Dear Rosano,
Once again my condolences to you.
I was supposed to invite your dad to my place  for lunch but a friend suggested that I wait for her to return from Bombay. As life usually gets busy this never happened.  
Come Dec 2023, I went to Bombay myself and it was at this time your dad passed away.
I sincerely regret not inviting your dad when I wanted to. He was a nice man and always danced with me at get togethers with Paul, Robin, Mario and other friends.
In future I will go ahead and do what I want to do when my heart says so.
Your dad missed your mum a lot so I'm not surprised he left early. What better place to be with than Jesus, our Father.
Take care Rosano and all the best for Christmas and in the New Year.
Octavia.

Cinnamon rolls with father and son, 2023.

The days pass. The memories remain. I find it difficult to write. So much of you is still there, as if you've just decided to go on another trip. As brave as your son, you have now set off on your own, discovering new music in faraway places and saying yes to every unusual culinary experience. It's so exciting right now that you've completely forgotten to write. But that's okay. Dance at all the festivals and steal potatoes from the field like we did last October.

Writing here is like saying goodbye. But this is just a greeting from afar. 🕊

Heddi

I met Lawrie for lunch a day after Christmas at a mutual friend’s place and three days later was shocked to hear of his sudden passing.  

It was wonderful to see him in person after a long time and we had all had a good time that afternoon chatting, joking and reminiscing.  It was extremely difficult to believe that he was gone more so as he appeared healthy, cheerful and in good spirits and we had all planned to meet up again in spring at my place.  He seemed to be moving on by keeping himself busy with work, travel and writing interesting blogs on his experiences which were a joy to read.  He will be missed.

Lawrie and Maria were a part of our group of friends and we had many get-togethers at my place in the past.  Both were gifted musicians and have passed on their legacy to their son, Rosano, who is equally gifted.

Rosano, my heart goes out to you.  I wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

With deepest sympathy
Ellen Sequeira

It was a short time that I moved as a friend but have much appreciation for this man of God who had a ready smile, a good sense of humor, a warm and large heart.  His demise came as a shock. Have lost a pianist, guitarist, violinist, singer and dancer.; Even more a great friend..  .The only consolation we have now, is that he is with our Lord singing praises which was his passion and even Maria's.

With all his talents, he was a very simple person; that made him stand out from the rest.  I wish I had got to know Lawrie and Maria better and for a longer period.

I do miss walking with him every evening. I can understand what his family would be going through at this time.  My prayer is that the good Lord  will comfort Rosano  Heddi and other members of the family,  May you find strength in His mercy and love.


Grace Abraham
A neighbour

It was indeed shocking to hear of the death of my dear friend, Lawrie. He was aware I was away in Bombay and was awaiting photographs from me. That was the last communication I had with him.

Lawrie was a gentleman to the core. He had travelled the world and spoke of his experiences in his usual soft tone.

I had met him at various dance events with Maria and soon became good friends.
Reading his blogs and listening to his songs kept me entertained. I'm going to miss him a lot....a real good friend.

Both Maria and Lawrie were a spiritual couple and I'm confident both are happy to be with each other in Heaven. May their souls rest in peace.

Rosano, please accept my heartfelt condolences and may God give you the strength and courage to move forward with life knowing fully well that their spirits will be your constant guardian wherever you decide to hang up your hat.

Take care and keep in touch, if possible.
Octavia

Sonny,

Of all the precious gifts in life, however great or small, to have you as my brother was the greatest gift of all.  Thank you for the laughter, smiles and times we shared. 

Thank you for the love and support, celebrating our successes and understanding our problems
Rest in peace with Maria, mum and dad in heaven.

Love,
Mary and Jonas

I met Lawrie and his wife Maria through another friend called Charles.  Most of the time I met up with Lawrie and Maria at St. Maria Goretti church where Maria played the guitar and Lawrie played the piano. They were a lovely caring couple.  I am going to miss them both.  My condolence to their son Rosano.

