Obituary of Lawrence Garvie

Lawrence Garvie QC of Fredericton, NB, died Friday, March 11, 2011 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. Lawrence was the only child of the late Gordon and Helen (Carten) Garvie. He is survived by his children, Michael of Toronto, Andrea (Christopher Gatto) of Fredericton and Peter of Westfield and their mother, Valerie Garvie. Lawrence was the grandfather of Paul, Anthony, and Sophia Gatto, and Nicholas Garvie; close friend, Joan Erb. Born in Westmount, PQ, Lawrence was raised and educated in Fredericton. He completed his post-secondary studies at the University of New Brunswick, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1957 and his Bachelor of Civil Law in 1959. He was admitted to the New Brunswick Bar in 1959 and practiced at Hanson, Rouse and Gilbert as an associate from 1959 to 1961. In 1961 Lawrence hung out his own shingle and practiced law until he threw his hat into the political arena in 1968. He was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick in 1968 when he was elected in a Fredericton By-election. He represented the City of Fredericton and then Fredericton North in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick from 1968 to 1978 as a Progressive Conservative Member. Lawrence served in 1969 as Justice Critic and served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly from 1971 to 1972. In 1972 Lawrence formed the law firm of Garvie, Warner and Athey. In that same year that he became a member of Premier Richard Hatfield's Cabinet, serving as Minister of Health from 1972 to 1974, Minister of Economic Growth from 1974 to 1976, Minister of Finance from 1976 to 1977 and Minister of Labour from 1977 to 1978. He was named Queen's Counsel in 1975. In 1978, Lawrence returned to the private practice of law; from 1981 until his retirement in 1999, Lawrence served as chairman of numerous tribunals such as the Property Compensation Board and the Regional Assessment Review Board. In 2009, he became a life member of the Law Society of New Brunswick. His hobbies included dog show judging, fishing, hunting, and exploring the history and back roads of New Brunswick. He enjoyed organizing dinners for his friends. Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton on Monday, March 14, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 11 am with Father Aaron Knox as celebrant. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery in the spring. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Fredericton YMCA or the Fredericton Public Library. Personal condolences may be offered thorough www.yorkfh.com.