Victoria Mines
With broken hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Lawrence A. Shanahan on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, three days after his 75th birthday.
Larry was the son of the late Joe and Anna (LeBlanc) Shanahan, Glace Bay. The oldest of three boys, Larry was the protective big brother in the family.
Larry was gifted with many talents. His singing voice was showcased in multiple festivals and choirs in his youth. Honouring his Irish heritage lent him a love of Irish songs which he sang with perfect pitch and pride, his favourite being “Danny Boy”.
Larry met the love of his life, Joan Collins, skating at the Glace Bay Miners Forum in 1965. They were married in 1967. He was as handy as he was handsome, building his own home in Victoria Mines with constant innovations and improvements over the course of four plus decades. Having great confidence in his craftsmanship, there was truly nothing that he couldn’t fix with his adept hands. He had a great interest in woodworking, consistently churning out inventive creations of impeccable quality.
Larry took great pride in his trade as a Journeyman Electrician on various construction jobs in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta and the United States. He especially enjoyed mentoring young apprentices in learning their trade and they in return held him in very high regard. For a number of years not working construction he excelled as a car salesman thanks to his magnetic personality. Exemplifying the motto of service after the sale, Larry’s efforts were indefatigable, going above and beyond by offering assistance at all hours to those in need, thereby earning lifelong loyal customers in the process.
Larry is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Joan (Collins), Victoria Mines; their three children, Joanne (Brian) Houlihan, Hammonds Plains, Melissa (Scott) Ferguson, Fall River and Jason (Froni) Shanahan, Hong Kong; grandsons, Nathan and Jack Ferguson and Ben and Rowan Houlihan; brothers, Wayne (Jo-Ann) Shanahan, Glace Bay and Gerry (Michelle) Shanahan, Halifax and their families; as well as his sister-in-law, Marie Collins, Glace Bay.
Besides his parents Larry was predeceased by in-laws, Jack and Jeanette Collins and Jackie and Gerry Collins.
Larry was first and foremost a family man and he was the most amazing papa to his four grandsons who idolized him. He was always full of fun (and mischief), planning elaborate treasure hunts, teaching them how to use his tools, unauthorized drives on the back of his Triumph and playing road hockey in the driveway. Papa would do anything for his boys!
The family would like to thank Dr. Virick for his care and concern over the years and the CBRH 4B doctors and nurses for the quality care provided these past few weeks. Also, we acknowledge the staff of Ferguson’s Pharmacy in Glace Bay for their persistent professionalism in looking after Larry’s medical needs.
Larry had a heart of gold. He loved people and was full of life, humour and quick wit. Whether in his hometown or halfway around the world, Larry could enter a roomful of strangers, none of whom spoke the same language, and win over the crowd with his ceaseless and charming charisma. He was an awesome husband, dad and papa and he will be missed and forever loved by his family.
There will be no visitation for the late Larry Shanahan. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 10 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will be in St. Alphonsus Cemetery, Victoria Mines.
Donations in memory of Larry may be made to the Holy Redeemer Building Fund or a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of SHANAHAN Lawrence A ‘Larry’ 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia