Post a reply || Back to NFA Class Memorial Page..

Robert Renwick Lawrence - Class of June 1943

Submitted by Pauline Rute Hall 1952 <Grammypgh@aol.com> on 21/Mar/2015
64.12.117.7

Message:

    Robert Renwick Lawrence passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at home on the family farm. He was a lifelong farmer and Town of Newburgh resident. Robert was born December 10, 1925 to Reginald and Mary (Innis) Lawrence. He graduated from NFA in 1943. On November 19, 1949 he married Yvonne "Vonnie" Flemming. Together they raised five children and for over 25 years they worked the dairy farm on the land his grandfather farmed since 1872. A man of strong work ethic and a talented carpenter, Bob also worked for many years with AW Crossley Construction and Resnick Construction. In the late 60's Bob and Vonnie made the difficult choice to sell the dairy farm and start over. In 1971 they moved into their current home, nestled in the heart of the farm that was to become Lawrence Farms Orchards. Over the years, working with his family, the farm evolved from commercial sales orchards into a popular Pick Your Own farm offering to the public the experience of picking fresh apples, fruits and vegetables. Proud of his family and his farm, Bob (in his iconic Amish straw hat) was happiest driving his beloved Belgian Horses and expounding on farming practices, local history and family anecdotes. Bob was very active in the farming community. He served many years on the Orange County Fair Board, was a life time member of the Orange County Farm Bureau and a 4H Alumni and supporter. He was a long standing member of Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Hudson Valley Research Lab, the NYS Horticultural Society, Little Britain Grange and the Hudson Valley Draft Horse Association. Bob was a past Commodore of the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club, Orange Lake Ice Yacht Club and Newburgh Yacht Club. Always a staunch Republican, Bob was a proud member of the Orange County Republican Committee. Robert is survived by Yvonne, his wife of 65 years, children; Margaret (Thom) Waz of Newburgh, John (Kim) Lawrence of Wappinger, David Lawrence of Key West, FL, Richard (Jane) Lawrence of Newburgh, and Daniel Lawrence of Stuart, FL. Known as "PopPop" to the younger generations, he is survived by his 15 grandchildren; Ellen, Anna, Erin and Graig Waz, Kiel (Meghan) and Megan Lawrence, Reginald (Katy), Christine and Ross Lawrence, Michael (Jessica) and Kevin (Jennifer) Lawrence, Theresa (Scott) Driggs and Gigi Golinello, Luke and Eric Lawrence, 8 great-grandchildren; Cameron Waz, Mason and Gage Lawrence, Julianna, Lily, Eve, Mackenzie Lawrence, and Harper Driggs, cousins Louise West, Allen and Charles (Colleen) Innis, several nieces and nephews and many wonderful children and grandchildren of his "adopted" families". His family would like to to extend their gratitude to caregivers Katherine, Ilene, Mark, Tom and Nancy, Hospice of Orange County, as well as the many supportive friends and members of our adopted families for their kind and compassionate treatment of "PopPop" during his extended illness. Visitation will be held Wednesday, 4pm-8pm at the DiDonato Funeral Home, 1290 Route 9W, Marlboro. Private services will be held a the convenience of the family. The family requests, believing in sustainable agriculture as Robert did, that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Hudson Valley Research Lab, 3357 Route 9W, Highland, New York, for apple research or to your local 4H Chapter. Funeral arrangements are under the directions of The DiDonato Funeral Service, Inc. 845-236-4300, www.didonatofuneralservice.com

Replies to this post

No replies yet