Celebration of Life in St Joseph’s Catholic Church Grenfell August 8, 2014 

Lawrence was born in Grenfell to Minnie May (nee Rush) and John Richard Flanagan during the great depression. He was a gentle little boy who adored his big brother Johnny but longed for a little sister.  He asked his mum over and over again for her and finally, when aged six his little sister Nola was born. He was also a big brother to Milton, Ron and Joy.

Lawrence was baptised, made his first communion, was confirmed and attended St Joseph’s School as well as the public School in Grenfell. For a short time the family lived at Quandialla.

During WW11 Lawrence and Johnny stayed at home with mum as the ‘men of the house’ while their dad was working away droving.  Lawrence would go out rabbiting with his brother and sister or droving with his dad or grandfather Flanagan.

Lawrence grew up to be a quiet young man with a great sense of humour and was always ready for a laugh. He also had a magnificent singing voice which could be heard around the neighbourhood as he was getting the cows in from the bush around the Company’s Dam.

One of his favourite songs was “Mona Lisa” and he would serenade us from up in the bush.

During the Korean War Lawrence was “called up” to the Army for National Service.  He was one of many Grenfell’s young men to go away by train all dressed up in Army uniforms. How handsome they all looked as they waited for the train to take them to Holsworthy and Singleton to train for whatever the Government required from them.  He was in the company of some of his best mates including his cousin Vincent Flanagan and many other of that age group.

After Lawrence came back from the Army he worked for the Post Office as a Postman for a while until he moved to Sydney to take up a job on the Manly Ferries with his brother Johnny. There were great opportunities for meeting many people from Grenfell as they travelled on the ferries.

It was not long before his family moved to Sydney to find employment.  Lawrence then joined the PMG after his dad, Uncle Bernie Flanagan and his cousin Ton Flanagan and they all worked together for many years.

Lawrence suffered an injury which caused him to undergo spinal surgery in his later life and he was unable to return to work.  He retired from the PMG (Telecom) back to Grenfell to where his mum and dad had settled after his dad’s retirement in 1973.

Lawrence enjoyed leather work, listening to various types of music with country and western at the forefront. He was an intelligent man and an avid reader.  His interest in horses was also one of his passions. He was a good horseman in his younger days; however his greatest dream was to travel around Australia. His response when he was told that he had lost both of his legs in 2008 was “Well that puts an end to me travelling!”

The loss of his legs meant he was unable to get about without assistance.  He decided to move into Haven Nursing Home in Wagga Wagga where he lived the remainder of his life.

Although he never married or had children of his own, he loved his nieces and nephews as his own children. There was always a teddy bear or toy of some description for each one born and a raspberry blown on their tummies each time he saw them.

Lawrence’s love and generosity knew no bounds as displayed by his dealing with his family and friends. He enjoyed a beer or three with his mates – and he had lots of mates. He knew about every inch of the Weddin Shire and surrounding districts and was always happy to share his knowledge with anyone who cared to listen to him.

Several of the family could not be here today due to distance and commitments, however they send their love.

Lawrence was predeceased by his older brother John James Flanagan, his parents Jack and Minnie Flanagan and his sister Nola Maureen Flanagan-Shirley.

Lawrence will be missed by his surviving siblings, Milton (Callala Bay), Ron (Wagga Wagga), Joy (Grenfell) and their family and friends.