There will be
a memorial service held for Lawrence in the Ferguson Logan Montague
Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 1:00 pm. Interment
will follow in the Valleyfield Cemetery. Live Streaming will be
avaiable for all those who cannot make it in person.
The Family of Lawrence Harvey Van Buskirk of Toronto, Ontario
is heartbroken to announce his passing on Good Friday at the age of
87. Lawrence passed at his home in Queens Estate Retirement Residence.
The family is greatly saddened that we could not be there as he gained
his Angel Wings.
Lawrence will be remembered by
his loving wife of 60 years; Eileen Van Buskirk; Daughter Sandi (Rod)
Sullivan and Son Mark (Leslie) Van Buskirk; Grandchildren Tess
(Brendan) Sundsten, Paige Van Buskirk, Brooke Van Buskirk; Step
grandchildren Amanda Sullivan, Sheena (Robert) Brulotte, Julia
Sullivan, Breanne Sullivan (Michael Hruschak); As well as Sisters and
Brothers-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, Great nieces and
nephews, and Great-great nieces and nephews, Cousins and Wonderful
Neighbours, Dearest Friends; Bill and Joanne Gilroy, Keri Ruel and
Darren Gilroy, Teamster friends, Church friends and Many Dear Friends
from all over Canada.
Lawrence was predeceased
by his parents; Harry & Margaret Van Buskirk, Brothers; John
and Bruce and Sister; Norma.
Lawrence was born
and grew up in the family home at Valleyfield, Prince Edward Island.
Growing up, Lawrence enjoyed Young Peoples Group, Square Dancing and
working with animals, especially horses as he had a knack with them.
He worked with Fishermen, Farmers and assisted his dad with providing
ice to customers by cutting blocks of ice from the river by
hand.
Lawrence moved to Toronto to find
fulltime work as many Islanders did back in the day. He found work in
the Transport Industry and was a proud lifetime member of Teamsters
Local 938 for 37.5 years, retiring in 1991. Lawrence saw his teamster
buddies regularly at The Teamster Retirees meetings until his health
prevented attendance.
More importantly, after
moving to Toronto, Lawrence met a beautiful young lady; Eileen. As
they learned about each other they realized that they grew up a hop,
skip and a jump from each other on
PEI.
Eileen grew up in Orwell Corner and Lawrence in Valleyfield,
PEI only 10 minutes apart by car today, but it took a chance meeting
in Toronto for them to find each other.) Love blossomed and Marriage
naturally followed on August 15, 1959. Over 60 years together!
They built a home and a life in Toronto raising Sandi
and Mark where Sunday afternoon naps and quiet time became a gathering
place for all of Sandi’s and Mark’s friends. However,
“The Island” was always in their hearts and they made annual
camping trips by car and tent trailer Back Home to keep
Islander Family and friends close.
Lawrence had
a passion for Steam Engines, older cars, tinkering with motors and
repairing anything mechanical. Throughout his life Lawrence was part
Tim the Tool Man Taylor, Red Green and MacGyver-he had a flare for
repairing pretty much anything and helping anyone fix stuff. He
enjoyed collecting farm and tool antiques and other interesting things
of value only to someone who grew up during WWII.
He also particularly enjoyed Fiddle music, Good Ol’
Stompin’ Tom Connors, Johnny Cash and Anne Murray.
Lawrence was a generous man with a positive outlook. He offered
his time freely to the United Church and was always willing to help a
friend in need. He passed his unique way of spreading joy and spirit
of service to his children. Lawrence was a deeply involved Dad. He
supported his children by going with his kids to every event with
Guiding, Scouts, baseball, hockey, rugby, football, church activities,
church youth activities, school projects, school sports, camps,
chauffeur to dances and parties and activities or commitments each of
them were involved in. Lawrence never missed a teacher’s
conference or family event or activity for either of his children.
Family meant Everything to Lawrence. He showed
his love by his unwavering support of each child and especially
Eileen.
Lawrence loved Eileen steadfastly and
deeply and they were together every day of their marriage other than
for a couple of unavoidable short trips and the final weeks that they
were separated by the pandemic.
Lawrence was
truly a gentleman, the most generous , kindest and most loving soul.
He will be missed by many and will forever be in our hearts.
Lawrence, Dad, Papa, Hun, uncle, Uncle Billy Goat
(BG), Mr. Van, Laurie, Lores, Larry, Van , Lolli-Pop,
Papadoo, Larry, Son, Brother, Husband…
Of all the names
you were known by one thing is for certain;
YOU ARE LOVED
We are blessed to have known
you.
Lawrence will be buried in Valleyfield
Cemetery, Valleyfield PEI.
A Celebration of Life will be
held at a later date.
Condolences to the
family may be made at www.fergusonlogan.com.
In Lieu of
Flowers, memorial donations may be made to
Valleyfield Cemetery
c/o Ann Bruce
2445
Heatherdale Road, Route 316
Heatherdale, PEI C0A
1R0
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Lawrence Harvey Van Buskirk 1933 2020..
ferguson-logan Montague funeral home
Death notice for the town of: Montague, Province: I-P-E