LAWRENCE ERNEST DUKE FRENCH

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LAWRENCE ERNEST DUKE FRENCH February 22, 1944 - December 15, 2015 After a lengthy illness, on December 15, 2015, at St. Boniface General Hospital, Lawrence (Larry) Ernest Duke French, passed away at the age of 71 years. Predeceased by his parents Melville (Duke) and Marion French, and his brother-in-law William (Bill) Merrett, Larry is survived by his loving wife Brenda French, his four children, Lisa French Graeb (Brian), Avril French Varga (Chris), Michelle Lancaster (Jason), and Robyn Lucas (Michael), and his seven grandchildren, as well as his sisters Merrilee Anthony (Bill), Melinda Pearson (Larry), and Patricia (Patti) Merrett, and his father and mother-in-law Don and Mary Sexsmith. Larry was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba and graduated from Kelvin High School. Larry worked hard to provide for his family. He married his first wife Alice in 1968. They raised three daughters together. Larry later married Brenda in 2004, and together they raised Brenda's daughter Robyn. Larry was proud of his family. He kept his wallet stocked with pictures of his children and grandchildren, along with pictures of his dog Mac and his favourite cars. Larry loved his mother Marion very much. As soon as he was financially able to do so, he gave his mom a Gold card, so she would never want. A proud business owner, Larry began his career in the insurance industry as a claims clerk with The Royal Insurance Company in 1962. He fell in love with the insurance industry. In 1964, Larry went to work for J. P. Hamilton & Co.. By 1975, Larry purchased J. P. Hamilton & Co. with business partner H. B. (Brian) Moran. The company merged with Morden & Helwig Ltd. in 1977, but Larry resigned in 1978 and restarted his former company as J. P. Hamilton Adjusters Ltd.. Larry set up a national network of independent insurance adjusters in 1982, which became Adjusters Group International Ltd. in 1988. He served as Chairman of the Board for several years, supervising the involvement of more than 50 locations across North America. Throughout his career, Larry made an impressive contribution to the insurance industry. Blue Goose International and the Canadian Independent Adjusters' Association honoured Lawrence with life membership awards. He also earned his Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional designation from the Insurance Institute of Canada in 1998. A tireless independent adjuster, Larry retired in June 2014 at the tender age of 70 with 50 years of experience with J. P. Hamilton. The company enjoyed 80 years in business. Larry loved cars, baseball, travelling, golf and fishing. As a young man, he enjoyed drag-racing his Cougar XR7 at Keystone Dragways. He umpired countless community club softball games for his daughters. He was also a frequent visitor to Las Vegas, Mexico and the Caribbean, loved taking cruises, and was a long-time member of Southwood Golf Course. Thank you to the staff of Palliative Care at St. Boniface General Hospital for the excellent care they provided to Larry at home and in the hospital. Many thanks as well to Andre, Kelly and the other nurses that provided wonderful, compassionate care to Larry in the months prior to his passing. Donations in Larry's memory can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Manitoba Branch, 1-452 Dovercourt Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3Y 1G4. A celebration of Larry's life will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Glen Lawn Funeral Home in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., with Reverend Min-Goo Kang presiding. A public viewing will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Family and friends may sign a book of condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
Publish Date: Dec 19, 2015

LAWRENCE ERNEST DUKE FRENCH It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lawrence (Larry) French beloved husband of Brenda on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at the St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 71 years. Longer obituary notice to follow in Saturday's edition. Family and friends wishing may sign a book of condolence at www.glenlawn.ca. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550
Publish Date: Dec 18, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 19, 2015