Obituary of Lawrence Bird
March 26,1935 – November 16, 2023
He leaves behind his grieving wife Lillian, daughter Laura, grandchildren Matthew and Collin, his son Eric (Fred), and nephews and nieces Linda, Dan, Darryl, Shannon, and Lauren. Lawrence was pre-deceased by his two brothers Norman (Margaret) and Steven (Norma).
Our family shares the incredibly sad news of the death of Lawrence Garfield Bird on November 16, 2023, at the age of 88 years.
Lawrence was born in Toronto, Ontario on March 26, 1935.
He was the middle child to the late Robert Alexander Bird and Lillian Doreen (nee Clegg) Bird who were, also, born in Toronto, Ontario.
As a young lad, he attended Withrow Avenue Junior Public School, Queen Alexandra Middle School, and Riverdale Collegiate Institute all located in the east end of Toronto, Ontario.
Directly following high school, Lawrence joined the Royal Canadian Navy where he completed his basic training at the base in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. Subsequently, he sailed with the Canadian Forces out of Cornwallis, Nova Scotia.
Lawrence met the beautiful Lillian Veronica Theriault at a dance at the Olympic Gardens Banquet Hall and fell in love. They were married November 30, 1957, at Saint James Anglican Church, Halifax, Nova Scotia. The couple moved to Ontario in 1961. They had a daughter, Laura and with great love, adopted a son, Eric. Over the years they lived in the Toronto Beaches, Scarborough, St. Catharines, and Burlington. Lawrence and Lillian were truly in love and devoted to each other for almost 66 years.
In 1963, he purchased a magnificent piece of waterfront land on Wolf Lake (now known as part of the Kawartha Highlands) and built a cottage which the family cherished for 22 years.
“Larry” was a well spoken and fun guy who was involved with the Royal Canadian Legion and Masons for years. He found joy in swimming, caring for tropical fish, sketching, playing darts, home renovation, woodworking, scuba diving, travelling, and being a grandfather to his two grandsons Matthew and Collin. He was a dad that gave big hugs, a stern eye, and a great big smile.
An emptiness lingers in the room and with it a deepening hole in our hearts. Dad was the reliable force that held us together. He loved, worked hard, played, set the rules, and had laughter that was contagious. He believed in truth, honor, and integrity.
Love, for Canada and creatures large and small, is instilled in our hearts because of him.
Miss him, love him.
We welcome you to celebrate his life with us on Thursday, November 23, 2023 with visiting from 12:15 p.m. until 1:15 p.m. at the eco Life Celebration Centre-Chapel of St. John's Norway Cemetery (256 Kingston Road at Woodbine Avenue, Toronto). A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 1:15 p.m. followed by burial on-site.
Guests attending are asked to park in the cemetery laneway facing north after entering the Kingston Road cemetery gates. The Chapel entry is on the east side of the building to your left. Additional guest parking is also available on Kingston Road.
We invite you to share a favourite photo, story, or sentiment of Lawrence’s life here at his memorial legacy page.
Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.
-Modern Funerals-