Sonny
Of all the precious gifts in life, however great or small, to have you as my brother was the greatest gift of all.  Thank you for the laughter, smiles and times we shared. 

Thank you for the love and support, celebrating our successes and understanding our problems
Rest in peace with Maria, mum and dad in heaven
Love
Jonas and Mary

Lawrie will be greatly missed not only by his family, but by his coworkers which became his second family.
He was a dedicated worker and always willing to help out his coworkers.
 His boss  Wael depended on him when it came to how much funds was in the bank, those of us who needed to process payments “you need to let me know before you go spending “  was his famous quote to us.
He loved attending Distributel parties, participating in all activities.
If we didn’t attend, “where were you last night “, was his famous reprimand.
Lawrie was a family man, speaking highly of his wife Maria and son Rosano.
He recently shared with many of us how he and Maria met through many short stories which he was writing , and also showed his talent through music.
He will be missed, but has left great memories of our friendship which will endure forever.

My full name is Maria Elena and when I was a kid, outside of my family, people would either call me by my full name or Maria but I let go of the later once I was done with high school because my classmates would sing Maria from Ricky Martin or Carlos Santana to me every time I entered a room and expect me to dance after I had done it as a joke. My family would call me Elena or some other nicknames, many not knowing my full name except my father, who would only call me Maria Elena. He named me after an old latin song. When I could visit him in Haiti for vacations, he would sometimes wake me up playing and singing it to me on his guitar. 

Having lost my father in 2018, I hadn’t heard this song in years, until the only time I met Lawrie Coutinho who sang it back to me after introducing myself as Elena. I had an intense reaction to it because my body remembered and he was so genuine and welcoming about it. He even went to the extent of offering to sing it and sending me the recording, because outside of my father singing it to me, I never had heard the original version. Within a few days, he had it ready and sent it to me. I first laughed so much not believing what just happened, then cried, then listened to it on loop. This was an amazing gift from someone I had just met, so in my mind, he was sent from GOD, the gift was so overwhelming to me, I offered to sing a song back to him, of his preference ! He chose Besame Mucho and he was planning on recording a duet !! 

I rarely meet people who have such a strong impact on me within minutes, but I think this is telling of a kind and generous heart. I could feel his excitement for life, his curiosity and willingness to experience anything he could, while on earth. That was inspiring to me. 

Thank you for this gift Lawrie. May you be at peace and sing for eternity, with your loved ones, while blessing your other loved ones who are still here, from above. 

My sincere condolences to all  Lawrie Coutihno’s loved ones

I knew Lawrie through Maria. Maria and my wife Jeanette were friends from Dubai since we went to St. Mary's Church.  I met him first time for Rosano's Communion in Dubai. Lawrie and Maria had come to our home many times for Christmas where Lawrie played the Guitar and we sang the xmas carols. We always enjoyed their company for other events also.  After Maria passed away, Lawrie would always forward us their music recordings and pictures to share his feelings for her that showed his love for her and how much he was missing her.  I was feeling sad that it would be so difficult for him to live alone.  We invited him to our home for lunch last year and he was happy to spend some time with us.  Lawrie, as I knew him was an intelligent person with good sense of humor.  He could discuss on any topic and music in which he had immense knowledge. I believe his soul is resting in peace in heaven with Maria and he is with our Lord Jesus. I want to offer my heartfelt condolence to Rosano and pray to our lord that he gives strength to him to bear the loss.

We are sad of your passing Lawrie  but you left a very good legacy to your community especially the Marian Choir. Your dedication and service to our Lord is a good example to us. On the other hand, you are now re- united with Maria who has a very kind heart like you... We will surely miss you, your music in the church and the WhatsApp music that you always share.  Farewell my dear Lawrie and May your soul rest in peace.
And to Rosano, our deepest condolences for the loss of your love ones.  Stay strong and God bless!!

