HEBB, Laurence Dingman Hebb

A distinguished lawyer, community leader, and family man, passed away in Toronto on April 4, 2026.

Born at his Dingman grandparents’ home in York Mills, Larry was the eldest child of the late Nova Scotian Andrew Olding Hebb and Torontonian Ruth Dingman Hebb. He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret McIntosh; his children, Katherine Hebb and Christopher Hebb (Rezarte Vukatana); and his grandchildren, Max McDowell, Kennedy McDowell, and Alexander Hebb. He is also survived by his siblings Marian Hebb (Otto Siebenman), Gordon Hebb (Mary Ellen Donovan), and Kathleen Marrie (Thomas Marrie), as well as their children and grandchildren.

His early years were spent in Newmarket, where an ambitious (if ultimately unsuccessful) backyard excavation aimed at reaching China became early evidence of his bold vision, grit, and determination. The project began in the sandpile behind the building where his family lived, and his parents published and printed the weekly local newspaper. He later moved to Toronto, where he attended Deer Park School and North Toronto Collegiate Institute. Larry earned a BA in political science and economics in 1959 at the University of Toronto (Victoria College), before completing his law degree at Dalhousie University in 1962. He was called to the Bar in Nova Scotia in 1963 and in Ontario in 1964.

Laurence (“Larry”) Dingman Hebb spent most of his legal career at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt in Toronto, becoming a partner in 1971 and later serving as Managing Partner (1986–1996). His practice focused on corporate and business law, advising public and private companies, partnerships, and charitable organizations. In his later years at the firm, he developed a deep interest in corporate governance, ethics, and organizational responsibility, helping to advance best practices within the legal profession.

Following his legal career, Larry remained deeply engaged in the academic and business communities, serving as an Executive in Residence at the Rotman School of Management and contributing to the University Centre for Management Studies. His work reflected a lifelong commitment to principled leadership and ethics in business.

Deeply committed to community service, he gave his time to numerous organizations, serving in governance roles with Toronto East General Hospital, the Canadian Centre for Ethics & Corporate Policy, the Training Renewal Foundation, the United Way of Greater Toronto, the Social Planning Council of Metropolitan Toronto, and the Canadian Bar Association. He also volunteered with the United Nations Association in Canada, reflecting a longstanding interest in global affairs and public service.

Laurence Dingman Hebb met Margaret on a group tour in China, and they soon married in 1977, creating a partnership built on shared and enduring passions, including literature, large family gatherings, and travel, which they enjoyed well into retirement. Katherine and Chris grew up in a home rich with curiosity and conversation. Larry was a deeply engaged father, leading epic (if exhausting) Sunday bike rides through the city, helping with French homework, and sparking wonder about the wider world with trips across Europe, Africa, and beyond.

Larry was happiest among family, particularly out on the water at his second home in Chester Basin and Marriott’s Cove, Nova Scotia. Sailing was a lifelong passion, and he took great joy in the family sloops—Surprise I, II, and III. Although he helped build Surprise III, he never had a chance to sail it. The next time his family hoists the main sail, it will be for him.

He also treasured time spent in Huron County with extended family, filled with apple picking and spirited croquet games. Larry valued thoughtful conversations, a well-timed pun, and the quiet ritual of reading The New York Times cover to cover.

Larry had a remarkable gift for music, playing the piano entirely by ear and delighting his family with a repertoire that included just about everything. An admirer of Sherlock Holmes, he was a member of The Bootmakers of Toronto, dressing the part and fully immersing himself in the group’s lively discussions and presentations.

Larry will be remembered for his integrity, his intellect, and his deep commitment to both family and community. He brought a calm, principled presence to everything he did, and his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

A public celebration of life will be held at Morley Bedford at 159 Eglinton Avenue West on Saturday, May 23, from 12:00–2:00 p.m.