Obituary of Lawrence George Locke
I Lawrence (Larry) G Locke, loving husband, and companion for 52 years to the late Irene (Tierney) (December 31 2004), and my first wife Katherine Long (Holden) (May 16, 2008); passed away August 12th, 2023 at 96 years old.
Predeceased by my father, Reginald Wm Locke (1965), my mother, Eleanor C Locke (Purcer) (1984), sister Emily (1997) and her husband Bruce Holden (2001); Sister Muriel (2021) and her husband Morley Randall (2003), brother Robert (Bob), Wm Locke (2007), and his wife Dorothy (2005), sister Thelma (2023) and her husband Bob Hatt (2014), and my fur baby Sargent (1981).
Survived by many nephews and nieces, along with countless good friends during my lifetime. I also leave behind my daughter, Elizabeth Gasparini, granddaughter Kimberly (Adam) Lewis and grandson Gregory Gasparini, great granddaughters, Ashley Lewis, and Maya Lewis; and great, great granddaughter Ava Meyer.
Lawrence will be sadly missed by his nephew Robert N Locke and his family, as well as his niece Beverly A. Dilse and her family.
Lawrence was born here in St. Catharines on May 15, 1927, in what was known as Grantham Township and has helped with the community in numerous ways, including donations to help build the Kiwanis Aquatic Centre, in loving memory of his wife, Irene. Also, many donations to The Grantham Lions Club, The Port Dalhousie Yacht Club (where Lawrence had a lifetime membership), and various other places.
During WW2, Lawrence joined the 9th Elementry Flying and Training School in Aircraft Maintenance; was transferred to Victory Aircraft in Malton Ontairo with the Inspection Department on the Lancaster Bomber, then transferred to 1st Air Observers School in the instrumentation department, returning home after the war. Lawrence then worked at McKinnon Industry, Thompson Products and then to the St. Catharines Public Utilities Commission (Hydro) Engineering Department as Technical Supervisor. He also specialized in street lighting for the city of St. Catharines for 34 years, retiring in 1983 at an early age to take care of his ailing wife (Irene).
During Lawrence’s time with St. Catharines Public Utilities Commission (Hydro) Lawrence was proud to have designed and carried out to completion the new lighting along St. Paul St. and James St. (1960). He also designed and helped build the St. Catharines Public Utilities Commission’s float for the 1953 Coronation Day Parade.
Lawrence attended the Cathedral of St. Catharines of Alexandria. Lawrence also participated in many community activities including the St. Catharines Public Services Committee for over 20 years; Fire Fighting, Traffic and Safety Committees, St. Catharines Civic Bowling League, Industrial Softball League and was Scout Master for the 3rd St. Catharines Troup. He also loved piano music, enjoyed playing guitar, golfing, fishing, swimming, and being a swimming trainer, as well as the art of boxing. He was always available if someone needed help.
Lawrence completed educational courses on Local Government at Brock University, Heating and Air Conditioning with Ontario Hydro, Street Lighting and Commercial Lighting in Hendersonville North Carolina. Lawrence was a past Commodore of The Port Dalhousie Yacht Club, former member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, Great Lakes and Lake of Bays Association, Sunnyside Hunt Club and Maple Leaf Rifle and Revolver Club Sharp Shooters. Lawrence enjoyed cruising the Great Lakes, Muskoka Lakes, and Tributaries, and the time spent at his chalet in Baysville Ontario, and Florida with friends.
To all that made my life a pleasant one, I thank you! To those who have helped Irene and I through a difficult time, I wish you well. Thank you to each and everyone who cared. I would also like to thank W. Ray Pfaff, my mentor and manager of St. Catharines Hydro and his wonderful wife Kay.
A private family service was held at the George Darte Funeral Chapel with Interment in Victoria Lawn Cemetery.
The Centennial Staff at Henley House cared for Lawrence with tenderness, kindness and patience and we are grateful. We cannot thank them enough for the support they gave us as a family.
