May 1, 1939 – May 9, 2026
Lawrence Clarie Frowen passed away unexpectedly on May 9, 2026, days after celebrating his 87th birthday.
Born May 1, 1939, Lawrence grew up on Red River Road, where the front door was always open to family and service members passing through town.
Educated locally, he attended Pine St School and Port Arthur Technical School.
His car, his beloved 1953 MGTD remained in his garage (and sometimes our basement) throughout our entire lives. Originally his everyday car, he began the longest ground up restoration project, completing it some 30 years after he began. He enjoyed that experience so much, he soon acquired a second car and began working on one while driving the other. He could often be seen driving around town, participating at Cruise Nights or at Vintage Car gatherings along the north shore. The MG made a couple of trips to BC in its lifetime.
He was a founding member of the Thunder Bay Autosport Club and spent many summers at rally’s and gymkhanas, and winters on the ice with the IIRA.
Lawrence joined the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment in 1956 after meeting the age requirement. He remained active through to 1968, when the Colonel tried to promote him.
A founding member of the 2511 LSSR Army Cadet Corps, he re-engaged with the Corps as a rifle coach when Gordon’s involvement in the Corps grew.
Dad’s work ethic was something he passed on to his children. Do your job, any job, to the very best of your ability and treat others with respect. From his start at Shop – Easy, to his time at the Elevators and the Department of Highways, to the Thunder Bay Jail and MacMillan Bloedel, to Garden Lake Timber, Gerry’s Job Site Trailers and finally Arnone Terminals, dad always gave it his all.
Lawrence was often found puttering in the yard, the workshop or the garage. Known to the children in the neighbourhood as Mr Fix-it, he was often called upon to repair bikes, fill tires, or fix a broken toy. Its no wonder that he so enjoyed becoming a grandfather and liked nothing more than watching his girls explore and grow. He was incredibly proud of the women they became.
When not working in the yard, or fixing something in the garage, he could be found at Tim Horton’s, or with his feet up, cheering on his beloved Toronto Blue Jays on TV, or with his nose buried in western novel.
Lawrence is survived by his children Gordon (Diane) and Gwen (Warren), his granddaughters Courtney (Travis), Tabitha (Andrew) and Amber, and his great-grandchildren Lukas, Fiona, Bruce Wayne, Arlove and Ren. He is also survived by his brother Michael (Joyce), Brother and Sister-in-law John and Peggy Maryschak, Sister-in-law MaryAnne Palanio and numerous nieces and nephews whom he cherished.
He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years Trudy, parents Violet and Clarence, and sisters Dorothy and Margaret.
The family wish to express their thanks to the staff of 3C at St Joseph’s for their kindness and compassion.
A Celebration of Life for Lawrence will take place on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street, officiated by Reverend Nancy Ringham. Those unable to attend in person may join the celebration via livestream at www.sargentandson.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. On-line condolences can be made at www.sargentandson.com.
