Farewell Michael Lawrence

Sadly, we have lost another of our members, who was also a Great Lakes Bridge Club (GLBC) President. Michael Newman Lawrence passed away on Sunday 29 August 2021, after a period of failing health. He leaves behind his wife Pamela, two sons from a previous marriage, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Our thoughts are with them at this time.

Always a gentleman, Michael was known for his generosity, kindness and sense of humour. He had a keen intellect, enjoyed reading and dicussing history and politics - and he regularly met friends for spirited "coffee and debate" sessions.

Michael was born in Lancashire, UK and grew up in Birmingham. He gained a Bachelor of Science degree in the UK, specialising in Energy. In the 1970s, Michael moved to Australia, accepting a position with the Federal Government as an advisor on energy matters. He was subsequently posted to Fiji where he was in charge of the South Pacific region for the Australian Government's South Pacific Forum.

Michael was an avid bridge player and director for many years. He played and directed in France, where he lived part of each year with his late wife Colette. He moved to Forster in 2003 and joined our GLBC where he met and later married Pamela in 2007. He continued playing bridge at GLBC until recently, having held the positions of President, Vice President and of course, director during that time. He was also a member of the Australian Bridge Directors Association.

He will be greatly missed.