The world is a different place, as we bid farewell to an incredible man, David Lawrence (Larry) Stephan, who died peacefully at his home in Upper Gullies, Newfoundland&Labrador on August 7, 2025. 

Larry was born in Windsor, Ontario on June 12, 1935. In his 90 years, Larry’s story included many beautiful chapters, each with remarkable adventures and stories of their own. Larry was so many things to so many people - husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and mentor -  and leaves an indelible impression on those who knew and loved him. 

Leaving with wonderful memories his wife and life-partner of over 40 years, Lynn; two children Jennifer Hawthorne (Steve) and Andrew Stephan; four grandsons Evan Hawthorne, Connor Hawthorne, Graham Hawthorne (Rose Stanas) and Riley Hawthorne; sisters-in-law Verda Russell (Doug) and Ruth Palmer; nieces Kerri Russell-Neary (Chris), Ashley Russell, Alexia Russell Feltham (Chris), Robin Crank (David Critch), Chelsea Crank, Carolyn Stephan Rasiuk; Nephews David Stephan and Jeff Stephan; great-nieces and great-nephews Katia (Nick Gosse), Adia, Eva, Elliott, Zack and James. As well, his New Chelsea family;  Lois Finn, who always magically appeared before being needed; his Pal, Brent Smith (Tanya); “Bro” Dennis Flanders; Gerald Robinson who was always present with taste tempting bounty from the land and sea for The Skipper; and countless others who have been touched by Larry’s kindness, wisdom and curiosity. 

Larry’s greatest pride was in his family and he loved Jennifer and Andrew with all his heart. Though there was geographic distance between them, his love for Jennifer and Andrew showed no bounds, and in his mind (and when possible physically)  he was with them wherever they were. He was incredibly proud of every chapter of their lives. 

As Jennifer’s family grew, no matter where she, Steve and their boys lived and travelled, Larry was soon planning an adventure to visit. He hiked mountain trails, walked river banks, was a baseball and soccer Grandad, and tried to learn to understand cricket, as well as watching surfing from Aussie beaches — anything and everything to share special experiences alongside his grandsons. 

Larry loved to read storybooks aloud, complete with silly voices, accents and hand gestures. Likewise, he loved to tell his own stories from various chapters of his life, and over recent weeks, Lynn would recount these chapters to Larry as their bedtime stories. 

Larry’s early years were marked by athletic achievement where he excelled as an accomplished football player and rower. In football, Larry rose to tryout and practice with the Toronto Argonauts. In rowing, Larry was a repeat Canadian champion and twice represented Canada at the British Empire & Commonwealth Games, where he brought home a bronze medal at the 1954 Vancouver Games. He often reflected on his time as a successful athlete and his love for sports continued throughout every chapter of his journey. 

Larry’s fascinating and accomplished career included management and executive marketing positions in Canada and the U.S. with Skyline Hotels, Westin International Hotels (later Westin) the famed Mayflower in Washington D.C, and finally working alongside Henry Ford II in the design and construction of the massive Renaissance Center in Motor City U.S.A.—Detroit. He switched to the world of academia for a stint, serving as a Professor of Marketing at the University of Michigan's Hotel Management School, and the Dean of the Tourism and Hospitality Program at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario.

It was at Georgian where Larry met his Lynnie and a new chapter quickly began. Their relationship blossomed into a beautiful love, presenting the very best versions of themselves to each other. Their mutual respect and deep affection was a burning flame of adoration that lasted over 40 years. They truly believed there was no other love like theirs, inspiring others to love with all their hearts. 

