CHEEVERS - Dr. Laurence Stephen
B.D.S, D.D.S., Dip A.B.F.O, F.A.C.D., F.I.C.D
December 26th, 1943 – November 21st, 2023
Born on December 26th, 1943, in Galway, Ireland, Laurence (Larry) was the eldest child of Jack and Ethel (née Breen) Cheevers. His parents were the owners of the Forster Park Hotel, a popular seaside resort, and the iconic Park Café in Salthill.
Educated at the Jesuit (the ‘Jes) and Castleknock College, he later went on to study Dentistry in University College, Galway and University College, Dublin, qualifying in 1969. A gifted athlete, he said he chose to study dentistry as it was the longest degree he could take, allowing him to play more rugby.
It is during his time in UCD, a friend says, “Do I have a girl for you, Cheevers”, and he met (Mary) Bernice Keenan, an Aer Lingus flight attendant. They married a few years later on November 29th, 1969. He claimed throughout life that marrying Bernice was the best decision he ever made.
He lived and practiced Dentistry for one year in Derby, England; then with Bernice, travelled by boat to Somerset West, South Africa in 1970 before moving to Canada in 1971. He completed his Doctorate in Dentistry at the University of Toronto before driving across the country and settling in Vancouver in 1972.
Larry said the second-best decision he ever made was moving to Vancouver and the third, joining Dr. Morton Mickelson’s practice on Broadway and Commercial. From 1972 to 2020, he would mentor many dentists and grow Broadway Station Dental Centre into one of the largest dental practices in B.C. During this time, he also qualified as the first Forensic Odontologist in the province, helping to solve over 2500 cases.
He was one of the lucky ones who loved their jobs. He said he would have done it ‘morning and night, until he was 104’ if he could. He valued his team, colleagues, patients and walks up the Drive.
A naturally gifted athlete, he was a force to be reckoned with in many sports throughout his life. In Ireland, he held records in shot-putt and discus. He also excelled in Rugby as a wing forward and place kicker for Castleknock and UCG. He was a traveling reserve for the Irish International team before suffering a knee injury, which led him to ‘give boxing a go’. He went on to win the Irish universities junior and senior titles, as well as the British & Irish universities heavy weight titles.
After moving to Canada, he played rugby for the Vancouver Rowing Club and went on tours with the Evergreens. He also loved to windsurf, play squash, and in his later years, he was passionate about golf.
Larry was a charismatic presence, gregarious, great company, and had an infectious laugh. He lived life to the fullest and was loved by many. He died at home on November 21st, 2023, after bravely fighting cancer for 3 years. He was surrounded by his loved ones. He had assured his family he was ready to be with Bernice again, who had passed away holding his hand, just shy of one year earlier, on their 53rd Wedding Anniversary. They both will be deeply missed by his family and wide circle of friends.
He is survived by his daughters Emma (Andrew) and Melissa (Jesse), his adored granddaughter Chloe and his siblings, Adele, John and Tom and their families.
His celebration of life will be held on January 19th, 2024, and begin at 2:30 pm at the Arbutus Club, 2001 Nanton Ave., Vancouver. Doors open at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the B.C. Cancer Foundation. https://bccancerfoundation.com/
Walkey & Company Funeral Directors
(604) 738 - 0006