Lawrence Mclean

McLean, Lawrence “Lorne” Michael - Lawrence McLean of Bracebridge passed away peacefully in his 90th year, surrounded by family, at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital on October 31, 2021. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Betty (née Bennett). He is survived by his former spouse, Collette Mortensen (née Moreau), his three children, Cathy (Tom) Trueman, Debbie (Jeff) Crowder, and Michelle (Mike) Ellis, and his step-daughters, Sandy (Wray) Downey and Wendy (Jerry) Knudson. Lawrence was the proud grandfather of Rebecca (Bobby), Jordana (Oren), Sarah (Roey), Bree, Megan, Samantha, Emily, and Abigail. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Eden, Aviya, Lia, Jack, and Noa.

Lawrence was born in Toronto and raised in Richmond Hill with his eleven siblings. At seventeen years old (with his mother’s required permission), Lawrence joined the 1st Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment. At the age of 19, he was deployed to Korea for one year as a paratrooper and machine gunner.

Lawrence was first married in 1960 to Collette Moreau. They moved to Bracebridge in 1977, where he worked for Alcan. Lawrence and Collette were married for 25 years, raising their three daughters together. Lawrence was married to Betty Bennett from 1988 to 2004.

Lawrence was an active member of the Bracebridge Legion, Bracebridge Seniors’ Centre, and Gravenhurst Seniors’ Centre. He made many friends over the years and was an avid card player.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, and Chartwell James Street Retirement Home staff, for their exceptional care.

A private family celebration of life will take place at a later date.

In memory of Lawrence, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society and the Bracebridge Seniors’ Centre and may be arranged through Reynolds Funeral Home. The family would also like to request that, in honour of Lawrence, those who are able to, please get vaccinated. Messages of condolence may be shared at www.reynoldsfuneral.com