Obituary for Lawrence Alexander Peterson
Lawrence Alexander Peterson
On Tuesday, June 23, 2020, after a lengthy illness, beloved friend and family member Lawrence Peterson died peacefully at Tuxedo Villa personal care home at the age of 75 years. Lawrence was born on McKenzie Island, Red Lake, Ontario, in October 1944. He was welcomed into this world by his parents, Jean and Chris Peterson, and his older brother Kenneth. He lived in various places in Ontario before settling in Winnipeg.
Lawrie and his brother both developed a degenerative eye condition, which eventually led to complete blindness. The brothers were very close. Together they attended the Ontario School for the Blind (now the W. Ross MacDonald School) in Brantford, Ontario. Lawrie had many fond memories of his time at this school and in Ontario.
While still young, Lawrie’s father died, leaving his mother to raise her two boys on her own. She obviously did a wonderful job, as Lawrie proved to be a kind and gentle soul with a compassionate, humorous and loving disposition that shone through to others.
This gentleness was also apparent in his love of animals. Over a period of several years, Lawrie shared his life with three seeing-eye dogs (Dusty, Frankie and, until his death last year, Edison). He was extremely close to these ‘Angels on Earth’ and was much comforted by their presence. A variety of cats, including Bailey, Max and Molly, also passed through his life and home.
Lawrie was a spiritual person who had unwavering faith that he would one day meet his Saviour. He became actively involved with prayer circles, listened avidly to Dr. Charles Stanley's In Touch Ministries radio broadcasts, and loved gospel music. Throughout his illness, he remained in constant prayer and had a steadfast calmness about his circumstances. He KNEW that, one day, he would be going Home.
Lawrie truly loved his close friends, Pauline & Ray and Isaac, who did so very much for him these past several years. He often spoke of them to his family. Words cannot convey his genuine appreciation for their true friendship, generosity and loving kindness.
Lawrie had an amazing memory, which was a great help to a person with visual issues! While growing up, he listened to (and remembered!) the many family stories told to him by his mother. He enjoyed his life and had many passions besides the ones already mentioned. He loved music and, in his younger days, would play his guitar and sing along at family gatherings. He loved listening to audiobooks. He loved his home. And - most of all - Lawrie loved his Saviour and looked forward to their everlasting reunion!
In recent years, Lawrie underwent a succession of major surgeries for cancer. In early 2019, after yet another operation, he was unable to return to his house and eventually moved to Tuxedo Villa.
Lawrie was predeceased by his beloved grandparents (Dmytro and Anna), father and mother (Christian and Jean), plus several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is survived by his very good friends, Ray & Pauline and Isaac; his brother Ken (Theresa), nieces Elaine, Donna, Lisa and families; and several cousins, including Tom (Fran), Joanne (Bob), Lynn (Barb), Beverly (Chuck), Nicole, Shirley (Dave), David (Vickie), Judy and their families, plus several extended family members.
We would like to thank everyone involved in Lawrie’s care over the past years. You helped to make his life easier and will not be forgotten.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Boniface Cemetery, 917 Archibald Street.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire donations in memory of Lawrie may be made to Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter (No-Kill), 3062 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y1.
On Tuesday, June 23, 2020, after a lengthy illness, beloved friend and family member Lawrence Peterson died peacefully at Tuxedo Villa personal care home at the age of 75 years. Lawrence was born on McKenzie Island, Red Lake, Ontario, in October 1944. He was welcomed into this world by his parents, Jean and Chris Peterson, and his older brother Kenneth. He lived in various places in Ontario before settling in Winnipeg.
Lawrie and his brother both developed a degenerative eye condition, which eventually led to complete blindness. The brothers were very close. Together they attended the Ontario School for the Blind (now the W. Ross MacDonald School) in Brantford, Ontario. Lawrie had many fond memories of his time at this school and in Ontario.
While still young, Lawrie’s father died, leaving his mother to raise her two boys on her own. She obviously did a wonderful job, as Lawrie proved to be a kind and gentle soul with a compassionate, humorous and loving disposition that shone through to others.
This gentleness was also apparent in his love of animals. Over a period of several years, Lawrie shared his life with three seeing-eye dogs (Dusty, Frankie and, until his death last year, Edison). He was extremely close to these ‘Angels on Earth’ and was much comforted by their presence. A variety of cats, including Bailey, Max and Molly, also passed through his life and home.
Lawrie was a spiritual person who had unwavering faith that he would one day meet his Saviour. He became actively involved with prayer circles, listened avidly to Dr. Charles Stanley's In Touch Ministries radio broadcasts, and loved gospel music. Throughout his illness, he remained in constant prayer and had a steadfast calmness about his circumstances. He KNEW that, one day, he would be going Home.
Lawrie truly loved his close friends, Pauline & Ray and Isaac, who did so very much for him these past several years. He often spoke of them to his family. Words cannot convey his genuine appreciation for their true friendship, generosity and loving kindness.
Lawrie had an amazing memory, which was a great help to a person with visual issues! While growing up, he listened to (and remembered!) the many family stories told to him by his mother. He enjoyed his life and had many passions besides the ones already mentioned. He loved music and, in his younger days, would play his guitar and sing along at family gatherings. He loved listening to audiobooks. He loved his home. And - most of all - Lawrie loved his Saviour and looked forward to their everlasting reunion!
In recent years, Lawrie underwent a succession of major surgeries for cancer. In early 2019, after yet another operation, he was unable to return to his house and eventually moved to Tuxedo Villa.
Lawrie was predeceased by his beloved grandparents (Dmytro and Anna), father and mother (Christian and Jean), plus several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is survived by his very good friends, Ray & Pauline and Isaac; his brother Ken (Theresa), nieces Elaine, Donna, Lisa and families; and several cousins, including Tom (Fran), Joanne (Bob), Lynn (Barb), Beverly (Chuck), Nicole, Shirley (Dave), David (Vickie), Judy and their families, plus several extended family members.
We would like to thank everyone involved in Lawrie’s care over the past years. You helped to make his life easier and will not be forgotten.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Boniface Cemetery, 917 Archibald Street.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire donations in memory of Lawrie may be made to Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter (No-Kill), 3062 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y1.