Patrick "Pat" Thomas Lawler

Pat had a true love for life. He wanted to live, to experience, and to be present for the people and moments that mattered most.

Born December 31, 1952, in Guelph, Pat built a life centered on the people he cared for in the way he showed up for them every single day. He was generous and never hesitated to help someone in need, always offering his support with a warm smile and steady presence.

Pat is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Joyce Lawler (née Brouwer); his devoted children, Jason Lawler (Jo-Anne) and Kris Lawler (Emily). He was the proud and biggest fan of his grandchildren, Hanna, Emily, and Trent; and his step-grandchildren, Norah and Hannah. He was a proud fur dad to Murphy (predeceased).

Pat was the brother of Bernie Lawler (predeceased, Kathy), Maryann Lawler (predeceased), Chuck Lawler (Linda), Peggy Lawler Sinclair (predeceased), Colleen DeBoer (predeceased, Brian), and son to his parents, Daniel and Aileen Lawler (née McFarlane). Predeceased by his parents in law Hendrik and Klaasje Brouwer. Survived by siblings in law Anne Lopers (Jake), Sid Brouwer (Bonnie) and Larry Brouwer (Anne Predeceased)

Some of Pat’s greatest joy came from simply being together sharing meals, telling stories and creating lasting memories with his children, grandchildren, extended family, and his nieces and nephews: Brett, Sean, Dan, Bill, Derek, Rebekah, Martha, Laura, Barb, Pat and Dan, Angela, Cindy, Henry and Michelle, Mike, Derek, Tim and Calvin, Shawn and Troy, all of whom meant so much to him.

Pat dedicated 37 years of service to Transport Canada and NAV Canada starting as a Radio Operator/Flight Service Specialist and many managerial roles including Toronto Air Traffic Control tower manager. He finished his career as a Shift Manager at Toronto ACC. Pat was respected for his strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to discuss/argue hot button items from the past, present and future. He took great pride in his career and the contributions he made over nearly four decades.

Pat kept busy in retirement and was proud to have graduated with an MBA from Laurier University. He also volunteered at Homewood Health where he was president of the volunteer association, a patient representative as well as many shifts running the coffee shop. Pat was a fixture at his grandchildren’s many sporting events and especially loved to share a cheeseburger with his favorite grandson Trent. He was always available to help with a ride, pickup and to assist with his granddogs.

Pat found happiness in life’s simple but meaningful pleasures. He loved being outdoors playing a round of golf, camping at Killbear where he visited 30 consecutive years and playing softball as a founding member of Buddies. Pat loved sitting around a campfire playing cards, spending time with his beloved dog Murphy and more recently Archie and watching a good show or his beloved Blue Jays. He also had a lifelong appreciation for music. He welcomed good conversation, laughter, and built a sense of community amid the strong friendships throughout his life.

Pat will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, and his love of life. His love lives on in the family and community he cared for so deeply.

The family would like to thank Hospice Wellington for their compassionate care and support during Pat’s final days. Special thank you to his palliative care team - nurse Laura and Dr Shafir. They would also like to thank the many caregivers from Grand River hospital and Guelph General hospital oncology teams.

Arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St, Guelph, ON. A Visitation will be held on Friday February 20th from 2:00-4:00pm and 7:00-9:00PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday February 21st at 10:30am in the funeral home chapel. Burial to follow at Marymount Cemetery, 5400 Hwy 6 N, Guelph. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Canadian Cholangiocarcinoma Collaborative (C3) or Hospice Wellington would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences can be made online on their memorial page at www.gilbertmacintyreandson-hart.com