Fred Larsen made a big difference. Throughout his 84 years, Fred Larsen never stopped caring for our community, our country, our world.

Fred died on August 31, 2026, following complications from cancer, leaving his wife and dance partner, Lois, his sons Chris and Joe, his sister Carol, and a grateful community.

Fred Larsen was indeed a local hero. There are few recognitions that Fred didn’t receive over his active life. Among many honours, he was named Orillia’s Citizen of the Year in 2020, presented with the Ontario Medical Association’s Community Service Award in 2021 and the Orillia Civitas Award in 2023 from Lakehead University.

A life-long educator, Fred began his first year of teaching in September of 1971 at Orillia’s ODCVI. Two years later he joined the teaching staff of Twin Lakes Secondary School, Over the next 29 years, Fred enjoyed a rewarding career with his students and colleagues. He loved his work, inspiring many hundreds of students to love literature and to write well.

Reflecting his care for the future of the planet, in 2019 he was invited to join the Mayor’s Task Force on sustainability and eventually became a founding member of Sustainable Orillia (SO), serving as its treasurer.

Fred was a devoted and faithful supporter of Sustainable Orillia. He was also a respected colleague among SO board members. President Sarah Patterson remembers Fred as a willing and cheerful collaborator. “We are very grateful to have had Fred on our SO team. We could always count on him to lend his many talents to any and all of our projects and initiatives,” said Sarah. “Fred was entirely committed to building a livable planet for future generations.”

A capable and prolific writer, Fred wrote many articles and news stories over six years on behalf of SO for local publication, always imploring area residents to embrace a more sustainable way of life, and act on that commitment.

In 2022, Fred initiated the annual Sustainable Orillia Student Art Contest for area students. The contest now involves hundreds of elementary and secondary students. Each year they are challenged to display an aspect of sustainability in a work of art, many of which are chosen to be featured in calendars and local art exhibitions.

A service of remembrance will take place on Monday, September 14^th, 2026, at St. Paul’s United Church, Orillia, with visitation from 3 pm until the time of service at 4 pm. Reception to follow.