Obituary of Darryl Paul Lawrence

Our Love Story

This is not an Obituary, rather a snap shot of our love story and the legacy Darryl has left behind.

Darryl Paul Lawrence was born on June 12th, 1972. He is the son of Bonnie (nee. Robinson) and Gary Lawrence, siblings Dwayne Lawrence (Vanessa) and Debbie Misch (Chris). Darryl grew up in Hensall Ontario, making many lifelong friends along the way. He would tell you he was the favourite Nephew of all of his loving Aunts and Uncles.

Beloved Husband, Best Friend and Life Partner of Sheri (Zacher) Lawrence. The most amazing Father anyone has ever seen to Cassidy, Courey and Nicole. Promoted 15 months ago to “World’s Best Pops” to his beautiful Granddaughter Colette. Darryl shared a special bond with his fur family: Kermit, Sampson, Denver and Rip. He is now reunited with his fur baby, angel Josie. 

His family was his everything, the heartbeat of his world. He had a very special bond with his Mother and Father in law, Carol and Gary Zacher. He loved the many adventures he had with Big Guy (Gary) as they shared so many common interests. He loved having another sister to pick on from the moment he met his Sister in Law Jennifer Bluhm, and he went out of his way to convince his Brother in Law Don Bluhm, to participate in the strangest shenanigans. Life Lesson: “If someone asks you to dress up as a fisherman and carry an anchor with you to go trick or treating, you should always say “NO”. Also proud Big Brother to his honorary Sister Cari Milligan who he loved to cook for and get her opinion on his latest recipes.

Uncle D was the very proud Uncle to Emma, Maddie, Ben, Morgan, Malaya and Danika. Honorary Uncle to Rachael, Alyssa, Montana and Hunter. There will never be the right words to describe how much he loved being an Uncle to each of you.

With an unconditional love for his bonus Son, John Smibert and the most genuine care for all of the boys who enthusiastically nicknamed him “D-Rail”, he was often found planning adventures with the boys or just simply listening to them over a beer when they needed someone to talk to.

A small town boy with a world class curiosity, Darryl was always seeking his next adventure or opportunity and was never afraid to try something new. In adult life, this led to many consulting and mentoring roles in management, and exciting entrepreneurial ventures. Most recently, he was a proud member of the Team at Maitland/ JNB Trucking Company, and Owner/ Operator of DSC Transportation.

Always outgoing and social, Darryl was a great fit to travel cross border, shooting the breeze with anyone who would listen to him at a truck stop or delivery. From time to time, he could often be found making new friends on a random strangers’ front porch. He truly valued and enjoyed all of his close friendships that were created with his fellow Truckers. Over the past six weeks, He was such a proud part of “The Dream Team” and his ability to forge new bonds meant new additions to our family yet again with the friendship that was instant with Doug and John Pendleton; or as he always called them, “The Pendleton Boys”.

Darryl had an innate desire to motivate, encourage and support which was evident by the way people sought out his opinions, ideas and knowledge. He loved to troubleshoot and find a solution to any logistical, physical, or mechanical problem. Whether at home, or on the road, Darryl had a way of engaging anyone he met and created many lifelong friendships such as those he held so close to his heart with Shawn Guilette, Phil Evely, Craig and Lisa Rioux, Chris Roberts and Paula Morphy. His immeasurable impact was also felt with Brigitte and Aubrey Cosens. Darryl was always “all in!” Just “winiging it” was another trait of his, which also affectionately resulted in another common nickname of “Wreck it Ralph”. His “can do” attitude was forever present in all of his engagements. If you ever felt like you were Darryl’s Favourite or best friend, you were right! He Really F****** loved you all!

Above all else, Darryl’s main goal was to provide for his family and he pushed towards that finish line every day. He worked to teach his children any skill they were willing to take on, and there was no denying that sparkly twinkle in his eye when he would see Grandpa’s girl. Whether it was finding the next best treasure from the backyard or toy box together, dipping her toes in the water on her first cottage trip, or sharing one of life’s simple pleasures such as an apple from the backyard trees, Grandpa couldn’t get enough of his beautiful Granddaughter.

Darryl’s Legacy is the memories that his loved ones can carry forward in everyday moments. Being the social butterfly that he is, Darryl would never miss an excuse for a backyard party, bonfire, tailgate, or fishing trip. Our family invites everyone to come together in his honour for visitation on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at 45561 Elm Line, St. Thomas, ON from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., for a celebration of Darryl’s life to celebrate his life and best accomplishments. Memorial service and time for sharing favourite memories of Darryl to take place from 3:00 to 5:00pm. Casual attire preferred.

Arrangements entrusted to the Shawn Jackson Funeral Home, 31 Elgin Street, St Thomas (519-631-0570). In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a trust fund set up for the education of his Granddaughter Colette. Personal online condolences can be made at www.sjfh.ca