MARTIN GAVIN LAWRIE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARTIN GAVIN LAWRIE On Monday, July 20, 2009 Martin died at the Victoria Hospital at the age of 87 years. Remaining to forever cherish Martin's memory are his sister Ida Grant of Kelowna, BC; brother-in-law Roger (Mable) Christianson of Vernon, BC; sisters-in-law Lorna Christianson of Winnipeg, MB, Merle MacFarlane of Columbia, SC; sons Gavin (Louise) of Churchill, MB, Wayne of Winnipeg, MB and David (Verna) of Winnipeg, MB; as well as 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Norma; sisters Maude Dunn, Maisie Grant; sisters-in-law Margaret Christianson, Sandra Young; brother-in-law Ingar Grant, Jack MacFarlane, Don Christianson and Frank Dunn; daughter-in-law Karen Lawrie and granddaughter Norma Lawrie. Martin was born on May 11, 1922 in Benito, MB. He joined the RCAF in 1941 and served as a fire fighter in Manitoba, British Columbia and Ontario. He married his sweetheart Norma on January 12, 1942 in The Pas, MB. After being discharged from the RCAF in 1945, Martin joined the Canadian National Railway as an engine watchman in Gillam, eventually moving to Churchill, MB, and later to Hudson Bay, SK as a locomotive Foreman. Martin retired in Winnipeg after 36 and one-half years of service with the Canadian National Railway. Being very involved with his family as well as in each community that he called home, Martin was an active curler, hockey player and coach, member of the Gillam School Board, Fire Chief of Churchill Volunteer Fire Department, President of the Churchill Community Arena Association during the building of the arena (now Public Works garage), member of the Royal Canadian Legion as People Warden and occasional preacher of the Hudson's Bay St. Patrick's Anglican Church. Martin will be always remembered as a gentle, generous, fun loving Dad, Brother, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Uncle, Boss and friend. Martin's Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 24, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Memories in Wojcik's Funeral Chapel, 1020 Main Street at Manitoba Avenue. The family would like to thank Home Care, Nancy, Jeff and Dean and a special thanks to Robert, Dr. Venkatesan and the staff of Victoria Hospital. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to the Victoria Hospital, 2340 Pembina Hwy., Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2E8. Today I prayed for angels To guard you night and day I prayed that they would hover near And keep all harm away. So if you hear a swish of wings Or feel a gentle touch You'll know God heard my prayer today And he loved you very much.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 24, 2009