LAURENSON, Laurie
Passed away suddenly at his home on July 2, 2024
Aged 65 years
A kind, compassionate, devoted man. A good man.
Deeply loved, he will be sorely missed by
His wife Debra.
His children Jacqui and James, Callum and Rachel.
His grandchildren Kobe, Jordan, and Riley.
His parents Patti and Malcolm ‘Laurie’ (dec.).
His siblings Rhu, Rikki, Shelley, Scott, Reiss and their families.
Laurie improved the lives of all those privileged to know him
Taken from us far too soon
**********
Family and friends of LAURIE are invited to attend a Service at the Eastern Park Chapel, 271 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool on MONDAY (July 15) commencing at 2.00pm.
Laurie loved his comfortable surf clothes, and disliked wearing a suit.
He would want you all to come dressed in whatever makes you feel comfortable, formal or less formal.
The family has requested no flowers please. If you would like to make a contribution to charity in his name, Laurie was passionate about the Clean Oceans Foundation at https://www.cleanocean.org/donate-laurie-l-bequest.html
Private Cremation
Click here to access the Livestream of Laurie's Service
Tributes
Leave a tributeLaurie was my supervisor while at Deakin in 2014. I learnt so much from Laurie, but particularly how to be a better public speaker. And it was through the skills I learnt that year that I got a job I loved in the UK, where I then lived for 7 years. I hadn't stayed in contact, so he may not have known the profound affect he had on my life, but it was so significant. It was only a few weeks ago that I found his name on a report at WA fisheries where I now work, and thought how remarkable it is to be working where he once did.
I am so saddened to hear this news and am sending my heartfelt condolences to his family.July 15, 2024 7:36 pm
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Laurie, a passionate, accomplished, and generous man. I met Laurie when transferring to Deakin University for post-graduate studies in the early 2000s. He was always thoughtful, encouraging and generous with his time. He stepped up for a period as an additional supervisor for my PhD, and I remember him joking “it would be pleasure to be your less-important supervisor, if I am of any use”. He was always humble, but ready to tackle any academic debate.
My reflection on joining Laurie’s service online today was that his life was a life well lived. Through his sad loss, he also leaves behind a clear legacy. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.July 15, 2024 6:28 pm
Dear Deb and family,
We send our deepest sympathies. Laurie was a great lecturer and colleague. Inspiring with his passion for the aquatic environment and especially, the fishes. He valued his family highly, and you all were clearly the central part of his world.
I speak for the environment and fish (even the sharks), who are thankful for everything Laurie gave, while here with us.
Sending our thoughts and prayers for strength.Ben and Verity
July 15, 2024 1:54 pm
Dear Debbie, Jacqui and Callum - Jen and I are thinking of you all at this extremely difficult time. Dealing with a shock like this tests our inner strength and resilience. We can do little but plug on taking each moment as it comes, sadness and heartache mixed with laughter and warmth - such is the nature of being human. A heart is a hard thing to own. The tributes to Laurie are fitting and speak of his commitment to his students and his discipline. Laurie was a rare man - totally honest, good hearted, gentle - a delight to work with. He spoke his own truth even though that got him into hot water at times. He believed that honesty and truth were all that were needed to carry an argument and he was saddened at times to find that this was not the case in the university system. But he bounced back quickly and his enthusiasm and innovation were infectious. He brought a fresh perspective to our teaching and research programs at Warrnambool and deserved more recognition than he received. It was a privilege to work alongside such a good man.
Brad.
July 15, 2024 12:48 pm
So sorry to hear such sad news. As a PhD student of Laurie's I have so much to owe him. What I appreciated most about Laurie was his complete support and backing during those years, you knew he was always there for you. During our regular chats Laurie would often talk proudly of his family, and it was clear how important they were to him. My thoughts go out to all his family at this sad time.
Alistair BeckerJuly 15, 2024 10:40 am
Dearest Deb
Our very deepest sympathies on your devastating loss of Laurie. I have such clear memories of the two of you as newly in love. You were completely taken with each other and glowed with happiness. You seemed to be to be completely immersed in one another and in a bubble of happiness and contentment. Watching your lives from a distance over the years, that same love and contentment radiated from you both. What a rich, adventurous life you have had together. We are so so sorry Laurie has been taken much much too soon. Sending love and courage for the days ahead. Helen and Max xxxJuly 14, 2024 8:33 pm
Dear Deb,Callum and Jacqui,
We are so very, very saddened for you all.
We met Laurie just a few times but each time holds special places in our memory.
The first time we met Laurie was when you introduced him to us at your folks home - we remember a smiling, interesting man. The second time at your wedding where you were both so blissfully happy.
Skip forward to Warnambool when you both welcomed Jenny, Janina and I so very warmly to your lovely home, Laurie had gathered fresh crayfish for us (such an exotic treat!) and took Janina surfing,we got to meet Callum and Jacqui and spent a wonderful time with a wonderful family - we felt right at home.
