July 17, 1939 – October 6, 2024
With much love, we celebrate the life of our caring husband, father, papa, and friend who passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2024. Born in Fort William, Ontario, Lawrence was welcomed into a Slovak-speaking home, learning English at school. He was the youngest of three children and spent the first ten years of his life in the East End where he attended St. Peter’s, St. Stanislav Schools, and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School. In his younger years, Lawrence, who was also known as Sonny, Skooter, or Larry, enjoyed swimming in the Kam River and exploring the neighbourhood with local pals, many of whom remained lifelong friends.
His first job was delivering milk for a local dairy that used horse and wagon. He then worked for North Star/Shell Oil and after 34 years he retired as Territory Manager at the young age of 51. In retirement, he spent more than ten years working for the City of Thunder Bay Golf Courses where he enjoyed the company of the staff and golfers.
Lawrence lived his life to the fullest and he was often heard whistling a favourite tune while he puttered around the house. His love of basketball started when he played on the high school team. He also rowed with the Fort William Rowing Club. His passion for sports extended to golfing, bowling, skiing, curling, and playing bocce. In later years, he enjoyed playing cards, watching the current game or sporting event of the night with a fresh bowl of popcorn. If it wasn’t on television, he could be found cheering for his grandkids at their sporting events.
Lawrence embraced retired life, creating many cherished memories while travelling with his wife—exploring Europe, cruising with friends, seeing the sites of western Canada by train on the Rocky Mountaineer, and visiting family in Calgary. He attended city events like Magnus Theatre, TBSO, volunteered with the Nordic Games, Meals on Wheels, Saint Vincent de Paul and helped out within his church. Lawrence was a member of the Slovak Legion, Kinsmen, Knights of Columbus, and Associated Canadian Travellers. Being a proud resident of Thunder Bay, he attended various sports events, outdoor musical concerts, weekly coffee visits with the guys, Pasta Tuesdays with friends, and never turned down invitations for social gatherings. He appreciated his extended retirement as a gift of quality time, enjoying good health until his last year.
Lawrence lived to 85, thanks to his strong will, love of laughter, unwavering faith, and the support of his devoted wife, with whom he shared 52 wonderful years. He was deeply proud of the family he built with Sharron. He is survived by his wife and his loving daughters: Kathleen (Nathan) Ross, Shanley Skunta, and Kristie Skunta (Will Crocker). He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren: Hudson and Lachlan Ross, Kolt, Kayln, Kamry, Keavy, and Krosby Crocker, as well as his grandpuppies: Maximus and Rosie. He is also survived by his sister Zita Skunta, four nieces and nephews, their families, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Sabina, brother-in-law Claudio Scofich, and mother-in-law Molly Shaver.
Special thanks to all those at TBRH Cancer Care Centre, Dr. Chan, Dr. Benzanson, Dr. Sellick, the nurses, PSWs, healthcare paraprofessionals, and Father Francis Pudicherry; who collectively enabled him to stay at home as long as he could. Our heartfelt thanks to those friends who have become like family and connected daily; providing genuine support and compassion in his final days.
Funeral Services will take place on Monday, October 14th, 11:00 am at Corpus Christi Church with reception in the church hall afterwards.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
