Obituary of Francis A. Lawrence

North Creek: Francis A. “Red” Lawrence, 83, of Main Street, passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side, Thursday, August 8, 2013 at the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born September 16, 1929 in Johnsburg, he was the son of the late Theodore and Blanche (Charlebois) Lawrence. Affectionately known as Red, he began his schooling in a one room school house in North River, later attending Indian Lake Central School. Red was employed by Ward Lumber Co. in Newcomb before relocating to Schenectady, where he worked at the American Locomotive Plant. He joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served his country as a tank mechanic during the Korean Conflict; he was honorably discharged in 1953. Francis married Sylvia Sawyer on July 30, 1955. He then started his career as a carpenter and master craftsman, building homes throughout the North Country, including the home he built for his family in North Creek, and his daughter and her family in Johnsburg. He was a millwright at T.C. Murphy Lumber Company for many years. He encouraged many young men to take up the building trade and was always willing to meet a challenge and see it through, always taking great pride in his work. Perseverance and hard work were a part of him throughout his life and enjoying county music and a good time along the way. Red also studied with the Industrial Engineering Institute and received his diploma in Operating Engineers and Superintendent Training in Muncie, Indiana in 1964. He obtained his GED through the NY Authorizing Operation Recognition program, giving war veterans a chance to receive a degree; as he had to quit school his senior year to help his father work and support their family. Red was a member of the Wevertown Vol. Fire Dept. from 1955-1966 before transferring to the North Creek Dept. after moving his family. He was a driver on the Ambulance Squad for many years, as well as a member of the American Legion Post 629 for 43 years, and served in the Honor Guard Rifle Squad. He was an avid gun collector and enjoyed rebuilding and refurbishing pistols and rifles. Red had a great love for hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and camping with his friends and family. He was a loving husband, father, and grandpa. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his sisters, Ruth Whible and Helen Gregory, and his brothers, Theodore Jr., William, Frank, George, and John Lawrence. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Sylvia “Sib” Lawrence of North Creek; his two daughters, Vicki Sarris and her husband, William of Pebble Beach, CA, and Julie Dunkley and her husband, Nathaniel Jr. of Johnsburg; a granddaughter, Rachael Dunkley; a sister, Blanche Perrin of Malone; a brother, Robert Lawrence and his wife, Judy of Gansevoort; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may call on Red’s family from 12 to 2 pm, Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A funeral service to celebrate Red’s life will follow the visitation at 2 pm beginning with a brief American Legion ceremony and concluding with Steve Smith, Chaplain of High Peaks Hospice, officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Bates Cemetery, Johnsburg. Pall bearers will be Nathaniel Dunkley, Jr., Gary Lawrence, William Lawrence, Scott Lawrence, Don Filkins, and Kyle Locke. Red’s family would like to thank Dr. Daniel Way, Dr. James Hindson, Chaplain Steve Smith and the nurses of High Peaks Hospice, as well as his caregivers and the staff at the Adirondack Tri-Country Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for the wonderful and devoted care they provided him. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.