William Frank Lawrence

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Marie (Mimi) and his 3 daughters, Dr. Dianne Lawrence, Dr. Christina (Chris) Lawrence, and Joanne (Jo) Lawrence. Jo is mother to Bill and Mimi's first grandson Levi Olson, married to Jenn and parents to Bill and Mimi's great grandchildren Charley Rose & Kade. Bill and Mimi's second grandson Trevor Olson is married to Carley, and are parents to Bill and Mimi's great grandchildren Tyler, Owen, & Abbigail. Bill’s brother, John, very recently passed away leaving wife, Heather and several adult children. Bill was predeceased by his parents William (Bill) Lawrence & Christina (Tina) Lawrence, & great grandson James Olson.

Bill attended Britannia High School, and graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Education and became a teacher in high schools and elementary schools. After University he went on to teach at Gladstone High School until he and Mimi moved to Maple Ridge in 1966. In 1968 Bill earned a teaching position at Garibaldi High School. Bill went on to teach at many elementary schools in District #42 until his retirement in 1995.

Bill believed in passing along some cultural and arts experiences as well as the 3 ‘Rs’ of course. Bill took a lot of young students to such varied events as the opera, ballet, theatre, outdoor education and exchange trips with other schools in BC and Alberta. Bill had a passion for sharing these fun times with his students, he cared greatly for their futures.

Bill was a dedicated family man, loving, kind, funny, a friend and mentor to many who appreciated his words of wisdom and honesty.

Bill converted to Catholicism early in his relationship with Mimi, his bride to be, to be united in faith and love for each other. Bill and Mimi raised their family in the arms of the Catholic church. Bill participated in readings at masses, in the service of the eucharist, and other parish activities.

The Funeral for Bill will be held on Friday January 31st 2025 at St Peter's Parish Church at 330 Royal Ave, New Westminster, BC, V3L 1H7. Viewing will start from 11:30am and the Funeral Mass will be from 12-1pm. The Reception will follow 1-3pm in St Peter's Parish Hall.

Cremation will be held at First Memorial Funeral Services with no service to follow.

Interment will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial on Friday February 7th 2025 (private service).

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or to the Alzheimer's society.