DR. LAWRENCE LAYARD WHYTEHEAD

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DR. LAWRENCE LAYARD WHYTEHEAD Peacefully on Sunday, July 10, 2005, Lawrence Whytehead died, at the age of 91, at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg. Lawrence's life is celebrated by his wife, Nancy; daughter Mary and son-in-law John Holmen, granddaughters, Catherine and Martha; daughter Louise and son-in-law Ken Hunter, granddaughters, Karin, Lindsay and Laura; daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Doug Copeland, grandson Russell and granddaughter Julia; daughter Cathy Whytehead and son-in-law Dave Wulff. Lawrence is also survived by his extended family in England and the United States. Lawrence was born on February 7, 1914, in Eastry, Kent, England. He was educated at St. Edmund's and Charterhouse Schools and Oriel College, Oxford, where he obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees. He served in the Royal Air Force in North Africa during the Second World War. In 1952, while studying in Boston as the first recipient of the Evarts A. Graham Memorial Travelling Fellowship, he met and married Nancy, a graduate of the Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing. Nancy followed him back to England and they lived in London, where Lawrence was a consulting surgeon and their first child was born. In 1955 they immigrated to Canada, where Lawrence joined the Manitoba Clinic and established his practice in thoracic surgery. Three more daughters followed to complete the family. Lawrence maintained his surgical practice until his retirement in 1979. He was active in church and community affairs for many years. He served as a faithful member, Sunday School teacher, vestry member, and warden in the parishes of St. George, St. Luke, and St. Peter, Winnipeg, and as a delegate to the Diocesan, Provincial, and General Synods of the Anglican Church. He was awarded the Canada 125th Anniversary Medal in 1992 and the Anglican Award of Merit in 1993. He was a member and co-chair of the Allocations Committee of the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund, and served on the boards of Agape Table, the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council, and the Interfaith Pastoral Institute (now the Aurora Family Therapy Centre). He was instrumental in securing training positions for doctors from overseas to qualify for practice in Canada. Many refugees and newcomers to Canada look to Dr. Lawrence as the man who made it possible for them to make Canada their home and who helped them settle in their new lives. His professional and volunteer work exemplified his values of justice, compassion, and service to those in need. Lawrence lived a simple life. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his family around him. He loved the family cottage at Minaki, working on projects and thrashing his grandchildren at backgammon or cribbage. He was able to remain at home during his last years, moving to the Convalescent Home in March of 2005. The family thanks the Home Care workers, the staff at Omni-Care, and the staff of the Convalescent Home, who were all compassionate in caring for Lawrence. He bore his failing health with patience, and he has found the rest he so richly deserves. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m. in St. George's Anglican Church, corner of Grosvenor and Wilton, with the Rev. Phil Barnett officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund, 80 Hayden St., Toronto, ON M4Y 3G2; Agape Table, Box 26111, Maryland PO, Winnipeg, R3B 2K9; the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council, 397 Carlton St., Winnipeg, R3B 2K9; or St. Peter's Anglican Church Refugee Fund, 755 Elm St., Winnipeg, R3M 3N8. Expressions of condolence may be sent to condolences@nbardal.mb.ca Well done, thou good and faithful servant. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 13, 2005