GEORGE LAWRENCE

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GEORGE LAWRENCE May 30, 1922 - May 13, 2011 With family by his side, George Lawrence passed away on Friday, May 13, 2011, just short of his 89th birthday. George is survived by his daughters, Iris McKay, Jean (Barry) Stibbard; grandsons, Andrew Stibbard (Stephanie), Corey McKay (Holly), Darren Stibbard (Stacy); sister Jean of Norwich, England, sister Islay of Vancouver and brother James of Vancouver; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, Scotland and England. George is also survived by his very special friend of 15 years, Gail Matheson. He was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Betty and brother Malcolm MacPhail. Born in Airdrie, Scotland, George resided in Rothesay, Scotland for most of his early life. Enlisting in 1939, George served with the British Army through the Second World War, where he was stationed in Europe, the Middle East and Britain. After the war, he returned to Rothesay (as he called it, the beautiful Isle of Bute), where he met the love of his life, Betty. In 1949, they married and resided in Glasgow. In November 1951, George immigrated to Transcona, Manitoba to set up a new home for his family. Betty and his children followed four months later in February 1952. Upon arrival in Transcona, he worked at the CNR Shops and then later worked for Winnipeg Transit until his retirement in 1987. As a young child in Scotland, George had learned to play bagpipes. He continued his love of piping after moving to Canada by being involved with organizations that promoted Scottish culture and many pipe bands as pipe major and instructor. The bands that George was involved with include 402Air Reserve Squadron, Transcona Junior Pipe Band, Crusaders Pipe Band and the Transcona and District Pipe Band. He retired from the Transcona and District Pipe Band as pipe major in 2002. George was also an active member of the Masons Kilcona Lodge #183. George always believed in the importance of starting bagpipes at a young age and over the years, is responsible for teaching many young Winnipeg pipers. This love of teaching was strong and he continued to teach students until early May 2011. George has been the recipient of many awards and honours related to his community service promoting Scottish Culture. The Transcona Legion (on Fridays) was a special meeting place for George and his buddies, Jim, Harry, Allan, Ken and Derek, where they would discuss and solve the problems of the world. The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Jim. The family would also like to thank Dr. Czaykowski and Denise from CancerCare Manitoba, Palliative Home Care and the staff of 3E Riverview Health Centre for their compassionate care of George and his family. Viewing to be held Tuesday evening, May 17, 2011 between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Transcona Funeral Chapel, 1800 Day Street. Funeral service to follow on Wednesday, May 18 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 425 Rosseau Ave. East. In lieu of flowers, if friends so wish, memorial donations made to CancerCare Manitoba or Riverview Health Centre would be appreciated.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 16, 2011