LAWRENCE (LARRY) (NARK) JOSEPH CLARK

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LAWRENCE (LARRY) (NARK) JOSEPH CLARK Lawrence was born with a zest for life and a determination to make the world a better place for everyone. He died peacefully at Deer Lodge Centre on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 surrounded by the love of his daughters Leslie, Cathy, Joanne and Margaux. Born June 12, 1936 in Saskatoon, SK, Larry was raised in Winnipeg (River Heights) in the loving home of his parents Bernice and Joe who imparted to him a strong work ethic and a sincere compassion for all walks of life. Larry began his mission of making a difference in this world, as a social worker for the Dept. of Northern Affairs, working and living in many communities in Northern Manitoba and later settling in Brandon. There, he headed up the Rural Development Resource Centre with the goal to help make human connections that would ultimately evolve into productive change within a community. His pursuits led him to travel the world extensively, working with CIDA and the World Bank in developing countries around the globe, gathering a multitude of friends along the way. He had very fond memories in particular of his time spent working and living in Africa and was thrilled to be living out his ultimate goal. Dad had an extensive list of passions, of which family and friends were foremost. But jazz music held a close second, leading him to help start up the Brandon Jazz Society which he greatly cherished. We will forever remember the vision of Dad lying on the couch with jazz blasting through his headphones and a grin on his face from ear to ear. He approached everything with his characteristic enthusiasm and energy for life whether it was cooking a gourmet meal, running a marathon, tackling a downhill ski run, ice fishing in Northern Manitoba or building intricate projects with Lego or K'nex with his grandchildren and daughter Margaux. He was not one to ever turn down an invitation to a good party, of which there were many. Dad loved to putter and dream, nowhere more than at his beloved Victoria Beach. Sadly, Dad's last several years were taken from us all through his dementia. We are left with the many gifts and life lessons learned through his generous spirit and legacy of a lifetime of giving to others. He was an exceptional man, and we were lucky enough to have been the recipients of his extraordinary love. In addition to his daughters, Papa will be missed by his entire family, including, Larry, Jon, and Lauren Groom, Henry, Matthew, and Ben Garvey, Greg and Jackson Klewchuk, as well as extended family members and many friends. In compliance with Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private celebration will be held at a later date. We need to thank the wonderful staff who lovingly took care of our Dad, preserving his dignity right to the end. He spent time at Bethania P.C.H. and in his last few years in the exceptional care of both T3 and T4 at Deer Lodge Centre. We were blessed with the peace of mind of knowing he was cared for so well. We will be forever grateful to you all. If you desire to make a donation, please consider the Alzheimer's society or the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 23, 2009