Lawrence John Dunford

Lawrence passed away from cancer at Juravinski Hospital, where he was born 61 years ago, when it was called the Henderson General. He is survived by his son Brandon, and Brandon’s mother, Toni Clark, of Hamilton; Lawrence’s mother, Frances Fyfe, of Hamilton; his father, George Dunford of Cape Breton, N.S.; and his brothers John and his son Gibson, George and Lisa and their children Calvin and Charlotte, and Rick and Cindy and their sons Skylar and Dylan and grandson Rowan; predeceased by his beloved brother Billy (1971). Dozens of uncles, aunts and cousins on both sides of his family, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, knew and loved him since he was a child, and he loved them back.

Lawrence was a highly skilled drywaller in the construction industry for most of his working life.

He was an inquisitive child, rambunctious, always active and involved in everything, smart as a whip, charming with everyone, and likeable.

He remained the same as an adult – what you would call “a character.” That’s what many of the doctors and personal support workers who helped him remain in his home called him. They were deeply affected when they learned he had passed.

Lawrence had character, and he also had charisma. Before he became ill, he was outgoing and sociable, engaging in conversation with anyone, but because of a tough childhood, he didn’t suffer fools gladly. He had a lot of friends and associates from all walks of life, including his favourite haunts, like Ed’s. Everyone seemed to know him and like him. He enjoyed watching sports with them over a beer. He was wicked funny and really smart and would beat everyone at Jeopardy!

When he was diagnosed with cancer six months ago, Lawrence said he didn’t want hospice care - all he wanted was to stay with his mother and have his son Brandon at his side. We are happy to say that is exactly what happened – Lawrence lived with his son beside him at his mom’s right up to the end.

He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.