Our last meeting was in Melbourne at Jenny's where we spent a long time chatting and catching up . The most significant part of that time was Laurie's ( and yours Deb) great pride in your children. What a great and loved man Laurie was. With love, The Waltons x x xJuly 14, 2024 4:30 pm
I am in total shock, I worked with Laurie at Deakin University for close to 25 years and I was always impressed with his commitment to his students. One thing that really impressed me with Laurie was his deep love to his family. What a terrible loss he was a very witty man and very interesting to talk to on all sorts of subjects like for example the human impact on the marine environment. My sincere condolences to his family. What a terrible loss.
Love Alan MainwaringJuly 14, 2024 4:08 pm
Sending our deepest sympathy to the entire family during this difficult time. We were deeply saddened to hear the news of Laurie’s passing. Laurie was a driving force behind my decision to continue my studies and complete my PhD. His passion, relaxed personality and unwavering support were invaluable throughout this journey. Our deepest condolences.
Michelle Treloar and Justin HullsJuly 14, 2024 12:38 am
A wonderful friend who cared so much about his family and friends. It was a pleasure and honour to have known Laurie and his family.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Deb, Jacqui, Callum and their families.
Laurie will be forever a man whom I will never forget.July 13, 2024 7:47 pm
So sorry to hear.Deepest condolences to the whole family.Raully was a great guy.Remember when he was in Cape Town a while back.Very kind. Your cousin Michael
July 12, 2024 8:56 pm
Laurie was always a kind, friendly, well-balanced man, who seemed to me, to go about his scientific work quietly achieving what he could for a healthy environment! He will be sorely missed by the academic community, and those who worked with him in fighting for clean ocean waters! Personally, I knew him in Deakin days - another member of our ‘lunch club’ gone far too soon from our physical world! Last time I saw him was traipsing around Tower Hill,,, he was as happy as a sandpiper, as we had a brief conversation about his retirement!
R.I.P. Laurie!July 11, 2024 7:02 pm
“Our Clean Ocean Foundation family mourn the sudden passing of one of our great ocean protectors, Assoc Prof Laurie Laurenson. Laurie, a gentle and passionate advocate for the ocean worked tirelessly to educate scholars, the general community and decision makers on humanity’s interdependence with the health of our oceans.
A keen surfer and swimmer who lived on wild southwest coast of Victoria, Laurie was a key member of our South-West Scientific Group’s opposing offshore gas development and advocating for responsible placement of offshore windfarms. This was along with his pivotal role in our ongoing work with Wannon Water to ensure Warrnambool gets the ocean it deserves.
Laurie is a well-loved teacher, researcher, colleague, marine conservationist, friend and family man – a life well spent. Our thoughts and wishes are with his wife Deb and family at this difficult time.”July 11, 2024 3:21 pm
Hi Debs, Jacqui, James,Callum and Rachel, this is so incredibly sad so sorry for your loss our loss..
Love and thoughts to you all.
Neill, Sam and Briar.
(Perth)July 11, 2024 2:02 pm
Too soon cus, we did not spend a lot of time to get to know each other, but I do know you are loved and will be hugely missed buddy.
Neill.
XxxJuly 11, 2024 1:50 pm
A respected colleague and kind Foster st neighbour who’ll be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with you Deb and your family, love Helen and Bob
July 10, 2024 8:24 pm
Chats with Laurie have been one of my favorite moments of my life. A great mentor and friend.
July 10, 2024 7:11 pm
Such devastating news that you have lost Laurie so suddenly. My heart goes out to you all.
Laurie was always so welcoming to me, my family and various friends I’d turn up with over the years. He and Deb were such kind, generous hosts. He was so proud of his children, the beautiful home he and Deb had made and so happy in Warrnambool.
He was such a bright spark, with a quick wit, and great company. I remember how he’d take us on crazy bike rides across the sand dunes, or testing his 4WDs ability to defy gravity along the cliff top tracks. There was never a dull moment with Laurie.
It seems no time at all since we first met Laurie with his beautiful young bride in Zimbabwe.
Such a huge loss. ❤️
July 10, 2024 11:12 am
Our thoughts go out to Debra and family on the passing of Laurie.
Laurie’s passion, knowledge and contribution to the community will be sorely missed.
Our deepest condolences.
Wannon Water
July 10, 2024 9:57 am
It was a privilege to have known Laurie, albeit for a brief time. A fine intellect, a quick humour and an ability to connect with people on a genuine level.
My sincere condolences to Laurie's wife, family, colleagues and friends.
July 10, 2024 9:13 am
Sincere condolences for your loss of a great father and partner who was a ‘really nice guy’. I was shocked to hear of his passing.
Laurie will be missed by all who knew him.
Best wishes to Debra, Jacqui and Callum plus all other family members.
On the positive side, we were all lucky to have had Laurie in our lives.
