February 5, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
On February 5th, 2023, Lawrence passed away peacefully in the Lakes District Hospital with his family present.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughters Janet (Craig), Darlene (Bob), Lori Ann (Scott), Wanda (John), and his son Lorne (Rhoda); as well as his 10 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and numerous other family and life-long friends.
Lawrence is predeceased by his beloved wife Helen, his parents Martha and Gus, and his siblings Florence, Norma, June, and Harris.
Lawrence was born and raised in Alberta but moved to BC to work in the sawmill industry around Babine Lake when he was 16 years old. It was there that he met his wife, Helen, and made many friends that he kept in touch with throughout his life.
Although Lawrence worked in various jobs over the years, in his heart he was a sawyer and he loved the smell of fresh cut wood. He was gifted with a steady hand and a good eye that enabled him to cut ties with a precision that is lost in today's industry.
After starting their family, Lawrence and Helen set down roots in Decker Lake. Lawrence had built houses all over Decker Lake, living at the bottom and working his way to the top where he had a sign displayed proudly-King of The Hill!
Lawrence successfully ran the Decker Lake Trading Post for 30 years and officially retired at the age of 78. This allowed him to spend most of his time at the cabin on Babine Lake which was where he was happiest and most content.
Our dad/papa loved being on the lake fishing and battling the waves on the way back to shore - we will miss him immensely and take comfort in the knowledge that he lived a long, fulfilling life and left a wonderful legacy with many great memories.
Lawrence's family would like to thank everyone who stopped in at the hospital to offer comfort and support to Lawrence and his family; they would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and support staff at the hospital who provided compassionate, supportive care for Lawrence during his final days.
Thank you to everyone who attended Lawrence's memorial which was held on Saturday, February 11th, 2023 at the Margaret Patrick Memorial Centre.
Special thanks to the Lake Babine Nation for the use of the facility and to everyone who generously brought entrees to the memorial.
Most notably, we would like to thank Lloyd and Joan Adams, Todd Cutsforth, Beatrice Michell, Geraldine Alec, Brenda Payne, Geraldine Craven, Carolyn Buhler, JD Paulson, Jean Read, Kim Wiebe, Jean Marr, Bonnie Gibson, Adrienne Hiebert, Val Anderson, Laurel Strimbold, Katie Blackwell, Susan Jarvis, and Kathy Porter - thank you so much for being there for our family during times of difficulty.
If we missed anyone, it was not intentional and we are so very grateful for the outpouring of love and support we received during this time of sadness for our family.