Tribute

Lawrence Kenneth Elliott was born in Vancouver, BC, in 1942 to Albert and Olive Grace (McIntyre) Elliott. His father left to serve in WWII shortly after his birth, so Lawrie and his mom spent over three years living with his grandparents. His sister, Ruth, joined the family in 1946.  Lawrie belonged to a fun-loving extended family and had a happy childhood with his sister, grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles. His family often enjoyed days at the beach and camping together.

Lawrie and Doreen became lifelong sweethearts at UBC as they pursued their degrees in education. They were married in 1968, and Doreen will always cherish the certainty of his unconditional love.

Children were at the heart of Lawrie’s life. He was an art teacher in Vancouver at Chief Maquinna School, and in those days, one of his classes had 44 boys. From 1970 to 1998, he taught elementary school at Chilliwack Central, Cultus Lake, Sardis, and Strathcona.

In 1970, Lawrie and Doreen moved to a small acreage in Yarrow, where their little house was expanded twice. Lawrie planted fruit trees, berries, grapes, and abundant vegetables each year.  He also tended chickens, sheep, and a beef cow.

He loved being Dad to his five children: Rebecca (Don) Sagert, Susan (Mark) Friesen, Kathleen (Dave) Manuel, Joel (Michelle) Elliott, and James (Jen) Elliott.  Lawrie was a very involved dad. He loved making breakfast for his family, especially fresh bread, and his special scones. The children have fond memories of the cartoons that greeted them on the hallway board, often transporting them to the land of Pago Pago. At Christmas, he stuffed pillows into his Santa suit and arrived with goodies for everyone.

Summer family time was spent camping, hiking, picnicking, working on the property, and tackling indoor projects together. Time with cousins Andrew, Daniel, and Doug at Auntie Ruth and Uncle Bob Mukai’s cabin at Mabel Lake remains a treasured memory.  Becoming a grandfather was one of Lawrie’s greatest joys. His grandchildren are Anna, Izzy, Theo, Benjamin, Lewis, Alex, Charlie, Elias, Liam, Milo, and Connor. They shared treasured
memories with their fun and attentive “Grampy” or “Papa”, spending time on the little farm, learning and exploring together, and enjoying special trips with him.

An outdoor enthusiast, Lawrie loved tending his acreage, gardening, walking the dyke, running, hiking, and camping.  After retirement, Lawrie volunteered for many years with the Abbotsford Salvation Army. At the Centre of Hope, he prepared and served lunch every Friday. He also led services in local care homes. He and Doreen served on two short-term mission trips to Guatemala and Uganda and travelled across Canada and to the British Isles.

We are grateful for the excellent, compassionate care provided by the staff at Cottage Pavilion during the last years Lawrie lived with dementia. He passed peacefully into the presence of God on July 28, 2026.  The whole family felt his gentle and unwavering love. Lawrie’s legacy of kindness, love for his family and others, and steadfast faith in God will live on. He was a man of integrity and a true gentleman.

A celebration of Lawrie’s life will be held on August 13 th at 11:00 a.m. at Yarrow M.B. Church, 41995 Yarrow Central Road.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Bowls of Hope, or the Salvation Army.