Alan AltmannJuly 10, 2024 6:41 am
I've known Laurie since 1977 when we first met as first year biology students at the Western Australian Institute of Technology (now Curtin University).
Back then, a computer printout could only handle up to eight characters and one such printout abbreviated his name to LAURENSO so from then on he was "Lorenzo" to me. I think he hated it. ;)
Laurie's death was a huge stab, out of the blue, at my heart.
I can't imagine the depth of grief that family must surely be feeling.
Fate has cruelly taken a genuinely nice person from the world.
Much love to relatives, friends and acquaintances alike.July 09, 2024 9:49 pm
Dear Debra, we are saddened to read of Laurie's sudden passing. Sending love and strength at this sad time to you all from Duncan, Sharon, Cameron and Devon the Kommetjie Cape Town Laurenson's 💕
July 09, 2024 8:25 pm
I had the pleasure of meeting Laurie through Jac. His intelligence, wittiness and well-roundedness made him a truly inspirational and enjoyable person to be around. Very lucky to have known him.
July 08, 2024 10:09 pm
Hello Debbie,
I see your posts on Facebook from time to time. I was shocked to read of Laurie’s passing and would like to extend our deepest condolences. We remember the times we spent with your family and regret that we haven’t seen you since we came to Warrnambool many years ago. We send you and your family our love as you come to terms with your great loss. Laurie was a lovely, fun man who we enjoyed spending time with.July 08, 2024 4:22 pm
So sorry to hear of Laurie's passing. Strength to all of you who knew and loved him.
July 08, 2024 3:18 pm
I remember when we appointed Laurie to his lecturing position at Deakin, the thing that impressed me was his absolute commitment to enhancing student learning and encouraging students to love his discipline. We were not let down as he turned out to be an excellent and empowering teacher. I recall our trip together to Sri Lanka with great fondness, Laurie's generous help when we hosted the AABE (Biology Education) conference at Warrnambool and his willingness to give such wonderful talks to our local Field Naturalists. A terrible loss - our deepest sympathy Deb, Jacquie & Call.
July 08, 2024 3:03 pm
We are so shocked and saddened to learn about Laurie's passing. So soon, so unfair. He was a lovely guy, enjoyable to talk to and be around. Our sincere condolences to Debra, Callum, Jacqui and all Laurensons.
From all Khaidurovs: Andrei, Olena, Oksana, Andrei jnr, Beata, Alexei and Misha.July 08, 2024 12:57 pm
Laurie lit up the whole room, and a conversation with Laurie always left you feeling happier.
I also am still impressed that he could swim faster than me when he only used one arm.July 08, 2024 7:36 am
Dear Deb, can’t believe this so, so sad loss, you seem to have just retired, and to spend these special years and times together, cut short. So not fair, but hope you remember all the great times you spent together riding and walking on the promenade, where I would see you, and I’m sure many other memories. My thoughts are with you and Jacqui and Callum, take care,love Di Taylor (Brauer)
July 07, 2024 6:11 pm
Hello Deb , Jac and Calum,
Both Les and I are saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Raully. We remember the times you came to Christchurch, on a couple of occasions. I know our Late mother, Mary, your Aunt, loved having you here.
Then there were the times in Cape Town, when we were kids, spending time at Grandpa Graham and Granny Jack’s house. And many more memories.
Fly free Raully. 🤗💋💐😍💋July 07, 2024 1:46 pm
Hello, cousins across the sea…
So sad to hear the news of Laurie’s departure. Our thoughts are with him and you during these sad times.
The USA Laurensons
July 07, 2024 12:08 am
Hi Debra,
So sorry to hear of Laurie's passing. Such a shock. He was such a lovely man. He will be sorely missed by family and friends. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Margaret BrodieJuly 06, 2024 9:31 pm
Deb,Callum,Jacque , Laurie a gentle delightful man with whom I’ve enjoyed his presence via swimming or Brauer. Loved learning from him. I’m thinking of you all and hope you can draw on your memories.
Today I was recalling when I first met Laurie. It was on the brauer school trip to Lyndhurst to see the solar eclipse. Then later on at whales. Always loved to have a chat. He will so missed. Love Judith Brian.July 06, 2024 8:56 pm
Such an incredible man, it was a true privilege to know him, hard to imagine I won’t see him again.
❤️July 06, 2024 8:39 pm
Sending heartfelt condolences to you Deb and family.
I was stunned to learn of Laurie's passing.
You are all in my thoughts.
Roxann ClappJuly 06, 2024 7:36 pm
Our sympathy to Laurie’s much-loved family. Laurie championed marine science and conservation, and he will be remembered for setting many more on the same path.
Love Sarah Irvine & Peter TrottJuly 06, 2024 7:21 pm
To Deb & family, I'm at a loss in reading that you have lost your beloved Laurie. This is such unfathomably sad news. My deepest sympathies and condolences to you all. I will be thinking of everyone during this extremely difficult time. Blessings to you all.
Tony Curtis.July 06, 2024 5:37 pm