Larry (Lambro) Nicholas Gatsos is on the road again. Born Oct. 4, 1954, in Toronto, ON, Larry released his pain and left his body on December 22, 2024, in Sudbury, Ontario, too soon, after a valiant, 5-month fight against colon cancer. Larry drew his last breath at home, surrounded by love, being held. An eternal optimist, Larry believed “One is not a failure until one stops trying.” Larry was a humanitarian and definitely one of the good guys; a true, gentle spirit.
He put in countless hours of volunteerism and fundraising for the Daily Bread Food Bank; donated consistently to his favourite charities, performed for charities and telethons, and just routinely helped anyone in need as the need arose, and it often did. He always carried full packages of cigarettes and toonies to give to anyone panhandling at stoplights but more, he smiled and talked to people directly – as humans. Larry will be remembered for his sweetness of spirit, compassion, generosity, forward- thinking and very quick mind, and open heart. He was filled with love for people – especially the meek and vulnerable.
Larry had a wide range of passions. He loved long walks, cycling, an occasional game of golf, tennis, a good British murder-mystery (BIG Sherlock fan!), camping, water, tall ships, cars (souping them up at Whitehead Performance) but more so driving - dirtball rallies and northern highways; good Mediterranean food, and hockey. He was truly an amazing goalie as a kid and an avid Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan - never once wearing a bag over his head. He was also a phenomenal electric guitar player; as a teen Larry decided he liked the idea of becoming a guitar god to the ladies rather than getting pucks lobbed at his head, and chose to focus on music – writing, playing, recording, touring. A highlight was our time spent in Pikangikum where Larry produced and conducted an interactive music workshop for teens, and where we performed; also at the 10th Anniversary, Sandy Lake Muddy Water Festival. His musical listening taste was always eclectic, enjoying everything from classic rock and folk, to classical, to blues and jazz. After touring and loving the north for six years, Larry became a transplanted northerner in 2014. It was not difficult as he found so much peace in simple pleasures: a walk, sauna, or swim, toes in the water, or by a crackling fire.
But more than anything, Larry loved continuous learning and self-improvement in all aspects of his life, in particular on the subject of psychoneuroimmunology.
His love of learning, along with hard work and an exceptional mind, allowed Larry to be professionally versatile. After decades in the music business, he shifted to a career at Dufflet Pastries, where he rose from driver to become Plant Operations and Fleet Manager, personally overseeing a major plant expansion. He also helped develop Cube Route, a pioneering fleet tracking system, but most importantly consistently advocated for workers rights.
Larry’s parents were hard-working immigrants who raised a hard-working kid - his father owned a restaurant. Larry saw the possibilities for small business on the burgeoning internet. Post-retirement, he became a Google-certified marketer with a focus on small business. Pursuing something he could work at from anywhere, long into retirement, was the dream. To support this track, he worked as a driver for Life-Labs, allowing him also to travel across mid-Northern Ontario, experiencing the scenic beauty he loved so much, working heroically through COVID from the very beginning – collecting and carrying samples when… who knew? He never shirked his duties and was always hyper-responsible.
Jimi Hendrix’s “Angel” played, just as Larry ascended to the stars. We are filled with gratitude, that he was honored at home, with a ceremonial cedar bath. Larry was shrouded in a Star Blanket quilted by elders at Atikameksheng, an incredibly generous gift from friends Marina McComber and Sam Naokwegijig, who led the ceremony. His feet were adorned with new moccasins, delivered through a snowstorm by Anita Pelletier of Serpent River Trading Post (chi meegwetch Anita!). So much love!
Larry remained at home and was then cremated on Dec. 24th, going supernova. Larry will be deeply missed by his beloved soulmate, Cynthia Eyre; his family, especially niece Sophie, great niece Diana, nephews Jim and Peter (Violet); Nick, David. Great uncle to Alex, Tabitha, Steven, Cole, Cherie, Diana and Andrew. Friends, especially Rex Pidek, Lexi Thomas, Greg Whitehead and John Power; Pete Fox, Geoff Roland, and Howard Laurie. Co-workers at Life Labs, especially Brigitte with whom he shared a close bond. Also by our adoptive family who wrapped their arms around us at the difficult end, and made it bearable: Marina McComber, Sam Naokwegiji, Ecko, Linkin, Elly Harvey, Lianissa Corbierre, Marlo Kaabye, Bruce McComber, Zane, and Savannah. Predeceased by his parents Nicolas Gatsos and Sophia (Outos), brothers Stephan Outos (Alexandra), George Outos (Thelma) and Alex Outos (Elsie), nephew Danny Outos (Celina) and niece Lorraine.
Special thanks to: Jim and Shirley Cancer Centre Support Services, especially Dr. Faulk and Kaitlyn, R.N. for their Compassion. Dr. Gu’s brilliance and his surgical team. Dr. Luke Hartford – for his compassion and patient-centred care approach. Titi (Latitia 7th Floor HSN) for her deep caring and compassion which saved a life. Ontario Health @ Home esp. Linda Emms. Bayshore, esp. Nurses Sarah and Darlene; PSW, Nelson; PT, Matt; Dietitian, Suzanne. Pharmasave and Lasalle Clinic Pharmacy. Serpent River Trading Post – Anita Pelletier Highly Recommend Simple Wishes of the North. Thank you, Colin and team.
A gathering of friends and co-workers will be held in Sudbury on Sunday, Jan. 12th, 2 – 4 PM, at Larry and Cynthia’s home (you know who you are and where we live; if not, DM me).
In spring, Larry will be interred at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto, where a second gathering of family and friends will be held. Donations to your local food bank in Larry’s memory would please him.
Across 39 years on this earth, Larry has been my heartbeat; my truest-bluest best friend; my lover, protector, mentor and teacher, my guide, confessor, life witness, motivator, cheerleader, and muse. Since 2011, when I suffered a mTBI, he has been my advocate and carer. He is the only person who truly knew the real me and loved me in spite of myself.
He is not gone, just gone on ahead… save me a seat at the Great Gig in the Sky, sweetie pie. I’ll be along shortly.
Your beloved always,
Cynthia
Cremation services provided by Simple Wishes of the North, Sudbury and Crystal Crematorium.