With sympathy, 

Nilfa and Paulo Masgon

It was with great sadness that I learnt of the passing away of Lawrie. I made his acquaintance when he visited Portugal along with Rosano. During the course of his stay over here, he recounted to me the various stages of his life, and especially the difficult days during his wife's sickness. I was glad that I could take him to the shrine of our Blessed Mother at Fatima, and I'm sure he found solace and the courage to bear his terrible loss. Life goes on and one must cherish the sweet memories of Lawrie's personality and pray that he is much happier in the Lord's Abode.

Lawrie's warmth and cheer will be remembered by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. His sense of humour could always make anyone smile.

Our beautiful memories from childhood together are treasures that I will always hold close, dearest cousin.

We all loved watching you swing jive. You even told me I should have a go at it. Your singing added a special melody to our hearts.

Your absence will be felt eternally.

Farewell until we meet again!

- Clitta, Eddie, Cathlyn, Calvin and Christine

Chantal and I have very fond memories of Maria and Lawrie. We always knew them both as one unit, always livening up the party they attended. Our parties were never complete without their excellent company. At my younger brother's memorial service at Maria Goretti Parish, they both look care of our choir arrangement and heped as they normally did to make the memorial truly memorable.

Today attending the funeral mass was a wonderful experience. Rosano is especially gifted to have had such loving and caring parents. God bless and take care of him. His parents were inseparable in their lifetime and now in their death. Rest in Peace Lawrie. You've earned it

From Chantal and Polycarp D'Silva 🙏

Was great having you at mom’s milestone birthday. You brought much joy music and dance to life! Your presence will not be forgotten. I’m happy to think that you are with your partner in crime! Thank you for all the memories you have been a part of.

Condolences to all those who had the pleasure of knowing Lawrie.

Lawrie was a wonderful person who was thoughtful, funny and dedicated to both his work and friendships.  We will miss him. 

To Rosano and family, may his memory be a blessing.

We are extremely in shock at the sudden passing away of our dearest friend Lawrie. Words fail us at this very sad and unpredictable time. He was an extremely kind, helpful, thoughtful and loving human being, besides witty and lively. 

The pain of death is indeed unbearable but we cherish the bond we shared and the memories in our hearts.

Lawrie and Maria were a spirit filled couple and he missed her immensely, but took solace in composing and playing and singing which was his passion. They were indeed an ideal couple having a strong bond and making music together. 

We shall miss our dear friends but we know that he is with the Lord and enjoying eternal bliss along with Maria. 

Our heartfelt condolences to his only son Rosano Noel whom we knew from birth and may Jesus be his solace and of course his dear parents will always be at his side who were very proud of him and cherished him.

I wish to offer my condolences to Rosano and family.

I worked with Lawrie the past 21 years and always enjoyed our interactions. 

Lawrie was always cheerful and a pleasure to work with.

He will be sadly missed by his colleagues.

May he be smiling as he reunites with Maria.  And may all take comfort in this thought.

Dear Rosano & the rest of Lawrie’s family,  We are very sorry for your loss, our deepest condolences! May God grant you the strength & courage to bear this irreplaceable loss. Lawrie & I worked very closely at Al Tayer Travels in Dubai, we at Al Tayer Travels were a close unit like a family. Lawrie was a very helpful, kind person ready to help anyone in need. Lawrie wl be missed by many. Rest In Peace Lawrie with your lovely wife Maria. Rosano stay strong. From : Jason, Michael & Judy Lobo

I am still in a state of shock on receiving  the sad news of my dear friend Lawrie. Can't forget the memories we created together when I recently visited Canada this summer n the lovely time we had at the music shows n cycling together n also the wonderful conversations we had just few days ago. We had even made plans for our future visit n can't believe u r not with us anymore. Will miss u terribly as u were a genuine friend to me. These memories are etched in my heart n will always be cherished by me.  I was most impressed with yr amazing sense of humour n humble demeanour. But atleast u r now with yr beloved wife Maria whom u used to terribly miss. So rest in peace my friend. Will always pray for yr beautiful soul🙏🙏💐Bonny

Lawrie was a good jiver and I loved watching him jive.   Among other things, he was good in singing and has uploaded good songs on his Youtube channel, especially the last 3 months where we enjoyed listening to the Christmas carols that he sang.

