Lawrence Garratt

Song of Myself,  52

The spotted hawk swoops by and accuses me, he complains of my gab and my loitering.

I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable,
I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.

The last scud of day holds back for me,
It flings my likeness after the rest and true as any on the shadow'd wilds,

It coaxes me to the vapor and the dusk.

I depart as air, I shake my white locks at the runaway sun,
I effuse my flesh in eddies, and drift it in lacy jags.

I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love,
If you want me again look for me under your boot-soles.

You will hardly know who I am or what I mean,
But I shall be good health to you nevertheless,
And filter and fibre your blood.

Failing to fetch me at first keep encouraged,
Missing me one place search another,
I stop somewhere waiting for you.

-Walt Whitman

The Garratt family regrets to share the death of their beloved husband & father, Lawrence Garratt, who died at home, surrounded by family, on February 15th, 2023 at 2pm. 

A dedicated family man, lifelong athlete, and unrepentant joker, Lawrence was known above all for his gentle nature, and kindness. 

Lawrence is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Brenda Lee (Hill), and his children Gilbert Garratt (Gemma James Smith), and Heather Garratt (Jason Ashizawa), his doting grandchildren Gideon, Gulliver, Goldie, Gloria, Piper and Fallyn. 

Lawrence is predeceased by his parents, father David Frank Garratt of Toronto, mother Catherine Marshall of Motherwell, Scotland, and eldest brother Gilbert Garratt. Surviving siblings: Douglas Sidney Garratt, Marshall Garratt, Barbara May Dean, Joan Mann, David Frank Garratt Jr. 

Nieces and nephews are many. Lawrence loved them all. 

The family wishes to extend our profound gratitude to nurse Annerieke Van Beets (for her constant grace),  Dr Eric Thomas, and all advocates, and activists, who fought for bill C-14; You have brought more mercy into a world that needs it. Thank you all.

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