It is with heavy hearts our family announces the passing of Lawrence Raymond Goodsell, beloved husband of Della Ann Rediker, devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Lawrence leaves to mourn his children Jeffrey (Bonnie), Gregory (Pam) and Kathy (Gary); his grandchildren Heather (Dan), Christopher (Tracey), Andrew (Laura), Joel, Jessica (Owen), Nathaniel and Margaret Ann; and great-grandchildren Kevin, Olivia, Max; Riley, Skylar, Ryder; Hazel, Alexander and Audrey.
He also leaves behind his sisters, Madeline and Rita; brothers Donald (Denise), Russell (Carrie) and Michael and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beautiful, loving mother, Winnie Garceau; father Norman; brother Roger (Nicole); and sisters Caroline and Joyce.
Lawrence was born in Coaticook, Quebec and raised in the border town of Rock Island, Quebec. He attended Stanstead College where he excelled in both academics and athletics, particularly running. (He broke the record in the 220 yard dash in the early 1950s). It is at Stanstead College where he met Della, the love of his life; the two were married a few years later on July 18, 1953 at Beebe Wesley United Church.
During the summer before graduating from Stanstead College, Lawrence enrolled in Cadets in Valcartier, Quebec where he studied mechanics, leading him to a formidable, lifetime career in the trucking and granite industry in the border villages of Beebe, Rock Island and Stanstead, Quebec.
He started his own garage business in Stanstead, then worked a year at Butterfield in Rock Island and later at Rediker Transport. After a number of years, he became Vice President and General Manager, working alongside Della who was in charge of financial operations. Lawrence earned a reputation for being a hard-working, intelligent, trusted businessman within the granite and stone industry. He was known for his meticulous planning of routes for loads of granite (all hand-written in those days) within the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and the Maritimes, as well as Vermont and some New England States. He was not only well-respected within the business community, but was admired by his employees whom he treated with equal respect, fairness and dignity.
These were busy years for Lawrence, as he and Della raised three children and moved to a large farmhouse in Graniteville. Despite working long hours six days a week, Lawrence managed to carve out volunteer time in the community. He was a dedicated hockey coach, teaching life lessons of fair play and sportsmanship along with the skills of the game. His strength of character and commanding presence on the bench earned him the position of President of the Border Minor Hockey League for a term. He was treasurer of the United Church for a number of years and volunteered many hours serving at fundraising dinners at Wesley United Church.
In his later years, he was a valued member of the Rotary Club of the Boundary, attending regular meetings and volunteering at fundraising events at Dufferin Heights Golf Club. He had a reputation for being the last man standing, ensuring everyone and everything was taken care of before leaving.
Lawrence and Della travelled extensively, both for business and pleasure. They attended a number of conventions over the years with The Monument Builders of North America, where they met and became close friends with many business colleagues and associates. They travelled to Hawaii, the Maritimes, Newfoundland and Labrador as well as South Africa to visit granite quarries and diamond mines. They enjoyed several family trips to Florida.
Music was a very important part of Lawrence’s life from early childhood. His Gibson guitar brought him great joy and he strummed daily throughout his life into his early nineties, singing beautifully and harmonizing with Della.
Family was always the most important part of Lawrence’s life. He always made time to attend sports and music events, celebrating the achievements of his children and after retirement, enjoyed the accomplishments of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He and Della were close by after the birth of each one of them, both in Stanstead and in Ontario. He was proud of his family and took every opportunity to impart his knowledge and experience, strong sense of justice, and the importance of hard work, kindness and generosity. The yearly family reunions hosted both at the farmhouse and at the lake were among Lawrence and Della’s most treasured memories. Countless friends and family share fond stories of being graciously welcomed into their homes year-round.
Lawrence spent his last two years with Della at VIVA Retirement Community in Ottawa where they met new friends and enjoyed many music and fitness activities, gardening, delicious meals and relaxing outside on their balcony. They also loved the many drives in the country and outings with family and friends for special celebrations, concerts and local festivals in the area.
Sadly, Dementia reached a stage which required Lawrence to move into a Long Term Care Home. He passed away peacefully at the Royal Ottawa Hospital.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date in Stanstead, Quebec.
A Reception will be held at VIVA Retirement Community on Sunday, March 15th from 2-4 pm. Family and friends are welcome to join us.
Our family would like to thank the staff at VIVA Barrhaven, Fairview Manor and the Royal Ottawa Hospital for their compassionate care. Donations to The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada would be greatly appreciated.