30 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE WITH PORTAGE COLLEGE (1987 – 2017)
By Henry Hau
I first met Larry at the Edmonton International Airport about 30 years ago. Larry flew in from New Brunswick for a job interview for a term instructional position with Portage College. We had just received approval to conduct a 4th Class Power Engineering program at Elizabeth Settlement for a group of 24 students.
We offered Larry the position. He accepted and moved his family to Bonnyville in the fall of 1987. The students at Elizabeth Settlement loved Larry, especially his sense of humour. Under Larry’s excellent mentorship all 24 students successfully completed the program and were gainfully employed in the field they trained in. This was quite an accomplishment for Larry, considering the challenging economic environment at the time.
We were very impressed with Larry’s performance. Around the time his contract was to expire in 1988 we offered him a permanent instructional position with the Power Engineering department at Portage College Lac La Biche campus. Over the next 29 years, the college would experience many challenging periods of time mirroring an economy heavily dependent on the oil & gas business in our province. Through this, the Power Engineering Department not only survived but thrived, I believe due largely to Larry’s steadfast leadership.
On a personal side, I’ve always appreciated Larry’s commitment to his family and support of his children in education and sports endeavours. As an active member of the community, Larry served as President of the minor hockey association and the local chapter of the Legion.
A couple of treasured moments with Larry stand out in my mind. One was meeting his parents and family in his home town in New Brunswick. Another was listening to Larry’s favourite radio program at 8AM in his office before class, followed by us laughing all the way to our classrooms.
I am glad that Larry is staying in town after his retirement and hoping that he will drop by regularly to visit us.
Thank you, Larry.
Henry