In 1947, Lawrence joined the Royal Canadian Navy. Setting sail from Halifax, during five years of service, he travelled to ports, far and wide, from North and South America to overseas.

He then began a 20 year career with the Royal Canadian Air Force working at radar stations: CFS Foymount, CFS Ramore, CFS Yorkton, and CFB Chatham.

Following his retirement from the Armed Forces in 1972, he obtained his Journeyman Carpentry Certificate and then was employed as a civilian at RCAF St. Margarets and CFB Chatham until his retirement in 1991.