LAWRENCE (LARRY) SMITH

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LAWRENCE (LARRY) SMITH It is with much sadness we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, and friend Lawrence Smith at the age of 82. He will be fondly remembered by his children Larry and wife Michelle, Susan and husband Quentin, and Rob and wife Meridel, and grandchildren Leighton, Melinda (Scott), Kristopher, Joel, Rebecca, Serena, Tanisha, Thomas, Tiana and Tanner, many nieces and nephews, sisters- and brothers-in-law, and virtually all who knew him, especially his good friend Henry Blobel. Lawrence was predeceased by his beloved wife Margaret (nee Gutoski) in 2002, and his parents George and Aniela. Dad was the last in his family line, outliving his siblings and their spouses, Frank (Nato), Francis (Bill Dubecki), Anne (Peter Burdey), Florence (Lawrence Furst), George (Sally) and Marion (Walter Gural). Larry, or Lowie as he was affectionately called, had a wonderful sense of humour, always finding the good in people and in situations. He loved to sing and to whistle and could find lyrics and a tune to fit any situation. Summer days found him in his garden weeding meticulously and warding off bunnies from eating his vegetables. Fall and winter were times for baking pies and muffins and for teaching his family the art of holopchi-making for Christmas dinner and fruit salad for any occasion. Dad had an impeccable memory for those events dear to his heart, such as meeting his wife for the first time, his proposal to her, and their wedding day. He was fond of old cars and could name just about any make, model and year at a glance. Dad graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute where he excelled in track and field. His first job was working for the bank of Nova Scotia, and the rest of his career was spent in the grain industry working for Searle Grain, Federal Grain and Alberta Wheat Pool, retiring in 1990. He was a kind, generous person always up for conversation with whomever he met. Dad was a walking history book about Winnipeg's downtown and North End and had many stories to tell about the good ole days. A man of the utmost integrity, he will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Thank you to the staff of St. Norbert Personal Care Home as well as to the staff of 3West at Riverview Health Centre for their exceptional care. The family would also like to thank neighbours Brian and Irene for their thoughtfulness and help over the years. Cremation has already taken place and a memorial service honouring both Margaret and Lawrence will be held on Friday, November 26, at 11:00 a.m. at Voyage Funeral Home, Hespeler at Henderson Hwy., with joint interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 20, 2010