Obituary of Lawrence Lester Black

Lawrence passed away peacefully on August 5, 2014 with family by his side after a 5 year decline in health following surgery for stomach cancer. Lawrence was born on September 4, 1923 in Kindersley, Saskatchewan. He grew up as an only child to parents Arthur and Marie Black. When his mother died an untimely death when Lawrence was 5 years old, he spent several years living in uncertain conditions between kind, but poor relatives in the dirty thirties and the Woods Christian Home Orphanage. When he was about 10 years old he was reunited to live with his father in Turner Valley. Lawrence loved Turner Valley where he spent many hours with his horse, Silver as he loved horseback riding. He had many friends while in the Valley, many whom he remained connected with through his lifetime. When Lawrence was 17 years old he enlisted in the armed forces and after training in Vancouver he was deployed overseas. He spent time in London and was part of the troops who participated in the liberation of Belgium and Holland. When Lawrence returned from overseas he continued on with his trade of welding which he had the opportunity to learn while in the service. Shortly thereafter he met Shirley Galloway who was the love of his life and they were married in 1950. A job opportunity brought the young couple to Stettler where they lived thereafter. Lawrence had a successful oilfield welding business and he continued on welding for family and friends for many years following his retirement. Lawrence experienced many years of good health that allowed him to raise his horses and work with them up until about 5 years ago. He was a man who worked hard and played hard and will be sadly missed by his family. Lawrence was predeceased by his wife Shirley (Galloway) in 2010. He is survived by his four children: Barry, Laurene (Jim Blaney), Howie and Dwain (Lorna). In addition he leaves 6 grandsons, 3 granddaughters and 1 great grandson to mourn his passing, numerous cousins and a host of friends will miss his quick wit and great sense of humor. The family would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Home Care Staff, Paragon Place, Pine Ridge and most recently Heritage House where dad received the best possible care. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 2:00 PM in the Heartland Chapel of Stettler Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to SHSF – Home Care or charity of choice c/o Stettler Funeral Home, Box 1780, Stettler, AB, T0C 2L0.