LAWRENCE EDWARD STEBBE -

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LAWRENCE EDWARD STEBBE 1923 - 2011 Peacefully on October 27, 2011, surrounded by family, God called his loving son, Lawrence Edward Stebbe to his eternal home. Larry was born in Beausejour, Manitoba on February 25, 1923, the youngest son of Olga (Lentz) and Gustav Stebbe. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 64 years, Anne (Lewko), his children Colleen Stebbe, Wayne Stebbe, Jan Gross (Art), Patti Stebbe, his grandchildren Darrin Fenske (Kyla), Ashley Fenske (Mark Ludwick), Llana Henderson (Shane), Jon Stebbe, Kate Gross, Emily Catsirelis, Scott Catsirelis, and many nieces and nephews. Larry was predeceased by his parents and siblings Richard, Leonard, George, Ralph, Edna Fedorko, Dorothy Selch and Eleanor Stebbe. In 1939 Larry enlisted with the Winnipeg Grenadiers, was deployed in December 1941 to the defense of Hong Kong and was taken prisoner on Christmas Day. Larry returned home to Beausejour in 1945 and married Anne on June 28, 1947. They opened Larry's Chip Stand and later Larry's Shoe Store. During those years Larry was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church where he served on church council and sang in the choir. Larry also served the wider community in roles at the Lions Club serving as president and a founding member of the Canadian Snowmobile Championships. Mom and Dad moved to Winnipeg in 1971 working until 1982 when they moved to Victoria beginning a long and happy retirement, returning to Winnipeg in 2007. Throughout his life Dad was an active member in the Hong Kong Veterans Association serving in executive positions in both Winnipeg and Victoria. He returned to Hong Kong on three separate occasions as a member of a Canadian contingent commemorating the Battle of Hong Kong. Dad was a founding trustee of the Winnipeg Grenadiers Hong Kong Trust Fund and continued in this role until his death. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the medical and nursing staff of the St. Boniface Cardiac Unit, Grace Hospital 3 South and Grace Hospice. Your compassionate care enhanced Dad's quality of life over this past year and helped us all during his end of life journey. Dad had a generous spirit and loved people. As a husband you were Mom's faithful and loving friend and partner and the love of her life. You called her My Sweetheart'. As a father, we experienced your love for us in so many ways. Dad, we could always depend on you - you were our rock. Your faith in God sustained you throughout your life; your love sustained us. A celebration of Lawrence's life will be held on Tuesday, November 1 at 11:00 a.m., at Messiah Lutheran Church, 400 Rouge Road. Interment to follow at the Beausejour Cemetery. Pastor Carol Janke officiating. Our thanks to Pastor Carol for her loving support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Siloam Mission, 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1M3. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949 - 2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 29, 2011