Lawrence Sinclair was passionate about family, engineering, and leadership.
When he passed away, after a courageous battle with cancer, his family sought to honour his memory by supporting individuals who embody the same remarkable qualities that defined him.
That included humility, a strong work ethic, academic achievement, a contribution to the community and a deep dedication to engineering, science, and finance.
In collaboration with his employer, L3 Wescam (now L3Harris), Lawrence’s family started the Lawence Sinclair Scholarship Fund, held at the Burlington Community Foundation.
“It felt only fitting to channel the love, energy, and generous contributions received during his passing into a lasting legacy — one that would inspire and empower young adults in their educational and professional journeys,” shared his wife, Mary Lou.
Each year, since 2017, the fund has awarded a scholarship to a student who is passionate about post-secondary education and who has leadership aspirations, reflecting Lawrence’s dedication to personal and professional growth.
In 2025, Charlotte Montgomery-Seto was the recipient of a $1,600 scholarship from the fund. She aims to attend medical school and train to be an orthopaedic surgeon.
“The Lawrence Sinclair Scholarship reminds me that success it not just about the self, but also about helping others to realize their potential too,” Charlotte says.
“I hope that I can continue to inspire and lead others to be their best, not by being arrogant or conceited, but through compassion and warmth. Mostly, I am grateful for this accomplishment as it means I am able to carry on the legacy of Mr. Sinclair by exhibiting the same values he exemplified in his lifetime.”
The Burlington Community Foundation is home to more than a dozen scholarship funds that help enhance educational opportunity for area students. Scholarships are provided to students attending college and university. In 2025, more than $25,000 in awards were distributed.
Funds can be established by individuals and businesses and, as with the Lawrence Sinclair Fund, can be established in memoriam to honour to legacy or a loved one.