Had a pleasant surprise when I went to take a picture of Dad's signature on the back of a pine shelf that he made.  The shelf is one of many items that he made from the wood that was cut from their property before they build their home.  I remember that Dad put the shelf up for me in Sarah's bedroom when she was just a baby.  When I turned the shelf around I found the inscription "To Sarah   Grandpa 4/2/99".  

My Dad loved his garage. Everyday when I drove home from work I passed by Mom and Dad's house and always slowed down a bit to see if Dad was sitting out. I'd honk and wave and he would automatically lift his arm even though he did not know it was me. If the garage door was open it was a 'Welcome' sign to all to pop in for a quick visit with Dad. We all did it - didn't have to take off your shoes - just sit on a dusty stool and say Hi to Dad and share what was going on in your day. His little fridge was always stocked - a Blue for me and a half can of ginger ale and some Hickory Sticks for AJ. Dad, Grandpa, or Lawrence (however you knew him) was a great listener. We shared our challenges and he had advice but he didn't judge because he had lived through his own struggles. The garage was where he was most relaxed. He created projects in that garage and taught his grandkids, son-in-laws and children so much about taking pride in what you do. The projects were an opportunity to create something special, and more importantly, spend quality time with a man of few words. His garage is full of tools - 'Just make sure to put it back where you found it' he'd say rather sternly. We all did what he asked. Dad was fun too. He'd say 'Ryan/Sarah/Clay - Open the back window and get the pellet gun - let's see who can hit the bucket'. Over the past weekend we found ourselves gathered in the garage looking around at all his stuff: the haphazard marks on the back of the swinging door showing how much all the grandkids have grown over the last 20 years; the map on the wall that shows the route from Bath, ON to Georgetown, PEI; the boards in the rafters (the last of the wood he cut from the property); pictures of the Iron Lady; and his tools. We all love the Garage and will miss you tons Dad XXOO

We are so sorry for the loss of Lawrence.
We love you.
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Love,
Rene, Pat and Family

Hi Lawrence
  It has been a year since I saw you last.  It was wonderful to see you even though it was under sad circumstances saying goodbye to my dad.  It meant the world to us and dad when you and Rory paid him a visit shortly before he passed. 
 I can't believe a year later on this same weekend, you have left the earth and your family is  grieving you.  
  Myself and my family share that grief as well.  So many childhood memories are flooding back.  You were always larger than life to us growing up, a big man with a big voice and an even bigger laugh.  I will cherish the childhood we had with you and your family always...from a small community townhouse complex in Amherstview to your amazing property in Bath...The skidoo rides...when you and dad weren't under the hoods of them fixing something or other, BBQ's, family dinners, late nights watching movies, us kids playing games...listening to you all playing cards.  Usually Euchre but I think you and dad had a few Cribbage nights too.  
Thank you so much for those memories, they are very much a part of the fabric of who I am.  All of my love to you and Paulette and Rory, Debbie, Dawn and Tara and everyone who loves and misses you.  I hope you and dad are sharing some good stories out there somewhere.  Sleep Sweet Lawrence 

Love Jacquie

                                                          Remembering Lawrence
our high spirited, fun loving, kind hearted friend who's bright smile & super attitude played a big part in many wonderful memories our family share. He loved his family & friends & we all  thought our gang was pretty special because just being together always brought much laughter & good times.  Snowmobiling, sitting around the campfire, dances & parties ...  
... trying to understand what Lawrence was saying after a few drinks.   To you my friend 
                                                                Rest in Peace

Much love to all the family  
                           

One of my memories of Lawrence is of his strong commitment to his profession and to helping others.  It was an early morning October, pouring rain, the sump pump wasn’t working and my basement was flooding.  I called Lawrence, who else would I call?  He was at my house inminutes.

Lawrence was outside for quite a while in the teaming rain, wading through the mud to find the sump pump hose.  He fixed the problem.  I’ll never forget his dedication and kindness.

I hope all your fond and fun memories help to ease your sorrow.
Sandra

Condolences to the entire Family
 I hope your sorrows are short and your memories long.
I remember hanging at the  Batchilders’ place on the Bath hill with Rory when we were ten or so.  Lawrence was fixing the TV in the basement laying behind it and yelling for Rory.  When we got there he had no problems telling us how disappointed he was that it took us so long to get there and.... the consequences that Rory may encounter if he didn't pay attention to his needs, sort of... He needed a screw driver. So we promptly went to get him one. Of course we forgot what we were sent to do once we hit the garage. After about an hour of playing in and around the garage completely forgetting why we were there, Rory stood up white as a ghost and remembered we forgot to get the screw driver. He decided to own up to the punishment and went downstairs with the screwdriver totally expecting the worst outcome.  Im hiding on the stairs as any good friend would do. Next thing I know Rory is running by me smiling and telling me to run as fast as I canto the pond in the back. Turns out Lawrence was fast asleep behind the TV. Rory dropped the screwdriver next to his hand and we vamoosed .  We got lucky.

God bless you Lawrence .

There was a neighborhood BBQ hosted by Batchilders one summer afternoon. Everyone brought something to eat and I tucked right in, probably went back for seconds.  I was enjoying the food until Lawrence said I remindehim of a gannet, always eating!

I would like to invite friends and family to share memories of Lawrence.  I just read all of Roy's posts it reminded me of such sweet memories!  I am sure many of you have photos and stories that would bring comfort to our family.
Thank you to everyone who have reached out by phone and in person.