John Alan "Al" Lawrence –
80, Bible Hill, passed away Monday, August 28, 2017, at
Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Halifax, he was
the oldest son of the late John A. and Eudora M. (O’Brien)
Lawrence.
Al worked with the Royal Bank for nearly 40 years, mainly
managing branches in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. After retirement
from banking, he became a residential property appraiser in the Truro
area. Al took pride in maintaining his own home and those of other
family members. He also enjoyed travel and spending time with friends.
He took immense pleasure from his fiddle which he "played
with" for over 60 years, enjoying jam sessions with friends and
entertaining other folks. He was involved with several service clubs
and boards of volunteer organizations throughout his banking career
and in retirement. He was an active member of the Masonic Order for 49
years, holding various offices in Temple Lodge #57 (Mulgrave) and
Stewiacke Lodge #98. He served on Grand Lodge committees and boards,
and served as District Deputy Grand Master for Colchester County. He
was a member of the United Church of Canada, serving on a number of
committees and in various capacities as well as being a choir member
for most of his adult life.
Al is survived by his daughter, Audrey (Steve) Fultz, Bible
Hill; son, Will (Sue Ellen) Lawrence, Maitland, Hants County;
grandchildren, Matt and Emily Fultz and Caleb and Kathleen Lawrence;
all of whom he loved and of whom he was very proud. He is also
survived by his sister, Helen Lawrence, Maitland; brothers, Douglas
and Terry (Margi) of Halifax; sisters-in-law, Nancy MacDonald, Guelph,
Ontario; Barbara Carpenter, Stellarton. Along with his parents, he was
predeceased by his beloved and respected wife of 45 years, Beverly
(MacDonald) Lawrence (2008); sisters, Lillian Hill (2009) and Ruth
Main (2013).
All are welcome to join Al’s family for a
celebration of his life which will include music, story-telling,
jokes, refreshments and an open mic that will be held from 2-4 p.m.,
Saturday, October 7, 2017, at Bible Hill Fire Hall, 69 Pictou
Road, Bible Hill. Interment will be held at a later date in Oak Island
Cemetery, Maitland, Hants County. Honouring Al’s wishes, his
remains have been donated to Dalhousie University Medical School for
advancement of Medical Education and Research. Dad's kind and generous
spirit touched many people. In lieu of flowers and donations, please
consider paying forward an act of kindness in his memory. Private
messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing
Al’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A
Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com