I will treasure all our golden memories together forever!

I wish to thank all those who made his last few months very enjoyable, especially his son Rosano and his close friends.

Lawrie you can now dance and sing with your beloved Maria and our departed loved ones in the heavenly mansion.

Bye till we all meet again.

RIP Laurie. May God grant the family to bear this loss with courage and strength.

Shireen

Our heartfelt Sympathies to Rosano, Joe, Annie and siblings on the sad demise of Lawrie. May God grant him eternal rest. May God give you all the strength to bear this loss. Our prayers are there for you all. Regards Joaquim, Receda, Jer, Jin and family.🙏

Lawrie was full of warmth and cheer and multi-talented.   His harmless mischief brought smiles and laughter to someone feeling low.   I enjoyed his jokes and sense of humour.

My brother and friend whom I could call/chat with at any part of the day/night, he always encouraged, supported and understood me.  Am grateful to God for gifting him to us.

Will be missed forever!

I met Lawrie through his son, my dear friend Rosano. I only had a brief conversation with him about how life was going, not more. Yet we shared much more than words with each other. He was such a kind person, a beautiful soul… I am a lucky one that our paths crossed in life. Rosano and Lawrie have inspired me a lot, changed something in my view on family, getting old, compassion and life. I witnessed their adventures with admiration. The love and compassion in their story nourished my heart. 
My condolences to Rosano and the family. May he rest in peace.

Lawrie Coutino RIP and his wife Maria RIP ministered to us at every  Our Lady of Good Counsel (OlGC) Holy Spirit Novena from it's inception in 2008. Maria passed away 3 years ago. Their son Rosano also ministered with them when he lived in Canada. Last  Novena, May 2023, Lawrie ministered to us at 2 nights of the Novena.

Lawrie also enjoyed our OLGC Christmas dinner in December. He danced. He really had a good time. After the dinner, he transported a car load of people who live in Scarborough, as he usually did after each Novena night. He supported OLGC and our events generously. 

Rest in Peace dear Lawrie. You did more than your share. Your love and commitment to your family, God's people and your church is outstanding. You were always willing, and eager to serve wholeheartedly without reservation. We will miss you. Happy reunion with your beloved Maria. She is waiting for you. 

Our condolences to Rosano and the family. Rosano, he enjoyed you and his vacations with you.

Lawrie loved to experiment with food and he always encouraged me to keep trying even though sometimes food didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to. 
I’ll miss his laughter and his sense of humour. This is a video of him trying my Jamaican curry that became too spicy. It  will forever be present in my mind.

Lawrie was an avid Jive dancer and decided to come out to a swing dance where I met him. He and I got along well that first day and he came back to dance with us many times since then.  He even roughed it out with our small group on Halloween dancing outside in the not so warm weather where I took a few photos! It was a pleasure to be with him in this short time and he added extra energy wherever he went.  He is a kind and generous man who knows how to love others and I am sad to see him leave us so soon.

This plant belonged to my mother, Maria. My father gave them water and care in the years after she passed away. He became proud of the transformation from a tiny pot with barely a few twigs, to a large pot of sprawling, twisting branches with lush, dark, and shiny green leaves. He was especially proud of the flowers, which weren't there at the beginning; a beautiful way to remember Maria's spirit.

Normally those flowers are pink, but as I walked into our home in the early morning after my father was taken away, they appeared white to me: a greeting of peace and mourning. Now they also remind me of his spirit, and the strength of what is possible with love and nurturing over just a few years.

OBITUARY

Lawrie Coutinho

September 5, 1953 – December 29, 2023

Jerrett Funeral Homes - Scarborough Chapel

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