Pictured right: Larry, at Veterans Memorial Lodge.
If you were a student in School District 62 between the 1970s to early 90s the name Mr. Glover might ring a bell. That’s because Larry was an educator within the District for 32 years and remembers fondly the years of students he taught. But, before teaching elementary students the fundamentals of learning, he was teaching soldiers how to parachute out of an aircraft. Born in 1942, Larry grew up in Saskatoon, where his father managed a local grocery store. After completing high school, Larry immediately enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan, but he quickly discovered that he was in search of something different. Wanting broader life experiences, Larry made the decision to join the army. He enlisted with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) stationed in Edmonton.
Larry trained in the jump company which involved parachute and repelling training. “Sometimes, we made up to three jumps in a day. We’d touch down, exchange our gear, and board the plane again,” he reminisced. Larry fondly recalls night jumps, where the Edmonton skyline could be seen as he jumped from the aircraft. “One night, I got tangled up in a tree. It took some time to extricate myself from that situation!”
During his early years with the PPCLI, Larry remembers engaging in intriguing training activities, including one notable joint operation with American soldiers. “We went up to Alaska for a training exercise with the Americans. Our role was to be the enemy. We carried in all our own equipment. We jumped and landed in the snow. Right when we landed we put on our snow shoes and off we went. The Americans, however, ended up dropping supplies in one big bundle. Well, when their men dropped down into 15 feet of snow, they were stuck.”
Larry’s career in the military took him to Wainwright, Alberta, where he trained recruits for two years. He then moved to the 2nd Battalion and was stationed in Germany, where he continued to train in weapons and survival skills. Larry retired a Lieutenant following six years of service.
After leaving the military, Larry returned to university and earned degrees in both Education and Physical Education. Over the course of three decades, he taught at nearly every school in the ***Sooke School District, and towards the end of his career, he even educated future educators at the University of Victoria.
Larry’s retirement from teaching wasn’t without its adventures. In later years, he and his wife, Hazel, embarked on a journey to China, where he taught English as a second language for four years. “This was a great experience. With our kids grown, my wife and I used this time to explore.” Together, they traveled extensively through China, Thailand, and the Far East.
Returning to Canada, Larry and Hazel lived in Parksville. After Hazel passed away and as Larry needed more help in his daily life, he moved closer to family in Victoria and in early 2023, he moved to Veterans Memorial Lodge. He quickly became friends with two other veterans who live there, and enjoys participating in the gardening program.
Like all Canadian veterans, Larry gave up so much so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today. It is our honour to serve Larry while he lives at Veterans Memorial Lodge, a Broadmead Care Home.
You can help veterans like Larry enjoy the comforts of home and simple pleasures by making a donation today.
*** School District 62 Schools
Belmont Secondary
Colwood Elementary
Glen Lake Community School
Happy Valley Elementary
Metchosin Elementary
Millstream Elementary Savory Elementary
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