On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the Trillium Health Centre - Mississauga, Larry Morse died after a brief but dramatic illness. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Susini (nee Rafferty), as well as Sheila’s extended family of five sisters, nieces and nephews.

Larry, a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, emigrated to Canada in 1969 from the US as one of the many young men known as “draft dodgers” and remained interested in political issues throughout his life.

Larry was an artist at heart. After several years working for the University of Toronto, where he led one of Canada’s earliest official trips into China, he focused on writing. He is best known for The Old Dick, winner of the Edgar Award for the best paperback original in 1981. His artistic talents drew him to photography and stone carving, as well.

He appreciated the wonder and beauty of the natural world whether it was our garden in Port Credit or an exotic location. Larry and Sheila have been birders for many years, enjoying back yard birding as well as birding trips around the world. His favorite spots were tropical forests at some altitude.

Larry loved interesting food, travel, clever humor, a good book or movie, our old cats, his quiet time with puzzles, substantive conversations with interesting people, especially other artists.

There will be a private family cremation.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be planned for May, as spring bird migration was his favorite time of year.

For those who wish, donations may be made to the The Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Online condolences may be made at www.turnerporter.ca