Laurence "Larry" Pender

I'll start by saying how happy I know dad is with the show of love and respect by your being here today. For those of you who were not able to be here, perhaps you’re watching the video feed or just holding dad close in your thoughts and prayers.

It's amazing how far technology has come. I know my mom, sister and I enjoyed reading all the beautiful messages that were posted online.

I have so say that the message posted by my cousin Larry not only choked me up when I read it but also had me laughing. The line that dad wasn't the life if the party-He was the party! said it all. Your right Larry, everyone loved dad and his good sense of humour.

Our dad was not only a good and kind dad but also a great husband. He loved mom so much. 50 years together. It doesn't get any better than that. We all have so many happy memories together. They say a picture says a thousand words and the photos mom and Andrea posted online speak volumes. Take a look when you have time.

The four of us and now six of us had so many good times together and many of our memories were also shared with the people in this room. I know that dad...or I should say Grandpa is sending big hugs to two very special grandchildren right now, my children, Matthew and Amanda. They love their grandpa so much and will always remember the fun times they had with him.

Matthew and Amanda love going to the cottage and they are on a mission to catch the huge smallmouth bass that broke the fishing line last year. When they catch "Jumpy Floppy Pender" it will be mounted on the wall at the cottage with an inscription that they caught Jumpy Floppy Pender for Grandpa.

I want to mention a few people that could not be here today. Dad's brother, my uncle Pat, flew in from Vancouver a few weeks back to spend time with dad and bring warm wishes from his family. We all had a great visit and spent lots of time catching up. My children met Pat for the first time, or uncle Scott as Amanda would jokingly call him. It was a fun time together and meant a lot to dad.

Andy Doyle a dear friend of dad's was unable to make it today but I'm sure is watching the video feed of dad's celebration of life as we speak. Andy...mom, Andrea and I appreciate all your love and support during this difficult time and through the years.

Also, to all the other great friends and family who have passed on before dad, he is with you now in heaven. Take good care of him until we meet again.

Daisy sends her love too dad and will miss cuddling with you in the TV room.

Dad's passing came way too soon and has been very difficult on everyone. He battled a nasty disease with strength and courage until he needed to rest. He will be in all of our hearts, souls, and memories forever.

I know that dad would probably be kicking me in the butt now saying hurry up everyone's hungry and wants to head downstairs to eat.

On that note, I'll say...we miss you dad, we love you and we promise to take good care of each other...so don't worry we'll all be ok.

Look over us all and smile knowing that you have done a great job as a husband, a father, a grandpa, a brother, an uncle, and a dear friend to many.

We won't ever say good bye because you'll anyways be with us.

Talk to you soon!

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Pender, Laurence Matthew “Larry”

After a courageous battle with cancer, on Monday, April, 18, 2016 at the age of 72 years. Beloved husband of Violet Foster for 50 years. Loving father of Chris and Andrea. Cherished grandpa of Matthew and Amanda. Dear brother of Patrick (Mary). He will be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews and friends. He is also survived by a special friend his dog Daisy. The family will receive friends at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road, (at Albion Road) on Saturday, April 23, 2016 after 10 am, followed by a service in memory of Larry at 12 NOON in the Chapel. In memoriam donations to the University of Ottawa Heart institute or the Ottawa Humane Society would be appreciated.