribute will be made in Larry's memory.

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Michelle Scott posted a condolence

Thursday, February 9, 2012

On behalf of Western Fair District, we would like to express our sincere sympathy on the passing of Larry. Larry touched all of our lives in such a big way and he will be missed. I will always remember our morning chats and Larry's generous nature. Western Fair District has made a donation to St. Vincent de Paul in Larry's memory.

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Dr. Inge V. Sanmiya posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

In 1998 I had permission from the Western Fair's General Manager and the Board of Directors to access any historical materials which I intended to use as research for my doctoral thesis on annual fall fairs in Ontario. I was given a fold out table and 2 filing cabinets placed in a quiet corner of the Fair's old Administration Building located by the King Street entrance. Since I spent most of my time in dusty old cubby holes, storage cupboards and basements while looking for anything pertaining to the Fair's early beginnings, it was not uncommon for me to bump into the janitorial staff. And that is how I first met this very kind and gentle man, Larry. During my first summer at the fairgrounds I found myself looking forward to Larry's morning visits to my humble work area. For some ten or fifteen minutes, Larry and I would talk about my work and how it was progressing as well as things that interested Larry. One day he was truly beaming and bursting with something special to share with me. First, he made sure we both had our morning coffee and then he began to talk about his triumph. The evening before, Larry had bowled a 200 game - something that surprised and delighted him. Yes, in many ways, Larry's news may have been mundane and ordinary, but it struck me then that Larry was a man who always looked for and inevitably found the goodness that comes to us by way of "the ordinary." Larry taught me a lesson that day - a simple lesson about living and doing the best that you can. I enjoy listening to people's stories, as most historians do, and it was a delight to see Larry as he told me of his special achievement. I stayed at the Fair for eight years, and although my work place changed and the assembled archived materials took on mountainous proportions, I could always count on Larry to drop by for a coffee break. Larry was reliable, caring, and so very proud of being part of the Western Fair "family."My husband and my two sons as well as me regarded Larry as a friend, and he shared many of our family's special days with his friend Winnie Burt at his side. In 1998 I first discovered that Larry played Santa Claus not just to my family, but to all the many friends he had at the Western Fair. I never did find out when Larry started to play Santa to his Fair friends, but he had certainly honed his Santa skills long before I knew him. Eventually Larry was caught in the "Santa" act of placing his gift on someone's desk. The news soon spread. Managers, groundscrew, maintenance and security staff -- Larry regarded all these folk as part of his "Fair Family" -- and each friend received a small gift "just because" Larry loved to give unexpected pleasure to others when they least expected them. I think Larry gave so much to others because the act of giving was part of his nature. The greatest gift Larry gave to me was his unfettered and uncomplicated friendship, kindness, and generosity of spirit. I shall miss him, but no one will forget Larry and the many joyous moments we shared with him.

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Sanmiya Family lit a candle

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

In memory of a kind and gentle man, Larry Traher

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Keith and Erin Salter posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Winnie and family, We are so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May the memories you have keep you strong and lift you up throughout the coming days.

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Mary Anne McCosh/Kukoly posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

What a shock to hear about Larry's passing. I'm sorry I will not be able to come down to the services, but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Growing up in Purple Grove, we always enjoyed when Larry came to visit his cousins, aunts and uncles.

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Maurice DeLaere and Bonnie Francis, Tillsonburg posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

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Susan & Fred Doupe posted a condolence

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Susan & Fred Doupe made a donation to London Health Sciences Foundation We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies.

In loving memory of

Laurence

1941 - 2012

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