Dr. Larry Becker

A description of Dr. Larry Becker’s many professional accomplishments is but a small piece of who Laurence Becker really was. He was a very well rounded man who had a real passion for life.  The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths benefited from that passion as did all the families that are a part of this organization.  Larry loved to travel, the theatre and opera. He was also a collector of antiques and oil lamps.  An avid runner, he had participating in the Toronto marathon and was the first and last to hit the dance floor! Larry was a very proud father, grandfather and husband. Married to his wife Edna for 32 years, theirs was a partnership of great joy, love and support.  Larry died of cancer on July 17, 2002 at the young age of 59 years.

Laurence graduated from the University of Alberta Medical School in 1967 and completed postgraduate specialization in neuropathology at the University of Toronto and Johns Hopkins Medical School.  He joined the U of T Faculty of Medicine, the Hospital for Sick Children (HSC) and Toronto General Hospital in 1974. In 1980, Larry was appointed Professor in the Department of Pathology at U of T.  He was the founding Chief of the Department of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine and Head Division of Pathology at HSC and was had been re-appointed for a second term as Chief not long before his death.  He also served as Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at HSC from 1996-2000 and contributed extensively to numerous hospital, university and international academic committees. 

Laurence was considered a world authority on Pediatric Neuropathology. He authored over 300 publications, held numerous research grants, and was an invited speaker at scientific meetings around the world and recipient of numerous awards and honors.  In his years with HSC, Larry fostered a strong learning environment, not only for colleagues, but also a network of international postgraduate trainees. 

It was Larry’s interest in SIDS research and the CFSID that many of us new him best for.  He is remembered as compassionate and caring by the many families with whom he came in contact.  Larry led many discussions on SIDS research at various Baby’s Breath conferences.  He was able to convey difficult scientific information clearly, was excited at the possibility of any research breakthroughs and was always very kind, compassionate and respectful of all SIDS parents.   

Upon Larry’s resignation as Chair of the Research Advisory Committee due to his illness, a special lectureship fund was established in his honour, to launch a speaking or lecture series on SIDS. Larry thought this was a marvelous idea. He especially wanted to ensure that young researchers were encouraged to pursue research in the field of SIDS – believing that one day there would be an answer.

Dr. Laurence Becker – Your compassion, commitment, sense of humour and fun, wisdom, knowledge and sage advice are all part of what you shared with us and for which we will always be grateful and cherish. Thank you for your immense contributions to Canadian SIDS parents, to the SIDS cause and to the Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths.  You are missed dearly.

Dr. Becker served as Chair of the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) for the SIDS Foundation and as such, aided in the rejuvenation of the committee, reviewing research applications and encouraging young and promising researchers to devote them selves to the puzzling question of SIDS.  Larry was also the Chair of the Scientific Committee for the 2004 SIDS International conference and was very excited about the opportunity it offered to highlight Canada’s efforts in the field of SIDS.

A world renowned neuropathologist, a gifted Teacher and an authority on SIDS. His devotion to SIDS research and guidance to the organization contributed enormously to the work of the Foundation.

This fund is used to bring world renowned researchers to Canada to speak and share their wealth of knowledge in reducing the rate of SIDS.  It also sponsors Canadian researchers to attend International Conference and share their knowledge with ours.