LAWRENCE, David

Passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday March 10, 2022, at the age of 81.

Survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara. Father of Kelly (Hope), Tracey (David), Mary Anne (Scott) and Timothy (Brook). Grandfather of Gavin, Ryan, Dustin (Erika), Sarah (Ricky), Michael (Sandra), Michelle (Andrew), Jodie (Al) and Finn. Great grandfather of Lily, Ronin, Jaeger, Aila, Blake and Henri. David is Predeceased by his parents David and Margaret Lawrence, brothers Dr. Richard Kelly, Patrick Kelly and sister Rosemary Cappione. Son in law of the late Archie and Mae Bott. Brother in law of George Bott (Joy). He is survived by nieces and nephews in Thunder Bay, Vancouver Island and California.

All who knew Dave have a shining example of who he was: a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, schoolteacher, gardener, neighbor, drivers Ed instructor (for his kids only), friend. He spent his entire life teaching people, and we are all better for it. He was a gentle giant, he could make you feel so happy with only a look and he could also put the fear of God in you with only a look. Dave was calm and cool in any situation, and he always made people feel comfortable. We all have so many memories of Dave: camping across Canada in a tent trailer, blueberry picking in Obatanga, Thursday nights with the guys at the Algonquin, pickling in the in the late summer, winters in Texas, high school days in Marathon, teaching at Korah. He was a passionate Christmas Cheer volunteer, and he facilitated a heart and stroke program at the George Leech Centre. He was also heavily involved in church life at St. Jerome Parish.

Despite all the medical issues Dave dealt with through the years, he had a wonderful retirement, traveling often and visiting friends and relatives across Ontario. We are all so blessed that he was able to enjoy a long and fruitful life. We will all cherish the memories we have of Dave.

We’d like to thank Amaal and Tamara from Bayshore for providing exceptional home care for Dave. We would also like to thank his nurse Marcy from ParaMed for the care and support she provided the past 18 months, especially during his last days with us. We wouldn’t have gotten through this difficult time without Marcy’s care and compassion. Dave also once said he had the medical community in Sault Ste. Marie to thank for blessing him with a long and fruitful life.

Finally, we want to say that Dave’s entire life was spent in the company of so many wonderful friends. His life was richer because of them, and our lives are richer because of him. His legacy will continue on through his family and all his amazing friends. We will all cherish the memories we have of Dave, our husband, father, grandfather, friend.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass on Monday, March 14, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church. Masks are required, and the use of hand sanitizer is appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Sault Area Hospital Foundation (payable online or by cheque) or a charity of your choice. Visit [ http://www.osullivanfuneralhome.com/?utm_source=sootoday.com&utm_campaign=sootoday.com%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral | www.osullivanfuneralhome.com ] to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home ( 215 St James Street, Sault Ste . Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456 ).