Lawrence Clayton Lavender
May 30, 1944 ~ January 7, 2010
Lawrence Clayton Lavender lost his two-year battle with cancer at the age of 65 on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at the Creston Valley Hospital with all of his family at his side.
Lawrence was born on May 30, 1944, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and grew up on a farm in Chaplin, Saskatchewan. In 1962, he graduated from Chaplin High School and went on to Teachers' College. He later completed his Bachelor of Education at University of Saskatchewan and his Masters in Education at Gonzaga University.
From 1963 to 1967, Lawrence taught elementary school in Kamsack, Saskatchewan. It was there that he met the love of his life, Margaret Rose. In 1967, he and soon-to-be-wife Margaret moved to Creston, BC. On July 14, 1968, Lawrence and Margaret were married in England and in 1971 started their family with the birth of their son, Christopher and in 1974, a daughter, Amy. Settling in Creston allowed Lawrence to build a life full of all the things that he loved: family, good friends, gardening, fishing, cross-country skiing, camping, home-improvement projects, photography, travel and his career in education.
Lawrence's career in Creston began as Teacher/Librarian at Creston (Adam Robertson) Elementary School. He then became District Librarian, District Resource Centre Coordinator and, finally, Director of Instruction for the local School District. Lawrence retired in 1999, allowing him time to serve on Council for the Town of Creston for two terms and to focus on his passion for libraries, continuing his service as Chairperson of the Creston Public Library Board, and President of both the BC Library Trustees Association and the Canadian Library Trustees. During his 42 years in Creston, Lawrence was a member of Creston Jaycees (Senator #27578), a dedicated Rotarian, serving two terms as Club President, and an avid volunteer.
Lawrence will be most remembered for his warmth, integrity, humour, strength of character and sense of community.
Lawrence is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, son, Christopher of Edmonton, AB, daughter, Amy (Douglas) McShane of Canmore, AB, brothers Leonard (Ellen) of Chemainus, BC, Tom (Joan) of Sherwood Park, AB, John (Wendy) of Edmonton, AB, sister Helen (Ken) Horsman of Saskatoon, SK and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Leonard and Mary Lavender of Chaplin, SK.
The Celebration of Life Service was held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at the Trinity United Church, with Pastor Harry Haberstock officiating.
A Private family interment of ashes to take place at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Erickson, BC.
Friends wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to: Creston Public Library Lawrence Lavender Reading Garden, 31 - 16 Ave. S., Creston, BC V0B 1G5 or BC Cancer Foundation, 601 - West 10 Ave. Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3 or The Rotary Foundation, Box 954, Creston, BC V0B 1G0