Dr Larry Fenton 
1934–2012

My lab partner and friend Larry Fenton died on 12 May 2012 from complications of Huntington disease.

Larry and his wife, Rondeau—also his best friend, enjoyed the culture and people of Chemainus, where Larry worked with two family doctors, Gordon Heydon and Jerry Philippson, at the full-service hospital. Built in 1899, it was for many years the only hospital between Victoria and Nanaimo.

It was an exciting time for these family physicians; delivering babies, operating, dealing with industrial and road accident victims, all the while also administering anesthetics!

Larry was an adventurous outdoors­man. His father was part of a group of citizens of Trail and Rossland who developed the Red Mountain ski area and built its wood-towered ski lift. Larry soon became an expert skier, attached to his long pine skis with unyielding leather thongs.

He enjoyed the ocean, from his Uncle Gus’s rescue boat to more ac­commodating vessels. He had a passion for nature, spending weekends camping in a tent with his dog by his side.

Larry enthusiastically gave back to his community. A long-time Rotarian, he was granted honorary membership in 2000 and was a recipient of the prestigious Paul Harris award.

All the while, unbeknownst to Larry, Rondeau, and their family, there lurked the Huntington disease genetic mutation, resulting in gradual health-related changes that after 16 years took his life.

He is survived by his caring wife Rondeau; children Doug, Tim, and Jennifer; and five grandchildren.
—David Harder, MD
Oyama