Lawrence Stephen Cantwell

Lawrence Stephen Cantwell, well known and loved Centenarian passed away on Friday, September 21, 2012 at the age of 101. He was born March 28, 1911 in Smithfield, Utah to Stephen and Mabel Pilkington Cantwell. He had three sisters: Blanche Lawrence Bingham, Naomi Levoir Dowdle, and Eva Henry Haslam. He has lived his entire life in Smithfield.
Lawrence met his sweetheart Reta Cooley from Newton at a dance at North Cache High School and they were married on May 20, 1933. Their marriage was sealed in the Logan L.D.S. Temple on September 26, 1934. They celebrated 75 years together shortly before Reta passed away July 9, 2008.
Lawrence had many jobs around Smithfield. He worked as a young man at the Smithfield Implement, helped run a grocery store in town, and eventually retired at the respectable age of 80 from Cantwell Brothers Lumber Co.
Many will remember Lawrence as a song and dance man as he was in high demand to perform his routines. He enjoyed singing in the Smithfield 3rd Ward Choir and entertained with the "Harmony Men" and their Barbershop programs. Everyone will remember him as a kind man, always ready with a story and a helping hand.
Lawrence had a great love of Cache Valley History. He was the founder and life time member of the Smithfield Historical Society. He wrote and published a book in 1969 titled "A Brief History of Three Canyons". He loved the mountains and from an early age enjoyed the climbing, hunting, and fishing found there.
In 1977 Lawrence was recognized by the City of Smithfield for his service as an Outstanding Citizen. He was chosen by the Smithfield Lions club for "Outstanding Citizen Award" in 1978. He and Reta were faithful fans of the Smithfield Blue Sox. He was honored by them at age 100 years old for his long association which began as a bat boy when 9 years old.
We love and will miss our Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Uncle and Friend, until we meet again.
Lawrence is survived by his children, Beth Jerry Henrichsen, Carol Faye Boyd Rigby, Karen Gee Cantwell Blass, Nancy Cantwell, Kristy Cantwell Wiser, 13 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Reta; his son Larry; his parents and siblings; 2 nephews.
The family expresses their appreciation to "Integrity Hospice" Dana, Delene Page, Tory, Krista, Heather, Miranda, and Randall for the wonderful care they extended to our father and the many kindnesses shown to our family.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 29, at the Smithfield 11th Ward Chapel, 79 East 200 South. Friends and family may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield, and from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery.