Larry Brian Sowerby, age 69, of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, passed away on January 10, 2020 at Dartmouth General Hospital unexpectedly after a brief illness, surrounded by his family. Born in Moncton, New Brunswick, he was the son of Edith (Gallant) and the late Harold “Lee” Sowerby.
Larry had a long, successful career in property management and real estate leasing and sales. He founded Sowerby & Company Services Inc. in 1994 and Partners Global Corporate Real Estate Inc., with friend and business partner Brian Toole, in 2003.
In his professional life, Larry was hardworking, enthusiastic and took pride in mentoring those around him. Having fun while working hard was important to him but his top priority was always family. He and his wife, Holly, started dating as teenagers and have been together ever since. They had three children.
A frequent and engaging storyteller, Larry recounted his exploits and experiences (mundane and profound) to family and friends, in detail and sometimes embellished for effect. He loved to make people laugh and wasn’t afraid to be the subject of the joke. Pranks were a specialty and he delighted in planning a scheme that would amuse (sometimes baffle) the target and add to his collection of funny stories.
Larry loved to travel. He planned and executed countless family trips near and far. On short notice, his family might be told to pack up and hit the road, with him driving through the night, his family sleeping in the passenger seats of his Chevy Suburban. In travel, he looked for opportunities to experience new things and meet new people but his trips were chiefly a chance to spend time with those he loved.
A member and faithful attendee of First Baptist Church Dartmouth for over 35 years, Larry was involved in many aspects of the church: serving as a deacon, teaching Sunday school and putting his professional expertise to use as a member of the church’s building committee. As in all facets of his life, at church he took opportunities to connect with people. Many of his close friends were people he met at First Baptist Church.
Larry liked people and people liked him back. Because he approached life with humour and interest in those around him, every day held opportunities to make someone laugh, help someone out and get a good story out of it. He joked with café staff where he bought his beloved oatmeal. He strung along car salesmen on the Kempt Road strip. He practised singing (a lifelong dream) much to the chagrin of his audience, usually his three children. Laughter was his fuel.
As husband, father and friend, Larry was quick to forgive and eager to put his problem-solving skills to work on any matter, big or small. He expressed his love through actions and was keen to get a plan in place and get started.
He is remembered by his wife and children for his encouragement and unwavering support. Even while carrying a demanding workload, he was in constant contact with his family, calling his wife and children multiple times a day. Sometimes for a reason, but often with no agenda other than to check in. “I just feel better after talking to Dad” was something his children often said.
Larry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Holly (Bell), his daughters Sarah (Jean-Sebastien Cote) and Alison (Dan Rutherford), his son Andrew (Kate Sinclair-Sowerby) and his grandchildren Vivian and Sebastien all of Dartmouth and Halifax. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Tuck (Bruce), his twin brother Garry (Lisa Calvi) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Bruce Sowerby.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 17 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM and 7:00PM to 9:00PM at Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main Street, Dartmouth. Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 18 at 1pm from First Baptist Church, 100 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth. Rev. Martin Zwicker and Rev. Gavin McCombie officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Dartmouth or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com (Dartmouth Chapel)
Condolences from family and friends
Posted by gregory mitton | 12-Nov-2020
Good morning Holly
I was saddened to somehow, through the wonders of the Internet, come across the announcement of Larry’s passing.
I viewed the photo montage of his and your lives together.
You were a lucky and blessed person to have built a life with Larry.
He and Gary were unique and incredible individuals. They were “ one of a kind”.... or should I say “two of a kind”.
Their sense of humour was amazing.
Anyhow, I am saddened because the world lost an exceptional individual.
Take care Holly.
Greg Mitton