COLBOURNE, Lawrence
Sydney
The family of Lawrence Colbourne are heartbroken to announce that he passed away peacefully on Friday, June 10, 2022, at the age of 63, in his hometown of Sydney, N.S., while surrounded by his loved ones. His battle with Lewy Bodies and Parkinsons had finally taken its toll on his body, but it demonstrated his courage in facing all of life’s challenges with a smile while surrounded by those he loved and held dearest. Despite his persistent struggle, Lawrence came out a hero and stayed incredibly strong until the end.
Lawrence met the love of his life, Lorraine while growing up as neighbours and at the age of 19, knew he met his soulmate. They spent the next 45 years together, married for 40 of those great years. It was love in its purest form, and she loved and supported him in every challenge they faced together on their journey through life. She cared for him throughout his entire eight-year battle with dementia and never left his bedside, always holding his hand and letting him know how much she loved him. Lorraine was and will forever be fiercely loyal to her husband. Together, they had two children, Jonathan and Melissa, who he loved dearly. His wife and children meant the world to him, and he was a loving husband, father, son and brother. Lawrence loved visits from his children's animals.
Jonathan's dog, Athena who was always protective and gentle with him, as well as Melissa's two cats, Ronan and Lucifer who often visited and cuddled him in bed or on the couch. Lawrence was hardworking and compassionate towards everyone and was so deserving of the successful and rewarding life that he so enjoyed with his family. His work ethic and caring nature were infectious and are only a few of his many great traits. Lawrence's love was unconditional, and this is something that all who knew him will continue to cherish most about his character. He will be remembered by all for his kindness and generosity. His final act of kindness to this world was raising $2,200 for the Alzheimer's Society Walk this past May.
In his pastime, Lawrence enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, darts and playing cards. He also enjoyed many outings in the woods hunting with his friends, brothers and son. He took pleasure spending time alone with his daughter and wife on fishing trips, especially to his favorite spot in Englishtown. Lawrence enjoyed his yearly trips to P.E.I, to see his in-laws where they would fish, golf, enjoy good conversation and strolls within Naufrage accompanied by his good friend and brother-in-law, Eric. For years, Lawrence worked at the Canadian Tire store in Sydney prior to changing positions to Scotsburn Dairy. He worked until his health forced him to stop.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Lorraine; son, Jonathan (Lindsey); daughter, Melissa; mother, Mary; brothers, Robert (Danette), William (Dale), Rodney (Donna), Bradley (Karen), David (Marlene), Steven (Doreen) and Reginald; and three sisters, Marie (Dean), Nancy (Robert) and Brenda. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Reginald and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence and Mary Brewer, as well as Mr. William Colbourne and Mrs. Florence Graham. Lawrence would have wanted us to mention and thank the incredible display of love from his sister, Nancy who spent every week with him for years following his diagnosis. He looked forward to her visits, walks and the treats she would often bring. Also, to his best friend since childhood and brother-in-law, Patrick Sullivan for being a good friend, extending a helping hand whenever needed. To his mother, Mary, Dad loved and cherished his weekly visits, loved you dearly and will surely watch over you alongside his father.
The family would like to thank Britney who was his nurse in 4C for her endless compassion, the entire team in Palliative care, as well as Drs. Abboud, Ritcey and Kelly-Wiggins. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia or the An Cala, Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Visiting hours are on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Sydney Memorial Chapel, with a ceremony to follow before being laid to rest. Lawrence will be honored with a Funeral Mass on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 11 a.m. in St. Theresa’s Church with Rev. Dennis Lamey officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialc hapel.ca or email sydneymemorialchapel@ns. sympatico.ca.
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die"