Lawrence William McDonell

January 15,1955 - June 4, 2023

One of the good ones.

How can one be at a loss for words when the mind swims with so many?

The firstborn to Bill and Hazel McDonell at Eckville, Lawrence grew into a kind, conscientious man filled with compassion, humor and many capabilities. Young at heart, friends were easily made wherever his path took him, and he collected a few nicknames along the way (Crazy Horse, Grizz, Wilfred, The Law). There were many miles made and countless stops for coffee at the Petro-Can; how he loved to trade tales and tease the waitresses!

Always generous with his time and talents Lawrence readily jumped in if you needed help, even if that meant wallpapering (one of my favorite memories!) He was that neighbor that would plow your snow without being asked. He brought his Granny ice cream to the nursing home and picked her flowers out of the flower beds. He was great at  remembering birthdays, always called my mom on Mother's day and was truly so genuine. 

A natural athlete Lawrence enjoyed all types of recreation: golfing, rafting the river, camping, quadding, fishing from a boat and from an ice shack. He didn’t mind cleaning the fish, even when he didn’t catch them, because a delicious fish-fry was to follow! He played ball with the Leslieville Kodiaks and was known to be a pool shark with his trick shots but oh, how he hated to lose a game of cards! On vacation he loved excursions, pool volleyball & danced the Macarena with the entertainment team! With his deep tan, he could be mistaken as Mexican ~ Lorenzo! Naturally, he made new friends easily, including our favorite waiter’s family in Cancun, resulting in some fun field trips. He loved the opportunities we had to babysit and always made it fun; even babies were drawn to his cheerful spirit.

Spending much of his career behind the wheel, Lawrence hauled many loads and various cargo. It seemed wherever he went, he bumped into old friends in his wide network. Despite his love for his shiny yellow & purple Kenworth, after 20 years of dedication to Speight Construction Lawrence traded in his pager for a passport and took a job in Sudan. Though not there long, he claimed to love that job the most, coming home with fascinating stories and the ability to speak a bit of Arabic. While there, between work tasks, they were able to drill fresh water wells for the nomads, demonstrating again his big heart and helpful nature. That was followed by the adventure of running his own Hydro-vac truck for five years, then joining TNT Pipeline Services for a decade.

Though it was difficult for Lawrence the past few years as he struggled with his health & mobility, he maintained his sense of humor & fun and continued to make others laugh. Always pleased to get visitors or get out 'n about Lawrence stayed as active as he could; regularly chauffeured to the farmer’s market by his favorite sister Marilyn and recently attending his great-niece’s Prospect Cup hockey game. Making a trip earlier this year out to Rocky, he enjoyed an afternoon visiting with several friends. There were plans for a show’n’shine that we didn’t get to...he liked to have something look forward to and keep his spirits up.

Lawrence leaves behind children Angie & Dustin, their spouses, four grandkids, brothers Clarence & Brian and sister Marilyn. Forever remembered by mother-in-law Joan Swart, mourned by sisters-in-law Anita & Carol, brother-in-law Stan along with their extended families. Our family is richer for having you in it and your influence endures. You accepted each person just as they were, without judgement. 

This world needs more good ones. I have found comfort in our immeasurable memories and by knowing you have no more pain.

I struggle to not keep writing…after 30 years in my life, there is just so much Everything ... none of those things should ever be Goodbye. Finality is hard.

Introduced to me as family by a mutual friend (she called you ‘uncle’ Lawrence) - family you quickly became. And family you will always be. You are part of me, for there would be no Auntie Cranky Pants if not for ‘Auntie Ler-ance’ !

Rest easy my Lawrence, I will miss you deeply ~ xx Jan

Celebration of life Wednesday July 26 1PM Dovercourt Hall

Because Lawrence loved great stories, you are invited to share your favorite memories. In lieu of donations, please go visit the important people in your life ... that would really give him a big smile!

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