It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Brian Forbes Lawrence late in the evening on Saturday, June 15th at the age of 73 after a courageous battle with cancer that began in 2016. Surrounded by his loving family in his final moments, he was a man of immense humour, wisdom, and love, cherishing every moment with his loved ones. Initially given only three to six months to live upon diagnosis, Brian defied expectations through numerous surgeries and treatments, all while growing his business and being a world class father and husband. His two greatest passions were his family and his business. He even named his business after his three children. His resilience, optimism, and unwavering dedication to both his personal and professional life will forever serve as an inspiration to our family.

In 1979, Brian married the love of his life, Vetta, whom he met on his 25th birthday in 1975. Together, Brian and Vetta built a beautiful family and had three children: Jessica, Jonathan, and Katie. Their children grew up and each met an incredible life partner to spend their lives with: Brett Shacklady for Jessica, Cassandra McCutcheon for Jonathan, and Mica Hervas for Katie. In 2022, Brett and Jessica had their first child giving Brian and Vetta their first grandchild: Sloane May Shacklady. Born and raised in Toronto, Brian was a passionate supporter of Toronto sports teams, particularly the Blue Jays and the Maple Leafs.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Lawrence, his father, Forbes Lawrence, his father-in-law, John Durat and is survived by wife Vetta, his children Jessica (Brett), Jon (Cassandra), Katie (Mica), his brothers Gordon Lawrence (Tricia) and Lindsay Lawrence (Diane), his mother-in-law Enrica Durat, his sister-in-laws Gabriella Brescacin (Ben) and Loretta Durat and his five nephews and nieces.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Brian's life at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel:
Visitation: Friday, June 21st 5pm – 8pm
Service of Remembrance: Saturday, June 22nd at 1pm
Please join us after the Service of Remembrance for some libations and appetizers at Bellona Kitchen: https://bellonakitchen.ca/

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Brian Lawrence's name to Bethell Hospice. We will continue to honour his legacy by living our lives to the fullest – everyday.