LAWRENCE NORMAN DAVIS died peacefully on May 14, 2025 at the Palliative Care Unit in Sherbrook, Quebec. He was born to Irene Davis and Norman Goodsell on February 6, 1952 in Sherbrook, Quebec. He was the 3rd sibling of seven. He has lived his life in The Eastern Townships, Quebec.
He went to Alexander Galt School in Lennoxville, Quebec. He excelled on the football field and subsequently was offered incentives to continue his education. He did not accept the offers but rather made the choice to follow his love for music. At the age of 21, he was given his first fiddle by his father. Both his father and grandfather played the fiddle. He then inherited his second fiddle from his father that he used until his death. This fiddle was more than 140 years of age and played by his grandfather as well as his father and other relatives. Larry was self-taught with the banjo and guitar as well as the violin and over the years became a well-known and sought after musician. For many years he was a member of Lydon Sheldon Dance band. Lawrence gave freely using his talent to assist organizations to raise necessary funds. He played at schools to support their music programs, at the OEVNA and Hospice to raise monies to provide services to those without insurance, to bring cheer at the local nursing homes and meals sites, at funerals and at graduations, and at special facilities that provided services to mentally challenged individuals. He thoroughly enjoyed competing in fiddle contests around the State and one would often find him in the winner’s circle. His compassion for those on Hospice services is noted by his willingness to make home visits to those that were comforted by music. In addition, he was a music teacher and worked with the young and old alike. It was with great joy when he could present one of his students to play a tune at a gathering. He received two awards from the VNA and Hospice for his outstanding contributions to the communities served by the Agency. Lawrence worked for many years with his grandfather in building construction and moved structures by horses in addition to construction.
Lawrence loved his God and strived to live as a good Christen man. His knowledge of the Bible was remarkable, and he enjoyed sharing scriptures with others. He loved his family, his friends and his community. He was dedicated and loyal to those in his “fold.” He, with joy, provided loving care for his Mother and shared their lives together for many years. Irene was a faithful participant at many of the venues where Lawrence shared his musical talents. He had a marvelous sense of humor and loved to hear jokes as well as to share his with others. A good one was shared several times! He was a “caregiver” and especially loved the old ones. He played at the area nursing homes and would always take time to talk with the residents, knowing many of them by name.
During the year 2017 he met the love of his life; Heather Dowland. They enjoyed the time they had together traveling back roads, enjoying good food, teaching Heather how to play the violin, sitting at “the cottage” by the lake enjoying the quietness of the lake and the sounds of nature. He found new joy in the rides he and Heather took with their 6x6. He loved hockey and was a strong supporter of the Toronto Maple Leaf’s. Recently they jointly adopted a dog, named him Cooper and he became a member of the family. They were active members of the Holland community and organized a large event to raise funds for the Holland Community Center as well as supporting musical events at various venues. They were a dedicated and loving couple who bettered the lives of others they touched. Heather remained at his side during the difficult last days of his life. He called out to her for strength. He told all that would listen; Heather was his Angel. He loved and enjoyed time with his partners family and loved his second “mom” Katie. He enjoyed planning and holding yard sales with her. This recent statement made by a member of the Vt Fiddlers Association, noted that “Lawrence was a man of great energy and one that demonstrated good will towards all.”
Lawrence is survived by his beloved Heather, his sisters: Betty Jean and husband Michael Boissy of Connecticut, Therese Davis of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Dyan Davis and partner James Carter of Stansted, Quebec, and brothers Doug Davis and wife Linda of Fitch Bay Quebec and Randy Davis and wife Valarie of Stanstead, Quebec and with many wonderful nieces and nephews left behind.
He was predeceased by his parents, and brother, Greg Davis of Ontario, Canada.
There are no calling hours.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 14 at 11 AM at the Holland Community Church in Holland, Vt. A reception will be held immediately following the service. All are welcome. Interment will be held at the Crystal Lake Cemetery, Fairfax Street, Stansted, Quebec at 4 PM.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to For The Love of Dogs Vermont Box 112, Waitsfield, Vt 05673 or to the Holland Community Church 1253 Mead Hill Road, Derby, Vt 05829 to replace a stained-glass window for the church he so loved.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Palliative Unit of the Hotel Dieu Hospital in Sherbrooke Quebec for the wonderful care provided, to Reverends Martin and Daniels for support to the family members, to family members for the care of Cooper, to the Warners who made numerous trips to sit with Lawrence and to provide special “goodies” and for the transport of their musical instruments for those last songs played with his participation and to all of our friends that provided support in a myriad of ways.
