LAUREN DIANNE DELGATY

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LAUREN DIANNE DELGATY

February 10, 1957 – June 9, 2025

With love and profound gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we share the peaceful passing of our beloved Lauren Dianne Delgaty (née Klips) on June 9, 2025. Lauren lived her sixty-eight years of life with grace and dignity and cherished her final days at home before passing peacefully at Lions Gate Hospital with her son and family by her side.

Lauren was predeceased by her beloved husband and love of her life Blake Delgaty; loving parents Jack and Joan Klips; grandparents Augusta Klips, and Michael and Mary Andrusiak; parents-in-law Gordon and Helen Delgaty; Uncle Dan and Aunty Elaine Trochim; Uncle Arthur Elwin; brother-in-law Bill Cook; nephew Cameron McLeod, Jr.; and her cousins John Elwin and Ron Romance.

She is lovingly remembered by her cherished son Michael Delgaty. Lauren will be greatly missed by siblings Barbara (Cameron) McLeod, Keith Klips, Gary (Darlene) Klips; Leslie (Larry) Wishlow; and Jacqueline (Michael) Hryciuk; sister-in-law Patricia Delgaty; nieces and nephews Jessica (Scott) Nelson, Gordon (Sierra) Delgaty-Cook, Michelle (Dusty) Klips, Steven Klips, Morgan McLeod, Alexander Wishlow, Sidney Hryciuk, and Lucas Hryciuk; and great-nephews Scott, Jared, and Miles Nelson, and Billy Delgaty-Cook; by her extended family including her Aunty Doreen Elwin; Edie (Hans) Jud; Chris Elwin; Carole (Chad) and Emily McMillan; Lisa Trochim; Andrea (Robert) Letkeman; Greg (Marilyn) Romance; Liz Romance; treasured lifelong friends Peter and Glenda Friske, Julia (Fred) and William Bassili, and Christine (Mike) Logan; colleague and friend Roslyn MacVicar; and many dear friends and colleagues.

Born on a cold prairie winter day in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Lauren grew up in the close-knit community of Transcona where neighbors were friends and friendships lasted a lifetime. One of the six ‘Klips Kids’, she spent her early years dancing, participating in Girl Guides, and working at Roberts Drug Store. Summers were spent at Grand Beach and these fond times nurtured her lifelong love of the beach and outdoors. Her passion for sports began early on the local outdoor ice rinks with curling and skating and Lauren remained a devoted fan of the Winnipeg Jets and New England Patriots throughout her life. In 1980, she proudly earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg. Lauren then began her long and impactful career within the federal public service as a student customs officer at the Winnipeg Airport and it was here that she met Blake. In 1981, her first permanent Customs Inspector position took her to Boissevain, Manitoba and then career opportunities took her to Ottawa, Vancouver and back to Winnipeg. She built a distinguished career as a leader within Service Canada and Canada Border Service Agency and is remembered as a trailblazer for women in leadership and an inspiration to all. She retired at the top of her profession as Regional Director General of Prairie Region in 2014 after thirty-four years of service, receiving the Governor General of Canada Peace Officer Exemplary Medal.

Lauren embraced every opportunity to celebrate life. She loved people and was genuine and generous in her care and affection. From a shy child to a dedicated public servant to a talkative traveller, she evolved into the best version of herself. She cherished her Ukrainian and German heritage and traditions especially when they included perogies, holopchi, borscht or fancy sandwiches. She hosted many Oscar parties, Christmas dinners, New Years Eve fondues and birthday celebrations at ‘Casa Delgaty’. She loved reading, music, good food, wine, and conversation. She had an adventurous spirit and especially loved camping at Birkenhead, canoeing, hiking and travelling with Blake, family and friends. She was always planning and looking forward to her next adventure.

Over the last six years Lauren lived with courage and intention striving to “live every day in a good way” despite living with metastatic cancer. She faced this reality with fierce determination, unrelenting will and eternal hopefulness. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Paul Sugar, Dr. Marylene Kyriazis, and the team at the Paul Sugar Palliative Support Foundation for their compassionate care and unwavering support to Lauren. Their holistic healing approach gave Lauren strength, courage, and tools to live a meaningful life through adversity as did the amazing women that Lauren met at Callanish in Vancouver. Thank you to the exceptional team of Lions Gate Hospital’s HAU who expertly and compassionately managed Lauren’s end-of-life care alongside her family. Warm thanks to McKenzie Funeral Services for their professional and kind care.

Lauren loved a good party. Please join her son Michael and family for a Celebration of Life in her honour on Monday, June 30th from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Landing at the Beach House in West Vancouver. In honour of Lauren’s life and the compassionate care she received, those who wish may consider a donation to the Paul Sugar Palliative Support Foundation.

FOREVER LOVED AND REMEMBERED

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2025