Lawrence Ernest Piercy

Lawrence Piercy passed away July 24th, 2024 in Kamloops with loved ones at his side.

Lawrence (Red) was born in Vancouver B.C. An only child, he lived in the city through the depression and WWII, attended Vancouver Technical School and played trumpet with the Vancouver Boys Band. In 1945 he moved to Bralorne B.C. when his father took a job at the gold mine. He spent a brief but foundational 3 years there, graduating and making memories of baseball and skiing while forming connections sustained and shared for a lifetime.

Returning to Vancouver in 1948 and working for Hayes Manufacturing, he met Rhoda Anne at a roller rink, the same little girl that he pulled around in a wagon as a child. They married in February 1951 when he was 20 and she 17. Their eldest daughter Laurie was born later that year. After a couple of workplace accidents he transitioned fully into real estate and in 1958 their second daughter Patti was born. Laurie and Patti were heavily involved in the Vancouver music scene; packing an accordion and drums were a frequent occurrence of the time and of future stories told.

Moving to 100 Mile House B.C. In 1970, he continued his business ventures with the Canim Lake Stage and Red Barn Enterprise. Snowmobiling, Ruth Lake, Red’s baby, dogs, horses, a spoiled parrot and several exotic cats are features of memories shared.

By 1977 Mexico was on the itinerary and remained an annual event for the next 30 years. The trek south wouldn’t be complete without checking the shows in Las Vegas, dancing to the music of the big bands, happy hours and regular stops along the way to visit friends and family in California and Arizona. The acquisition of Rhodie’s Place Drive In and move to Boston Bar, B.C. in 1986 continued to support the winter adventures they loved and worked so hard for all summer, still managing to squeeze in a cruise and host a crazy family Christmas or two.

Red retired Rhodie’s Place and moved to Lillooet in 1996 with hopes to spend more time at Gun Lake. He and Rhoda enjoyed a fantastic trip to Ireland and hosted numerous family and friends that visited the area.

A serendipitous reconnection with Kay in 2008 led to new adventures and companionship. Marrying in 2016, they shared 8 years together in Kamloops. Always having a box of smarties on hand, his great-grandchildren gave him the name of Papa Smarties. His great grandaughters, also living in Kamloops, were frequent visitors to his home and the pool downstairs.

Predeceased by his wife Rhoda.

Survived by wife Kay, daughters Laurie (John) and Patti, Grandchildren Melodie, Ryan and Evan, Great Grandchildren Elijah, Edan, Tyler, Serenity, Aurora, and Athena, Sister-in-law Darlene, Niece Lisa and Nephew Jayson (Lisa).

To honour a life well lived and a man who valued family and friends and believed every milestone event was a reason to throw a party, a celebration will be held in Lillooet B.C. on Saturday, September 28th, 2024.