As they moved numerous times to pursue new career opportunities, their mutual love and respect for each other kept them inseparable. He and Lynn were successful entrepreneurs in Barrie, Ontario where they nurtured and marketed a direct mail advertising business—Val-Pak of Central Ontario. Larry brought his hospitality experience to our province working with Destination Labrador and Adventure Newfoundland. On moving to Newfoundland in 1996, he and Lynn owned and operated a beautiful B & B, Laurel Cottage, in Eastport for many years, welcoming guests from all over the world into their home. This is where Larry truly took to ‘the Newfoundland life’. He was proud to be considered a “Newfoundlander by Choice” and to call this province his home. Consulting in international marketing with Rodrigues Winery and Labrador Preserves further enhanced his zest for life in the business world.

Right from the start of his Newfoundland experience, he fit in—enjoying mummers at their wedding, regular jiggs dinners, and picking berries in his salt beef bucket. 

After Eastport, they next settled in their dream home, Riverbank, in South River where they had a beautiful garden - and Larry had plenty of outdoor projects, especially picking apples. Just like everywhere else he’d previously lived, he got involved in the community and made new friendships. Larry had a genuine curiosity in everyone’s story and built meaningful, lifelong friendships wherever he went. If you were fortunate enough to build a friendship with Larry, he was completely invested in your well-being, always there to lend a helping hand and ear to listen.

It was an extreme source of pride to him when he was recognized and made an Honourary Member of Team Broken Earth at the Royal Newfoundland Regatta in 2018. 

Eventually they moved to their sweet little home in Upper Gullies where Larry and Lynn lived happily for the past two and half years. He was truly happy there—with a garden in which to putter (but not too much work) and informal  "neighbourhood meetings” on the street.   They were new to Upper Gullies when Larry was thrilled to announce at the family Thanksgiving dinner, that their family would be growing with the addition of precious Toby who was a great little buddy for Larry…as a walking partner, confidante, and true therapy dog while he was in St. Clare’s.

Because Larry would never admit to being entirely retired, he continued with his marketing consulting projects into his eighties and had a side photography gig right up to his final months. Lynn and Larry lived life to the fullest in his final decades, travelling extensively and making lifelong friends wherever they went - South Carolina, Australia, New Zealand, Portugal; they volunteered with a Children’s Mission in Guatemala for 3 months; walking throughout the Yorkshire Dales and Lakes District; in Wales as he revisited and relived the 1958 Commonwealth Games experiences. In France, Beaumont-Hamel and its importance to Newfoundland, made a significant and lasting impact on their lives. Every day, travelling was a new adventure and fond memory to be included in his bedtime stories.

Larry’s greatest passions were his family, the great outdoors, reading, Sudoku, travel, life-long learning, photography, rowing, and making deep connections with others. He was a super-fan for his grandsons, nieces,  nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews - in their sports, travels and lives. Whether he was on the sidelines or watching from far away, he cheered with support and encouragement, and then couldn’t wait to share their updates with others. Larry also had a passion for fine-dining table etiquette and it was a running family joke that everyone knew to NEVER put the ketchup bottle on the dining table! 

To a life well-lived and a world better because of his place in it, we salute Larry and the countless lives he touched and enriched. 

Thank you to his medical team on 7-West especially Dr. Paul Young, at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, as well as gentle, compassionate Michelle Greenslade who cared for him during his final days. And a heartfelt thank you to his singing angels, Karen Whitehorne, Marian Templeton and Mary Kelly who sang Larry home from outside his bedroom window.

Larry celebrated his 90th birthday in June, surrounded by over 100 friends and family members, on a day filled with love and joy. He danced, laughed and told stories, just as one should do at a 90th birthday party. For many days following the party, Larry was still smiling and overjoyed with the memories of his special day. His heart was full-to-overflowing, and Larry thought this was the most beautiful celebration of his life that he could ever have had.  And, as such, together Lynn and Larry decided there would be no formal visitation or funeral service. Lynn welcomes visitors to their home - come share your memories. 

In lieu of flowers, in order to continue Larry’s legacy, donations may be made to Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association.

Larry, you will forever be in our bedtime stories.

You are welcome to visit Lynn at home, Tuesday, August 12 to Friday, August 15 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00.