Anne and John Lawrence Memorial Fund
(a designated fund)
For a lifelong history buff and community-minded individual, leaving an enduring gift might seem like a natural thing to do. Yet, the creation of a significant endowment that will span generations came as a surprise to those who knew John Lawrence best. Through his will, John provided a legacy gift to the Guelph Community Foundation to establish the Anne and John Lawrence Memorial Fund, a permanent endowment in support of Guelph Museum’s, McCrae House. The fund name he chose reflects a legacy of giving by both John and his wife Anne, who passed away in 1999.
John Lawrence volunteered at Guelph Museums for over 15 years until his death in 2010. Although involved in many Museum activities, he loved McCrae House due to his interest in military history and because he lived in the neighbourhood. Katherine McCracken, Director, Guelph Museums, recalls, “He absolutely loved teaching school programs and he carried this passion to the classroom where he was also a volunteer reading buddy for young children. He was a regular at Teddy Bear Picnic where he had as much fun as the kids and never missed volunteering at the annual Spirit Walk. He was warm and welcoming and always willing to offer an opinion on a variety of subjects with anyone.”
John believed that history is important and he understood the impact that it can have on individuals and a community. Through an endowed fund, his love of history is an enduring testimony to how our community’s past, present and future become one.