It is with deep regret that the committee and members of the Traction Engine Club of Ulster 
record the sudden passing of their esteemed club treasurer Lawrence Woolf.
 
Taken in the prime of his life at the young age of 39 years, Lawrence's death has spread 
shockwaves not only throughout those who knew him in his native Northern Ireland, but also 
many other friends and contacts throughout the world.

Lawrence could not have avoided the lure of steam and all things vintage. His father Rory is 
probably one of the best known personalities in the vintage scene in Northern Ireland, and 
from his childhood, Lawrence was almost always at his father's side at all vintage events. 
Lawrence's enthusiasm was evident from an early age when he was often to be seen behind 
the wheel of Molly - the Wallis and Steevens traction engine named after his Great 
Grandmother.

Progressing through steam waggons and steam cars, it was not long before Lawrence found 
his true area of love - vintage and veteran steel wheeled tractors, especially those from the 
pre 1930's era. Lawrence was soon to become known as an expert on all sorts of rare 
machines and had close contact with many similarly minded enthusiasts from throughout the 
world. He was held in extremely high esteem by all his contacts and since his death this has 
been demonstrated by the many messages from all over the world posted on vintage web 
sites. He was responsible for importing many unusual machines from the USA and Canada 
especially, and was to have travelled there in search of more in the days after his untimely 
death.

Anyone who wanted to source one of these 'old beauties' knew that it was only a matter of a 
phone call to Lawrence and he would be able to source something to fulfill their needs, or 
indeed he would put them in touch with someone else who could sort them out. 
Lawrence's roots within the Northern Ireland vintage club scene lay with the Traction Engine 
Club of Ulster. His father Rory, a founder member of this club, has been a corner stone of it 
over its 40 year existence. When his time came, Lawrence took an active part in club life in his 
own quiet and unassuming manner. He took on the demanding role of club treasurer and had 
held this post for the past number of years. Lawrence conducted this job efficiently and without 
any fuss and the club committee always had total confidence in his ability and skills.
The vintage scene will be much the poorer as a result of the loss of this vibrant young man. His 
enthusiasm and commitment to the preservation of the past was clearly to be seen at any 
vintage event. 

It is ironic that the Traction Engine Club of Ulster Rally to be held on the 13th and 14th of July 
this year was to be have a 40th anniversary celebration of the founding of the club. The most 
fitting tribute to Lawrence would be to see the brotherhood of vintage enthusiasts coming out in 
force to this event as a mark of their respect and support to the family. Support has already 
been pledged by exhibitors from South Africa, Holland, England, Scotland and the Republic of 
Ireland, and more is likely to follow shortly.

Deepest sympathy must be extended to those who are left behind - his wife Lisa, daughters 
Susannah, Georgia and Katie, father Rory, mother Heather, sister Caroline and grandmother 
Sheelagh. His passing leaves an unfillable gap, but we can only hope that the family is in some 
way comforted by the knowledge that the vintage fraternity worldwide has them in their 
thoughts.