IN MEMORIAM: Dr. Laurence “Larry” Lines, Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is mourning the loss of Dr. Laurence “Larry” Lines, who passed away in Calgary on November 25, 2019.

Larry was a prominent figure in the geophysics research community, and made tremendous research and teaching contributions. He will be remembered as a tremendous academic citizen, a great human being and friend, and a truly kind man who provided dedicated services on and off campus throughout his tenure at the University of Calgary.

He received BSc and MSc geophysics degrees from the University of Alberta, and a Ph.D. in geophysics from the University of British Columbia. His career included 17 years with Amoco in Calgary and Tulsa (1976-1993). After moving into academia, Larry held the NSERC/Petro-Canada Chair in Applied Seismology at Memorial University of Newfoundland, and the Chair in Exploration Geophysics at the University of Calgary. From 2002-2007, he served as head of the Department of Geology and Geophysics (now the Department of Geoscience) at the University of Calgary. He remained a professor in the Department of Geoscience until his retirement in September 2019.

Larry spearheaded a number of research collaborations with industry partners through various industrial consortia and leadership roles in professional societies. His numerous conference presentations and publications ensured that new academic knowledge was rapidly taken up in practical applications in industry. Along with multiple publications, he served the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) as Geophysics Editor (1977-99), Distinguished Lecturer, Geophysics Associate Editor, Translations Editor, Publications Chairman, and was a member of The Leading Edge Editorial Board. Larry was the President of SEG in 2008-2009, and also served the CSEG as Editor and Associate Editor. He was an Honorary Member of SEG, CSEG, and the Geophysical Society of Tulsa; additionally, he was a member of APEGA, CGU, EAGE, and AAPG.

Besides his loving wife, Shirley, Larry is survived by his children, Wendy (Craig) Benoit, and Andrew (Sarah) Lines both of Calgary, AB; and grandchildren, Ruby and Alice of Calgary, AB. Larry is also survived by his four brothers, Gordon (Dolores), Robert (Mon), Ron (Lorraine), and Darren (Wanida); as well as numerous other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, December 9, 2019 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church (4612 Varsity Drive N.W., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 1:30pm.  Reception to follow in the Church Hall. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Larry’s obituary.