Born to Jan and Aafje DeRaaf on September 4, 1940 in De Lier, Netherlands, Louwrens was the third-born of seven children. Growing up amid the gardens and greenhouses of Zuid-Holland instilled an abiding love for plants and flowers.
At the age of fourteen, Louwrens immigrated with his family to Canada, living first in Collingwood, Ontario and then moving to Trenton. As a teenager keen to assimilate into the new culture, he began using the name Lawrence and became a Canadian citizen.
Lawrence met Boukje Wierda at church in Trenton and their romance persuaded her to make Canada her permanent home as well. The couple were wed on May 16, 1964 and cherished sixty years of married life together, celebrating their diamond anniversary shortly before his passing.
The entirety of Lawrence’s career was spent with Nortel, beginning in Brampton, and then in Ottawa and Belleville, where he retired in 2001. He and Boukje moved to St. Catherines in 2005 and then Vineland in 2010, enjoying the milder climate, gardening, and their community. In June 2023, they returned to Brampton to enjoy the community at Holland Christian Homes.
Lawrence was a man of practical skills and a servant's heart. He volunteered at the Mission Thrift Store and in his earlier retirement years, he and Boukje served with World Renew Disaster Relief Services, rebuilding homes for people displaced by extreme weather. He took up carving and woodworking, and he was always quick to help with DIY and repair projects for friends and family.
He was also a man of adventure, enjoying hikes and bike rides both near to home and all over the world. He and Boukje travelled to many countries and visited every province and state, often with an RV in tow, and they spent many winters with friends at Travelers Rest in Florida.
A man of recreation and laughter, Lawrence was known among his many friends for his easy smile, and he was always up for a round of golf, a game of pool, or a hand of cards. He had great affection for his children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren, often ready to tease and play.
And he was a man of steady, trusting faith, praying daily for all his family. Lawrence was a lifelong member of the Christian Reformed Church, serving various roles in the church, but especially appreciating opportunities to offer practical help and care.
Lawrence was Dad to Kevin (Jacquie), Denise (Darrel), Shawn (Alison), and Colin (Amy); Opa to Jordan (Katie), Dylan, Brendan (Emma), Lauren (Lucas), Colin (Sarah), Nicole, Cameron (Micaela), Lia, Christian, Nico, Graeme, and Owen; Great Opa to Eva, Austin, Eli, Lilly, Wesley, Maddie, Isaac, and Evelyn.
Diagnosed with stomach cancer in early 2023, Lawrence showed great determination in making the most of his remaining time. He died peacefully, assured of eternal life with Jesus. His family are very thankful for the care of doctors and medical teams throughout his treatment.
We are grateful to Dad for his valued role in our lives and grateful to God for His faithful care of our Dad and His promise to walk alongside us as we continue without him here.
There will be a time of visitation in Heritage Hall at Holland Christian Homes (7900 Mclaughlin Rd, Brampton) on Saturday, May 25 at 12 pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 1 pm with a reception afterward.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the family may be shared at www.andrewscommunityfuneralcentre.com
In lieu of flowers, donations to World Renew (DRS) would be welcome in honour of Dad: https://worldrenew.ca/disaster-response-services
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