We are saddened to announce the death of Dennis Lawrence, a GCI pastor in Montreal Canada. The following announcement is from Dennis’ wife, Lynn Lawrence:
To all our wonderful church family across Canada and the world,
It is with great sadness that I share with you that my husband, Dennis Lawrence, lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday evening, December 7. Although Dennis’ health had been declining slowly, he was home and reasonably independent up until the Wednesday before his death; even attending a pastors’ meeting of churches in the area we have our services in Montreal. The change between Wednesday and Thursday was dramatic and he entered a hospice center on Friday. During the last few days of his life Dennis was surrounded almost continually by his whole immediate family, including my mother and his sister, and we were able to be there with him as he drew his last breath.
It would be impossible to summarize the last 37 years in ministry, but I know he loved it, and all the people he had the privilege of working with and for. He loved the people God gave him the chance to serve.
It is also impossible to adequately express our appreciation for not only the thousands of you who prayed for him, but also the hundreds that took the time to tell us, some repeatedly, that you were praying regularly for Dennis’ healing and peace. All that prayer and love held us up often during his 20-month illness. Please share with your churches how very much we appreciated all the cards, letters and facebook/email messages of love and encouragement. Dennis will be greatly missed by all of us, I know.
-Lynn
Note: you can send Lynn notes of condolence by using the “add a comment” feature below, by emailing them to lynnegbert@yahoo.com, or by sending them to:
Lynn Lawrence 211 De L’ile Blvd Pincourt, PQ J7V 3R6 CANADA
What a sad announcement for all of us who knew and loved Dennis. When I pastored Brandon from 1975 to 1978 Dennis would come and visit as a college student since his home town was Hayfield, Manitoba about 25 miles to the southeast. Then the LA Kings hockey coach in the last decade was from there so that always made me think of Dennis. His enthusiasm and drive will surely be missed but we know he is in a better place with the saints at rest.
God be with you all, Neil and Susan Earle
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, and know he will be lovingly be missed by many. May God, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, stay close to you all, and watch over you and your family during this time of loss and healing.
In Christian Love
Grace Covenant Fellowship
Birmingham, Alabama
USA
Dennis saw beyond the playground in which his work was dedicated and encouraged me to fly. He was a support and grounding when there was no other in my life. I truly loved and appreciated time spent with Dennis and Lynn and family when they were still in Ontario.
Thank you,
Patty
Dear Lynn and girls:
Tammy and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear husband and father. I have such wonderful memories of my time spent with you both there in Montreal and also at Vendee several years back. Dennis’ enthusiasm and humor and dedication to the work of Jesus were and will continue to be an inspiration to many… and we join you in looking forward to a wonderful reunion with him before long… in the meantime, we know He is safe and secure in the arms of the Father He so loved! With warmest regards and blessings, Ross and Tammy Jutsum
HELLO LAWRENCES AND FAMILY, MAY GOD COMFORT AND KEEP YOU NOW AS YOU ADJUST TO YOUR LOSS. THERE ARE NO WORDS ON EARTH THAT CAN EASE YOUR PAIN OR FILL THE VOID LEFT BY YOUR LOVED ONE BUT OUR HOPE IS IN JESUS WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO DEAL WITH SUCH A GREAT LOSS. IT IS HIS WRITTEN WORDS WE GO TO FOR THE GRACE AND MERCY TO HEAL OUR HURT AND PAIN. SO OUR PRAYERS IS FOR GOD TO FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH THE MANY SCRIPTURES HE GAVE US TO COMFORT US, ONE BEING, HE WILL NEVER LEAVE NOR FORSAKE US. GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU AT THIS TIME AND GIVE YOU PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, KNOWING WE WILL SEE OUR LOVED ONES AGAIN. WE ARE ALSO THANKFUL FOR THE MANY YEARS, YOU BOTH SERVED AND FOR THE YEARS OF MARRIAGE GOD BLESSED YOU WITH. LOVE AND BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME.