WEST CHAZY - David F. Lawrence, 67, formerly of Lyon Mountain, and most recently from West Chazy, New York, passed away unexpectedly on December 31, 2021. David was born in Plattsburgh, New York on March 5, 1954 to Clarence and Veronica (Pageau) Lawrence. David attended the former Lyon Mountain High School until its closing and then graduated from NAC in 1972. David then attended college at North Country Community College where he majored in both mischief and partying. In his younger years, David was known for his antics and his fear of nothing. He fondly told the story of putting a stuffed black bear in the foyer of the Lyon Mountain Post Office, much to the chagrins of the Post Master, who opened the door in the morning. David worked in the Printing and Duplicating Department at Plattsburgh State University, where he became the head of the department, until his retirement in 2009. David lived a very full life. From racing at Airborne and serving as backup for a band in the 70s and 80s to serving as a Lieutenant in the Lyon Mountain Fire Department. He was also previously a member of the Mountain Lions Snowmobile Club, the Plattsburgh Moose Lodge#2360 (where David & Tara began their love story), and presently a member of the Northern TierSno-Runners. David leaves behind his son, Matthew whom he could not have been more proud of for the man that he has become. He lived vicariously through Matthew in that he had the career in law enforcement that David not only envied but would have been so good at. When Matthew gave him grandchildren, a seldom seen silly side of David was witnessed far more regularly. Whether they were hunting the family land, building something in the garage, sapping trees in the Spring or when he was teaching them something he beamed with pride. On November 5, 2008 (three years to the day they met), David married the love of his life, Tara, the daughter of the late Herman and Audrey (Hall) Brunelle. He originally fell for her because "she was perfect and when he discovered she wasn't, he loved her even more." Tara and David did everything together, even the simple things like picking up groceries. Through that love he was blessed with his daughter, Karissa. Although he came into her life late and the transition wasn't easy, David loved "Kris" as his own. He could not have been more proud of the beautiful and successful woman that she has become. He often spoke about how excited he was for her future. David was always active: hunting, maintaining his property and home, snowmobiling, attending car shows, and countless other projects that he undertook. Most days David could be found in his super sized garage with the music vibrating the rafters. He was very happy with the results of the two golf carts that he had just refurbished. David could do anything and if he didn't know how, he'd learn. Even teaching himself how to sew to make Karissa a memory t-shirt quilt for her 21st birthday. Up until a hand injury two years ago, David played hockey at least weekly. It brought a smile to his face when he talked about being on the winning team of the first-ever CanAm pond hockey tournament in Lake Placid. He played for several teams over the years including the Brawlers, the Lodge Lizards and UPS. Being a fierce competitor with a presence on the ice, he was also often at odds with the referees and other players.

David is predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Clarence and Steven; his brother-in-law, who he thought of as a brother, Thomas Voll; and his in-laws.

David is survived by his wife, Tara; his son, Matthew (and Michelle) Lawrence of Chazy, NY;and his daughter, Karissa (Tanner Houle) Brunelle of Portsmouth, NH. David is also survived by his three grandchildren: Yazmine Lawrence, Madilyn Lawrence and Ethan Lawrence; sisters, Valerie Voll of Plattsburgh, NY and Janice (Andy) Kazensky of Albuquerque, NM; a brother, Donald Lawrence; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a special cousin, Marc Woodward.

At David's request there will be no public calling hours. The family will greet guests from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and a service will be celebrated on January 5, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home Chapel. A reception will follow at the Plattsburgh Moose Lodge located at 90 Sharron Avenue, Plattsburgh, NY.

Because of his unwavering support of his wife's battle with breast cancer, donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are in the care of R.W. Walker Funeral Home, Plattsburgh, New York. To light an on-line candle and offer condolences in the memory of David, please visit: www.rwwalkerfh.com