Obituary of Lawrence Robie Manuel

With sadness the family of Lawrence Robie Manuel announce his passing on July 7th, 2018 at the Veteran's Health Unit at the age of 96. Born in Dartmouth, NS on May 7, 1922, he was the son of the late Charles and Helena (Isoner) Manuel. Lawrence married the love of his life in 1946, Marie Viola DeCoste and they spent 48 wonderful years together. He missed her dearly after her passing in November of 1994. He is survived by his two sons, Keith (Huguette) of Hanwell, Wayne (Paula) of Quispamsis and one daughter, Glenys (Terry Arsenault) of Hanwell. He also leaves behind five wonderful grandchildren that he was so proud of, Kimberly, Dennis, Laura (Jonathan), Jared, Marc and one great granddaughter, Josephine. Lawrence was the second oldest in his family of five brothers, Carleton, Milton, Kenneth, Ronnie and Wayborne as well as three sisters, Glenys, Helen and Betty, all from Nova Scotia. Lawrence served on the Halifax light-boats protecting the Halifax harbour prior to joining the Canadian Army in 1943. He served overseas with the post WWII German Occupation Forces and peacekeeping. He was posted across Canada from Sydney to Winnipeg being attached to various regiments with his final posting to CFB Gagetown. He retired in 1972 as Sargent with RCEME, having served for 29 years. After military life, for a short time he worked as a civilian at Base Gagetown and then at Optical Fashion Manufacturing in Oromocto. He went on to work with the Sutherland Group of companies including Toyota/ Honda and Marine Equipment. He enjoyed his job as company carrier and shuttle driver, meeting numerous people over the years. He continued to work there for 10 years until his retirement in 1989. Known by most as Larry, he was involved in both curling and bowling over the years. He also spent many long hours in his large vegetable garden on his property next to the Oromocto River. He stayed active later in life with senior carpet bowling at the Oromocto Rec Centre and was a great crib player. All year long he was seen regularly going for daily walks along the walking trails and in the neighborhood. Lawrence was a devoted husband and family man who was always grateful for the many blessings in his life. As in life he dealt with his alzheimers with both dignity and grace. He never complained and was appreciative of all those who helped him along the way. As he is reunited with Vi, may he now rest in peace. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of the Gagetown Special Care Home and to the Veteran's Health Unit for the care and compassion given to their Dad. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Thursday, July 12th, 2018 at 11:00 am with Fr. Paul Bebodu as celebrant. Interment will take place immediately following in the the adjoining cemetery. In lieu of visitation, all are welcome to greet the family at a reception, in the church hall between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm, including those unable to attend mass. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations made in Lawrence's memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Society, the Breast Cancer Society or to the charity of the donor's choice. Oromocto Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.