Bohan, Lawrence Edmund

1939 – 2023

Lawrence “Larry” Bohan of Sudbury, ON, husband of Josephine (Regan) Bohan passed away peacefully at Health Sciences North on the afternoon of September 23rd in his 84^th year.   Lawrence was a man who embraced his Irish heritage and enjoyed the music, humour, proverbs, and “Luck of the Irish”.

Born in Semiwagan Ridge, NB, he was the son of the late William H. and Josephine C. (McDonald) Bohan.  Those who knew him will remember that he had a special way with words and an incredibly sharp mind.  He loved to get his family together to share a meal and stories whenever the opportunity presented itself.  He welcomed and valued people from all over the world, especially when they could sit around the table and talk about current affairs.

Lawrence was one of 15 Bohan siblings.  After completing his studies in the 1950’s he set out to Saint John, NB, and then Toronto, ON working until 1965 for companies like Collins Radio, Coca-Cola, and CN Railway.  He often spoke of those working experiences and the characters he encountered in Canada in the ’50s and ’60s and how that made such an impact on his view of the world.  He spent those years in the Toronto area with a number of his brothers and sisters who married and settled in Oshawa and other growing communities.  Two of the brothers had also worked in Northern Ontario for a time, and Larry was ready for a new scene.

His next great adventure was a move to booming Sudbury, ON.   Larry joined the International Nickel Company (INCO) and worked in the Copper Cliff Smelter.  During his time there, he forged lifelong friendships with people such as Nelson, Freddie, Don, and Jimmy, all of whom were part of a community of hard-working men with intriguing nicknames and generous hearts.  Their families and shared values contributed to the essence of a vibrant Greater Sudbury. He worked at INCO for 30 years and remained in Sudbury after he retired. Sudbury became Larry’s forever home.

In 1969 Larry married Josephine and they recently celebrated their 54^th Anniversary.  

Larry and Josephine raised 2 children Patrick (Ruth) and Theresa (Greg Lavigueur) and enjoyed grandchildren Kaitlyn (Sam), Parker, Alex (Claire Mercer), Julia (John Guido), Kendall, and Benson.

Over the next six decades, Larry embraced a wide variety of Northern Ontario hobbies like picking cranberries and blueberries, the food and drink scene, gardening, and of course recreation from the Sudbury Arena to the racing at Sudbury Downs. Larry was well known to many generations of the Melbourne Street neighbourhood.  For many years, Larry was an active parishioner at Lord of the World and then Holy Redeemer, and served in many ministries, including as a Reader. He volunteered in numerous charities including the Minnow Lake Food Bank, always holding a special place in his heart for the underdog, the little guy, children and animals.

Besides his parents, Lawrence was predeceased by his six of his sisters; Rosemary, Eileen, Mary, Dorothy, Hilda and Barbara as well as four of his brothers; Edward, Earl, Peter and Wilfred.

He is survived by sisters; Anne, Pauline, Catherine, and his brother Harold.  His list of over 50 favourite brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews is too long to mention but notable thanks go out to the many who called so often to check on him and wish him the best and provided material for his numerous lifelong stories.  Special mention was always made of Georgia and Costas and of his favourite physician Dr. Killian DeBlacam.  Thank you to the HSN professionals, 8^th Floor RN Deb, and student nurse T’Kaya for the care and compassion shown in his last hours. The family wishes to thank the many visitors including Don, Jim, Scott, Father Sam, and others who took the time to visit Lawrence during his last days.

Cremation has taken place, and a Mass of Remembrance and Celebration of Life will follow on Saturday, October 14, 2023at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Parish, 1887 Bancroft Drive. Please plan to join family and friends at the luncheon afterward to share memories.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to a charity of your choice to support making the world a better place.