Remembering Dr. Larry Martin

It is with great sadness that we share the news of Dr. Larry Martin’s passing, a professor in the School of Planning.
Larry joined the University in 1969 and dedicated his entire career to teaching, researching and supporting student success in the School of Planning, and across the Faculty of Environment. He was a proud graduate of Syracuse University’s master’s and doctoral programs in Planning. Larry joined the School of Planning at its inception and was a key faculty member until his retirement in 2003. As a founding faculty member for the School, then Director of the School, and Associate Dean for the Faculty, Larry was a key contributor to the creation and evolution of Planning at Waterloo. Following his retirement, Larry stayed involved with our community by attending several alumni get-togethers over the years. He was fondly remembered by generations of our graduates.
Outside of academia, Larry was a beloved husband, father and friend. In his obituary, his family shared that Larry loved the outdoors, especially sailing Lake Ontario with his young family and then Georgian Bay with his wife Pauline. The couple also travelled extensively in Europe, Indonesia and Hong Kong. Larry took great pleasure in sharing his adventurous spirit with his family including skiing, hiking and recounting stories from his childhood. He was an avid canoer, photographer and snowshoer.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at Erb and Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult period. Larry will be immensely missed.
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