Mr. Lawrence Fernand Derouard Sr.

Lawrence Fernand Derouard

September 17, 1944 – October 28, 2015

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lawrence Derouard at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital following a brief battle with cancer. Lawrence was blessed to have his loving family at his side during his final days and at the time of his passing. Lawrence was a loving husband, much loved father, special grandfather and cherished friend.

Lawrence is survived by his sons Lawrence Jr. (Stacey and Dale, Drake, Daunte), Albert (Stephanie and Sarah, Jack, Marley) and Glen (Amanda). He is also survived by his sister Roma Hager. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Stanley Novak, Jack Geary, Ed Geary (Linda) and Harold Wilson (Irene) and sisters-in-law, Jean Geary and May Swartman. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Lawrence is survived by his dog, Dozer.

Lawrence was predeceased by his wife and best friend, Nellie, his father and mother, Fernand and Margaret Derouard and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Susan and Thomas Geary. Lawrence was predeceased by his sister, Louise Novak, brothers Raymond Derouard and Henry Derouard, by his sisters-in-law Ella Derouard, Annette Derouard, Pansy Geary, Helen Geary, Hilda Geary, Doreen Geary, Susan Wilson and Elsie Ball and his brothers-in-law Don Hager, Thomas Earl Geary, Hugh Geary and Donald Ball. He is also predeceased by his niece Darlene Geary and nephews Henry Derouard Jr. and Renie Whiting.

Lawrence was born in Kenora, Ontario on September 17, 1944 to Fernand and Margaret Derouard. He grew up and first attended school on School Road in Jaffray Melick at School #4. Lawrence always told us that he had to repeat grade one because the snow was too deep and he couldn’t get to school. Lawrence began trucking when he completed school and worked for his father, Fernand Derouard and for his cousin, Albert Derouard. Before he was twenty Lawrence bought his own truck.

In Kenora he met Nellie Geary, the love of his life. Nellie and Lawrence began the company, Lawrence F. Derouard Trucking, soon after they met and worked side by side for 48 years with Lawrence continuing to carry on the company after Nellie’s death in 2013. They shared the same passion for excellence and the same strong work ethic.

On June 3, 1967 Nellie and Lawrence married and soon started their family together. Their three boys, Lawrence junior, Albert and Glen grew up learning the value of hard work and commitment to the family business. To this day all three boys continue to work for the company alongside their dad. Lawrence was always a proud papa but never so proud as when his oldest grandson, Dale, followed in his footsteps by getting his truck license. Then Drake followed eager to join in and worked on the packer. Daunte, the youngest, spent his time kicking up dust around the shop, being encouraged by papa and looking for ways to be involved. Meanwhile the grand daughters, Sarah and Marley, were always papa’s little princesses. The tradition and family business is set to carry on well into the future years.

Lawrence always kept his family close. As his three boys left home they really did not go far from dad. The entire family still lives close to each other on the Airport Road. The family still works and plays together at all times. This even extended to the camp Nellie and Lawrence bought on Black Sturgeon.

Lawrence was passionate about life and cared for everyone around him. He always had time to visit and talk. The kitchen table was always surrounded by family and friends and Lawrence’s laugh would carry across the room. There was always room for one more person in Lawrence’s circle. He loved to talk about the old days in the bush and the crazy pranks they all played.

Watching Lawrence’s love for his wife, a person could only wish for a love that strong. After the passing of his wife Nellie he spent his time waiting to reunite with her. It is a happy day knowing that they are together once again.

A Prayer Service and Eulogy to Celebrate Lawrence’s life will be held at Notre Dame Church at 7:00pm on Monday November 2, 2015 followed by Mass at 11:00am on Tuesday November 3, 2015. Pallbearers will be his sons, Lawrence Jr., Albert, and Glen, and his grandsons Dale, Drake and Daunte. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Scheibler, Jeff Schwartz, Donald Hager, Bill Lougheed, Aurel Grandbois, Jerry Derouard, Colin Sward and Norm Grandbois. The family would like to thank the staff at The Lake of the Woods District Hospital and a special thanks to Dr. Workman, who Lawrence thought very highly of.

Donations to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital would be appreciated by the family.

In tears we saw you sinking, we watched you fade away, You suffered much in silence, you fought so hard to stay. You faced your task with courage, your spirit did not bend, But still you kept on fighting until the very end. God saw you getting tired when a cure was not to be, So He put His arms around you, and whispered "come with me". So when we saw you sleeping so peaceful, free from pain, We could not wish you back to suffer that again. We love you always, until we meet again.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

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