It is with great sadness that the family of Lawrence McLeod announces his passing on Monday, March 10, 2003 at the age of 79. Lawrence was born Jan. 9, 1924 in Chapple Township, the eldest child of Tom and Polly McLeod.
As a young man, Lawrence helped care for his large family of younger brothers and sisters on the family farm before registering for the war effort at the age of 17.
In 1941, Lawrence joined the 60th Battery of the 17th Field Regiment and he spent the next five years in the army overseas. Lawrence was very proud to be of service to his country.
Upon his return to Fort Frances in 1946, he went to Technical School in Fort William and received his carpentry apprenticeship.
Over the years, Lawrence worked for several firms, including I.W. Smith Construction, E.E. Doman Ltd., and Silver & Kircher Ltd. There are many buildings in the surrounding area that bear the excellent craftsmanship of Lawrence’s talents.
When the development of asthma made it difficult for him to continue as a carpenter, Lawrence began work at La Verendrye Hospital as a carpenter and maintenance employee.
At different points in his life, Lawrence was active in many facets of the community, including the North End Community Club, establishment of the Fort Frances Credit Union, a Knox United Church elder, and most recently the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau.
Lawrence was united in marriage on Dec. 9, 1950 to Crete Donaldson and they enjoyed 52 years of mutual sharing and partnership. Together, they spent many wonderful years at their cabin on Swell Bay, and enjoyed various trips they were able to take with friends and family around the world.
Lawrence leaves many treasured memories with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Crete; daughters, Maureen (Lorne) Ricard and Dianne (Don) DeBenedet; and three grandchildren who he was immensely proud of—Alyson Maureen and Ricky Lawrence Ricard, and Dayna Elizabeth DeBenedet.
He frequently could be seen at the hockey arena, swimming pool, and theatre watching his grandchildren perform.
He also is survived by brothers, Ernest (Barbara) and John (Judy) of Fort Frances, Ont., Bill (Pat) of Regina, Sask., and Donald (Karen) of Winnipeg, Man.; sisters, Shirley (Eric) Cates of Fort Frances, Ont., Rosie Campbell of Atikokan, Ont., Elizabeth (Rev. Blaine) Thierry of Victoria, B.C., and Evelyn (Ross) Robins of Oshawa, Ont.; brother-in-law, Gale (Elizabeth) Donaldson of Emo, Ont.; sister-in-law, Sheila Manty of Fort Frances, Ont.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Lawrence was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Polly McLeod; mother- and father-in-law, Jasper and Doris Donaldson; brother, Robert McLeod; sister, Christine McLeod; and brothers-in-law, Lyle Donaldson, Everett Campbell, and Glenn Manty.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 10 a.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances, with the Rev. Marietta Marshall officiating.
The Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 “Colour Party” will perform its Legion tribute following the service at the church.
Interment will take place at Riverview Cemetery following the service.
Friends may visit at Green Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 from 7-8 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Lawrence’s nephews, Tom McLeod, Darren McLeod, David Ferguson, Don Manty, Ross Donaldson, and Lee Donaldson.
Honourary pallbearers will be Lawrence’s remaining nieces and nephews.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Knox United Church Lift Fund, 340 Church St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 1E1, or Riverside Foundation for Health Care, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7.
What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, For all that we love deeply becomes part of us.
—Helen Keller
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
