Lawrence "Larry" Birk McGuire

It is with great sorrow that we announce that Larry's struggle with brain cancer came to an end on October 18th at Emmanuel House Hospice just twelve days prior to his 73rd birthday. Throughout the past three years his sense of humour and goodness have shone through even the most difficult of circumstances. He is survived by his adoring wife Sharon (nee Burditt); his sons: Joe (Lauren) and Josh (Cori); his step-children: Erin (Diana), Jonathan, Alanna (Marc) and Heather (Spencer); and his much-loved grandchildren: Ellis, Claire, Nathaniel, Ainslie and Molly. Larry is predeceased by his parents, John and Barbara; his younger brother, Paul; his father-in-law, William Burditt; and his brother-in-law, Brian Burditt. Also left to mourn his loss are his in-laws, Marguerite Burditt, Susan Burditt and Barb & Don Marshall, and his very good friends Bob & Ruth, Nathan & Audrey and June. Many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces/nephews will have special memories of his love of life.

Larry left his mark in many ways over his lifetime: as a front-line worker at Covenant House Toronto for 32 years; as the Akela of the 119th Hamilton Cub Pack; as Captain Bubble doing fun and informative demonstrations for kids all over the Hamilton area; as a baseball coach in house league baseball; as the editor of “The Danforth Divulger” and its sequel “The Daily Toadstool” highlighting the adventures of The Intrepid Stewart Ayukawa; and as a wonderful neighbour, both in Westdale for 20 years and most recently in Crown Point for 17 years.

Larry’s love of baseball did not end with his loyalty to the Blue Jays. He also loved to cheer on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the Buffalo Bisons, and other teams within driving distance. With his good friend Nathan from Covenant House, he would do “baseball outings” that would often entail a trip to Buffalo and either Rochester or Erie to catch two games in one day! Since his retirement he spent many happy hours at the computer, and travelling to area cemeteries with his cousin Dave Williamson, researching his family tree. Through this research he formed many relationships, some on-line and some in person, with new “cousins”. His other life-long passion was fishing, a past-time which Sharon and he shared for many years and in many different settings. Sharing this passion with his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews over the years was a joy of which he never grew tired.

“Lawrence B” and “my Sharon” were fortunate to be able to travel to many different places over the years. Their annual trips to Myrtle Beach, accompanied for many years by Don & Barb, and more recently by their good friends Bob & Ruth, were always greatly anticipated. Visiting Florida with Don & Barb was wonderful. Their annual time at Littles Cottages was a high point in their summer, especially when some of the “kids” could come along. On their first trip to Mexico in 2007, they became friends with Alan & Margaret, from the UK. This friendship continues to this day and was strengthened by two separate visits to the UK. One of Larry’s fondest memories was of their trip to Ireland, during which they made lasting friends: John & Gail from Australia, and Mike & Maggie from North Carolina. These friendships have also continued with visits to N.C. and visits from Australia. During the summer of 2019, they were fortunate enough to enjoy two trips to Nova Scotia which were a highlight of this difficult three year journey.

When Nathan & Audrey married five years ago he couldn’t have been happier for these two wonderful friends. Wherever Larry went he made friends. But his greatest legacy, and the source of his deepest pride, lies in his roles as father, step-father and grandfather. His sense of humour, his enjoyment of the everyday moments, and his "Larryisms" will remain with us all.

A special thank you goes out to Drs. Hirte, Hann and Whitton at JCC and their staff. Also to the many PSWs who shared this journey with us, especially Shirlann, Mona, Jen, Samira and Mariella. The volunteers from the Cancer Assistance Program, drivers and others, helped in so many ways. The wonderful staff at Emmanuel House Hospice made these last few weeks more bearable with their compassionate and loving care of both Larry and the family, and aided him in dying with dignity.

Larry was also very grateful for the wonderful support of our church family at The Salvation Army Winterberry Heights. Their prayers, cards, phone calls and the visit of the band at Emmanuel House meant a great deal to him.

In accordance with the regulations of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario due to COVID-19, all visitations, funerals and interments are restricted to a specified number of attendees. All visitors will be required to wear a face covering, as well as provide name and telephone number to funeral home staff. Friends and family are invited to the Markey-Dermody Funeral Home, 1774 King Street East (at Kenilworth) on Friday October 23rd from 2-4 & 6-9 p.m. Please follow the directions of the funeral home staff upon arrival. A private service will be held in the funeral home chapel, with cremation and a private interment at a later date. Larry supported many charities during his life and donations in his memory, in lieu of flowers, to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

“Life is a time-limited offer” he said when he first heard his diagnosis. Lawrence B., we were so fortunate to share that life with you. #143