Obituary of Keith Burton Lawrence

LAWRENCE: Keith Burton Lawrence, beloved husband of Lillian and father to Brian, Donna Harris and Deb Bauche, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, at his residence, Valleyview Care Centre, on January 24, 2015 at the age of 91 years. Keith was raised on the family farm in Pipestone, MB, the seventh of ten children. He attended school in Pipestone grades one to eleven. He played hockey, baseball and curled. Keith signed up for the army during the Second World War at the age of 17. He saw combat in Europe from 1941 to 1945. He was very proud of his military service and wrote his memories for his family in a journal. We were very proud of his service and enjoyed these memories very much. Keith met Lillian in Ochre River while working for Manitoba Hydro. They were married on February 26th, 1952 in Reston, MB and raised three children. Throughout his lifetime, Keith worked for Manitoba Hydro, sales with Beverage Services LTD, and Benson & Hedges until his retirement. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the UCT, Shrine Club, Masonic Lodge and Central United Church. Dad and Mom Wintered in Texas for 10 years and enjoyed the winters golfing. They made many lasting and special friendships over the years. Dad loved golfing at Glen Lea Golf Course. He enjoyed coaching minor hockey for many years and coached his son to the Commercial League Championship. He always took a great interest in all his children's sports and watched and cheered us on with pride no matter how we did. Keith is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Lillian (née Hannibal), son Brian (Phyllis), twin daughters Donna Harris (George), Deb Bauche (Frank), seven grandchildren Elvi Shanks (Ryan), Megan Nevin (Geoff), Kari Dunlop (John), Kris Fishley (Michelle), Jason Bauche (John), Matthew Bauche (Melissa), Breanne Bauche (Todd), and ten great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother Donald, sisters Freda, Joyce and Gwen, sister-in-law Alice Sander, many nieces, nephews, and special long-time friend, Frank Skuce. Keith was predeceased by brothers Alvin, Stuart, Ken and Bill, sisters Kath and Shirley (infancy). The family wishes to express a very special thank you to all the staff at Valleyview Care Centre for their wonderful care and support of Keith. The Memorial Service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, Brandon, on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Lydia Glawson officiating. A private family interment will be held at the Brandon Cemetery Veterans' Section. All in attendance are considered Honorary Pallbearers. Donations in memory of Keith may be made to the Shriners Hospital Canada, 1529 Avenue Cedar, Montreal, QC, H3G 1A6 or to the Khartum Shrine Patient Transportation Fund, 1155 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3P 1B9.