Lawrence Cormack

Richard Lawrence “Lawrence” Cormack was a soldier, educator, Scottish country dancer, Freemason, community leader, and passionate ambassador of Scottish heritage.

Born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Lawrence moved with his family to Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1932. He spent his formative years there and later served with the Gordon Highlanders.

In 1948, Lawrence immigrated to Toronto with his future wife, Mary Davidson, also of Aberdeen. Together, they raised their children, Rick, Norman, and Lorraine.

Lawrence built a distinguished 33-year career with the Scarborough Board of Education. He also continued his military involvement with the 48th Highlanders of Canada, retiring with the rank of sergeant.

Following his retirement in 1988, Lawrence moved to Dryden, Ontario, to be closer to his family. There, he became active with Toastmasters and continued his lifelong involvement in Freemasonry. With the encouragement and support of his family, he helped establish the Dryden Scottish Dancers, creating new opportunities for people in the community to experience Scottish country dancing.

Through Scottish dancing, Lawrence met dancers from Winnipeg and later his wife, Joyce. After their marriage, he moved to Winnipeg and became deeply involved in the city’s Scottish community.

Lawrence served on the Board of the St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg, was President of the Winnipeg Robert Burns Club, and served on the board of Melrose Camp of the Sons of Scotland. He was also a Director of the Scottish Heritage Council of Manitoba and Co-Chair of the Tartan Day Committee.

His service extended to the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Toastmasters, Freemasonry, and the Pavilion of Scotland. Through these organizations, Lawrence shared his knowledge, leadership, and love of Scottish history and tradition with countless others.

Lawrence passed away suddenly on March 3, 2013, surrounded by the love of his wife, Joyce, and his extended family.