Obituary of Robert Lawrence Sinclair

LAWRENCE SINCLAIR July 23, 1958 - November 4, 2009 Robert (Lawrence) Sinclair passed away at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at the age of 51. Devoted husband of 24 years to Mary Lou (nee Chiarella). Loving father of Giuliana and Patrick. Dear son of Robert and Joan Sinclair of Burlington, and son-in-law of Domenic and Sarah Chiarella of Niagara Falls. Brother of Douglas (Paula) Sinclair of Halifax, N.S., Brad (Danielle Takoff) Sinclair of Ottawa, and Leanne (Brian McCardell) Sinclair of Mississauga. Dear brother-in-law of Rosetta (Luciano) DelMonte of Guelph, Sandra (Michael) Delduca of Niagara Falls, Lucy (Eliseo) DiNunzio of Niagara Falls. Lovingly remembered by nieces and nephews Caitlin, Anna and James Sinclair; Isabelle and Naomi Takoff-Sinclair; Sarah, Patrick and Heather McCardell; Vince, Adrian (Amy) and Michael DelMonte; Sophia (Jeremy) Phillips, Maria and Rachel Delduca; Luca, Stefan and Eric DiNunzio. Born and raised in Burlington, Ontario, Lawrence attended McMaster University, receiving his B. Eng in Engineering Physics in 1981, and a Masters in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alberta in 1983. Lawrence was employed as Director of Engineering at L-3 Communications Wescam in Burlington, Ontario where he was recognized as a leader who made invaluable contributions to the company's success over the past decade. Lawrence was an example of one who lived life to the fullest. Throughout his six year battle with colon cancer he persevered through all of his trials while continuing to enjoy his favourite activities of downhill skiing and running, and spending as much time as possible with his children, including competing in tennis tournaments with them and coaching soccer. He especially enjoyed spending time at his family cottage in Southampton, Ontario, where he had spent his summers as a young boy. Lawrence tackled each treatment, each operation, each procedure without fear and with unbridled optimism. His commitment to his staff and love of his job was demonstrated as he continued to work during his illness. He will always be remembered by family, friends and co-workers as a true hero. Special thank you to all involved in supporting the Sinclair family: the oncologists and nurses at Princess Margaret Hospital, all of his friends at Wellspring and the Healing Journey, our friends and neighbours in Leaside, staff and friends at De La Salle College and friends at Ontario Power Generation. A special thank you to staff and lifelong friends at L-3 Communications Wescam who have gone above and beyond to support Lawrence and our family. We will be forever indebted to you. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7. A private family funeral will take place in ST. ANSELM'S CHURCH, Toronto. Interment of cremated remains will take place at Fairview Mausoleum, Niagara Falls, on Wednesday, November 11 at 1:00 p.m. It was Lawrence's wish that friends and family focus on a Celebration of Life. This will occur at NORTHLEA UNITED CHURCH, 125 Brentcliffe Road, Toronto on Saturday, November 14 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon/reception, venue to be announced. As Lawrence was a firm believer in working hard to achieve goals, a fund in Lawrence's name has been established to fund scholarships to deserving high school students. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lawrence Sinclair Scholarship Fund c/o the Burlington Community Foundation (www.burlingtonfoundation.org or by calling 905-639-0744) or to the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada, 60 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 204, Toronto M4T 1N5. Friends are also encouraged to share their memories of Lawrence at www.lawrencesinclair.wordpress.com or may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.