Our friend, Larry McDermid passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 7, 2024. This story, written in Spring 2024, shares his love and dedication to volunteering.
When Larry McDermid walks through the door at L’Arche’s I Belong Centre, eyes light up. A volunteer for almost 20 years with L’Arche Comox Valley, Larry is more than a volunteer. And that’s how it can be sometimes. A smile leads to a laugh, which leads to time well-spent. The next thing you know, you’re back again supporting people you like and getting back more than you might have expected.
The Start of a Career in Volunteering
Hailing from Victoria, Larry spent his youth enjoying island life and working with the federal government. As much as he loved the island, eventually his work took him to the lower mainland where he met his wife Judy and they adopted their son. Larry and his family lived in Chilliwack, BC for almost 14 years, and during that time he started volunteering with their church which he enjoyed. And when retirement arrived – while some might wonder what to do with their time – Larry found great purpose and joy in volunteering.
Getting Back to the Island
Let’s face it, while the mainland is nice, it’s not as amazing as island life. So, Larry cut a deal with his wife that if they moved back to Vancouver Island, she could pick the location. And in 2005 Judy picked Courtenay.
When the couple moved to Courtenay, they connected with a friend who worked as an assistant for L’Arche. “One day Barenda invited us to a L’Arche activity and that’s when I discovered a community of people that I enjoy to this day,” says Larry. And since his wife has passed, Larry has found further connection. “I have siblings who are dear to me, but I’ve also found a family in L’Arche. Many of the core members are the age of my brothers and they are like family to me.”
Volunteering is Infectious
“Larry is a great role model, and he has such a positive attitude,” says Shauna Okine, L’Arche’s I Belong Centre Suites Coordinator. “Larry’s my right-hand person when it comes to socials and meals. And while he volunteers a significant amount of time, it’s his depth of caring that really has an impact on people.”
Larry finds so many rewards in volunteering that he also supports The Views at St. Joseph’s – a long term care facility and Comox Valley Lifeline Society, a non-profit that provides personal call buttons so people with disabilities or mobility issues can easily get help in case of emergency. He has even assisted a L’Arche resident to volunteer at a local soup kitchen.
“I enjoy volunteering because you get to bring your best and do the things that you’re good at,” says Larry. “I want the best for everyone I connect with. They’re important to me.”
Is Volunteering for You?
“The great thing about volunteering at L’Arche is that there are so many different things you can do,” says Carli Kennedy, L’Arche Comox Valley’s I Belong Centre Coordinator. “We invite people with and without disabilities to come together and share their time, gifts and skills. If you like to garden, play games, fix things, plan events, play an instrument, go for walks… there’s a place for you at L’Arche as a volunteer. You can work one-on-one with someone or in a group setting, you decide. And while Larry volunteers daily at L’Arche, it’s up to each person. “It’s about what fits your lifestyle,” says Carli.
But it’s not all work and no play for Larry. “Right now, we’re headed to Pub Night,” he says with a friendly smile. Now that’s a volunteer opportunity you can’t pass up.
