Edward Laurence Kermode
Laurence was born at his mother's house, 62 Malew Street, Castletown. He went to live at the family home, 84 Dorset Road, Tuebrook, Liverpool & had vivid memories of the Zeppelin's passing overhead during WW1. When the family returned to the Isle of Man in 1921, Laurence attended St Thomas school with his sisters. As a child he was greatly influenced by the Scouts a time he reflects on with pride and joy. When he left school at 14, he took up an apprenticeship with Meyers printers, Meyers folded so Laurence went to work for Bridson and Horrox which had recently opened in Market Street. He moved to the Examiner office after 26 years with B&H. Laurence had always been told he had a natural singing ability so when he met Harry Pickard he asked for singing lessons, which encouraged him in to entertaining, they later became great friends. Laurence was an enthusiastic member of the famous Manx bands, Knights of Rhythm & Mike Laurie and Al, as well as singing he played the banjo, the guitar, the mouth organ/harmonica, flute and hand drum.
Laurence married Mona Isabel Sayle in 1943, they had two sons Paul and Nigel.
As well as being a great musician and entertainer, Laurence was a professional toastmaster. His toastmaster role meant he would compare such events as weddings and formal functions, this included many government banquets where he had the opportunity to meet international dignitaries and generations of the Royal family.
A life well lived and love that's Not Forgotten.
Laurence was also an artist, being a member of the Isle of Man Art Society for many years. He started out using watercolours and pastel but quickly moved to oils, a format which suited his style. As well as showing at the Art Society shows, Laurence had a show of his own at Greens Cafe, where he displayed paintings and poetry - a man of many talents.
Laurence's creativity did not stop with music and art, he penned poems a plenty. I have added some of his poems.
And finally...
There are two stories that Laurence shared with me which warm my heart and make me smile. The first shows his kind heart and selfless side. As a child he'd been saving up his pocket money and odd job money with the view to buying himself a second hand pushbike, unfortunately on the same day that he was due to make the purchase his father was laid off from his job. Laurence insisted that his mother have his savings rather than buying the bike. This second story always brings a smile to my face, Laurence had gone to Portsmouth to entertain the troupes during WWII, he was on stage before the main act and closed his eyes as he finished his song, unbeknown to him the stage revolved so you can imagine his surprise when he opened his eyes and was backstage!