Suddenly, on December 14, 2025. Beloved partner of Omar Ahmmed; dear friend of Magda Seydegart, Ted Jackson and Rejean Gregoire; loving nephew and friend of Lynda Johnston; predeceased by his parents Elmer Balkwill and Bessie Martin Balkwill and his sister Rosemarie Romanowski.
Larry lived a full life with gusto. Born and educated in Orillia, he attended the University of Toronto, where he was an exuberant resident of Rochdale College and a dynamic intercollegiate hockey player. After graduating, and working for several companies in Toronto, Larry moved to Ottawa. Over 35 years across National Capital region, he built a highly successful residential real-estate practice, most recently with Engel & Völkers.
His relationship with Omar generated new energy and opportunity for them both. They were totally committed to building their life together as Omar worked to retrain, enter the workforce, and establish friendships in Ottawa. He and Omar loved their travels in Egypt, to the Dominican Republic, and, often with their excellent poodle Kenzo, to Orillia, Muskoka and throughout Ontario.
Larry was a raucous storyteller with a joyous laugh. He traveled widely throughout his life and enjoyed fine dining and good Italian wines. He collected vibrant Cuban art. He adored his series of giant poodles and was an expert dog whisperer and trainer. Larry lived and breathed real estate, becoming one of Ottawa’s most effective deal closers.
He also loved the beautiful and peaceful grounds of Beechwood Cemetery, where Larry’s life will be celebrated in 2026. If you wish to make a donation in Larry’s memory, please direct it to the Ottawa Humane Society or to a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Craig Johnston
Jennifer Bardwell
I am so very sorry to hear about this. Larry was our real estate agent and we really enjoyed everything about him - his professionalism, work ethic, scrupulous honesty, and charming stories. He was so much fun to talk to. I will miss him very much.
Jennifer
Marilyn Guty
Very saddened to hear about Larry’s passing. I knew Larry for many years in the real estate business. He was the ultimate raconteur with his wild and crazy stories that always made me laugh but sometimes not so much. I always enjoyed his zest for life. Soar high Larry.
Linda & Chris West
Larry will be missed. He was a good friend for over 30 years. Our times together were filled with good food, many laughs and scintillating conversations.
Magda Seydegart
Really missing you and your laughter Larry!
I was so sorry to hear of Larry’s sudden passing. His visits were always the highlight of my mom’s and dad’s evenings when he’d visit. He had so many stories to tell (he never ran out of them) and loved listening to ones about what was happening in his boyhood Orillia town. His absence will be felt at those dinners now and he will be greatly missed (along with his choices of bringing and introducing the best wines to pair with the meals and conversation).
Condolences to Omar and Magda.