LAWRENCE LIONEL BROOKER

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LAWRENCE LIONEL BROOKER Peacefully, with his family by his side, on Sunday, November 15, 2009, Larry passed away in the Health Sciences Center CCU at the age of 84 years. Larry will be deeply missed by Alice, his loving wife and partner of 56 years, three sons Gary (Pamela) and Brian (Lillian) of Winnipeg, and Stuart (Pamela) of Atlanta. Survived by grandchildren Alana (Matt), Ivy, Rachel, Melanie (Michael), Samantha (Andrew), Orly, and Noah, and great-grandson Hartley. Larry was born July 4th, 1925 in Montreal, the 3rd of five children and second son of immigrant parents who shortly thereafter made the trek to rural Manitoba and ultimately settled in Winnipeg's North End. Larry didn't often talk about his childhood but when pressed, the picture painted was that of the typical raucous immigrant family, characterized by love, bickering, and abundant delicious food. Larry gradually assumed the role of patriarch to his other siblings and later to his own extended family, a role that he maintained until his passing. Larry enlisted in the Navy in 1944 at age 19 to serve his country. He returned with a completely unrecognizable tattoo on his forearm which was the subject of endless fascination and speculation, first by his children and later by his grandchildren. An avid fisherman, he went on numerous excursions with his younger brothers Sidney and Ronnie to the Lake of the Woods area. Larry worked much of his life as a successful and well-respected independent salesman for women's wear manufacturers. He was away from home on the road for many weeks at a time, multiple times each year, when he was missed greatly, but never failed to make up for lost time when he returned. Our father had great energy and an intense zest for life. He was an avid golfer for many years and held board positions at Glendale Golf and Country Club. He loved being with people and for years spent Sunday mornings at the YMHA, working out with friends and colleagues and spending untold hours in the shvitz (steam bath). Larry lived a long and full life, always staying active and taking in as much of this life as he could. In more recent times, Larry's health deteriorated and while his mind was willing, his body could not keep up. With failing health and recurrent renal cancer, he was admitted to the HSC MICU/CCU where he was attended by his family and friends until his last moments with us. We would like to thank the physicians and nursing staff at the Health Sciences Centre MICU/CCU for their wonderful support and attentive care during this last difficult time. Funeral services took place on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Shiva was observed from November 18 to November 20 inclusive only. Donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2009